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Suzuki

SUZUKI SWIFT HATCHBACK REVIEW

For The Suzuki Swift is a smart-looking little supermini that handles well; plus, it’s well priced and well equipped for the money. Running costs will be affordable, too.

Against The 1.2 petrol engine is a little weedy, and the refinement leaves something to be desired. The car can’t match the class leaders on quality or practicality, either.

What Car? says

33 5stars

The Suzuki Swift offers sharp handling in a package that’ll be affordable to buy and run, but it’s some way behind the class leaders in a number of other areas.

What Car? readers say

4

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The full Suzuki Swift review

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
1.2 petrol feels weedy
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Feels very stable in bends
Refinement
2 out of 5 stars
Engine noise never fades away
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
Affordable to buy; low running costs
Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Solid, but not exactly special
Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
Loads of safety kit as standard
Behind The Wheel
4 out of 5 stars
Good visibility and clear dash
Space & Practicality
2 out of 5 stars
Adequate for passengers; boot is small
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Very impressive

There are 8 Suzuki Swift versions available

Hatchback 1.2 SZ2 3dr	£10,799	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.2 SZ2 5dr	£11,299	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.2 SZ3 3dr	£11,999	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.2 SZ3 5dr	£12,499	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.2 SZ4 3dr	£13,199	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.2 SZ4 5dr	£13,699	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.3 DDiS SZ3 5dr	£13,699	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.6 Sport 3dr	£13,749	What Car? says:4 stars out of 5

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Suzuki Swift buyers have the choice of three engines. The 93bhp 1.2-litre petrol is a little on the sluggish side, but it gives good fuel economy and emissions. The 78bhp 1.3 diesel, meanwhile, has a good slice of low-end pull, so it feels a lot perkier than the petrol. Trouble is, it comes only in SZ3 trim and is quite a bit dearer than the equivalent petrol-engined model. The 1.6 Sport has 134bhp, so it's more of a junior hot hatch, but it needs revs to do its best work.

The most basic SZ2 cars come with powered front windows, remote central locking, electric door mirrors, and a CD player with USB connection and steering wheel controls. That’s pretty good for the money, so this is the trim we’d recommend. SZ3 models add air-con and alloys, while the SZ4 and Sport models have climate control, Bluetooth, keyless entry, rear privacy glass and cruise control.