Suzuki Swift Sport review

29 November 2011

  • Hot hatch Swift model
  • On sale January
  • Price from £13,995 (est)

Suzuki Swift Sport

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What is it? It's the hot hatch version of the Suzuki Swift. It's available in three-door guise only, and gets uprated suspension, steering and brakes.

Visually, there are bigger sideskirts, a larger front grille and a rear spoiler. Inside, it's left to the front sport seats to signify its performance intentions.

The 134bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine gives a 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds, while fuel-saving tweaks boost economy to 44.1mpg – compared with the previous car's 39.8mpg.

What’s it like to drive? Despite its improved fuel economy, the 1.6-litre engine retains its free-revving nature, and builds speed smoothly and rapidly. You never quite reach blistering pace though – the Swift Sport is better suited to short bursts of speed.

A pleasing engine note adds to the enjoyment. This is thanks to a revised exhaust system, although the sound stops short of ever being intrusive.

The steering is responsive and light around town, but weights up reassuringly through corners.

Gearchanges can be a little notchy, but not enough to interfere with the driving experience.

The ride is stiff at lower speeds, but the Sport’s enhanced handling compensates for this.

What’s it like inside? The interior is the only major downside to the Swift Sport. While Renaultsport cars, and the Twingo in particular, make a big point of setting themselves apart from the rest of the range, the Swift is rather plain on the inside.

Sport seats improve things, but there's none of the wow factor that hot hatch buyers crave.

Should I buy one? For all the Swift’s positive points on the road, its most persuasive argument will be its low purchase price – expected to be just under £14,000.

There are few interior frills, and the exterior adornments will be too sparse for many, but there's no escaping the fact it's an enjoyable small performance hatch that should represent sound value for money.

Rivals:
Mini Cooper hatchback
Renault Twingo Renaultsport 133

What Car? says…


Tom.Webster@whatcar.com