Used Suzuki Swift Hybrid long term test: report 4

The car Suzuki Swift 1.2 SHVS SZ5 Allgrip Run by Max Adams, used cars reporter

Why it’s here To find out if this hybrid small car with four-wheel drive is a hidden used car gem

Needs to Prove its worth compared with more conventional small cars 

Mileage 4837 List price new (2019) £16,999 Price new with options £18,496 Value now £12,797 (dealer price with no options) Test economy 48.5mpg

12 November 2019 – Swiftly to the dealership

Just like moving into a new house, a car can have a few snagging issues. And my Suzuki Swift is no exception, because during a recent heavy downpour I noticed a water leak. 

It wasn’t the sort where you find sodden carpets, but more of a drip from behind the door card that would pool up behind the rubber seal and then deposit all that water onto the ground (or, if you were standing close enough to the car, your shoes) when getting in. The brakes, when my foot is off the pedal, have been squealing while cornering, too – a little annoying when going around a roundabout.  

A trip to the Suzuki dealership was therefore in order. I'd been visiting family up north when I discovered the leak, so I called the local agent, Stoneacre Ackworth, to find out if there were any available spaces. Since I wasn’t in London, I was told I could be seen within a few days. 

After my appointment was confirmed, I was sent a confirmation email with a link to a questionnaire for me to complete. It was full of questions aimed at finding out as much information about the issues as possible and under what conditions they occur. This turned out to be rather useful, because I got a courtesy call from the service department the following day to say they knew of the cause, putting it down to a gap in the plastic membrane behind the door card. The brake squeal would require a test drive, though.

Unfortunately, on the day I took my Suzuki Swift in, there was a heavy downpour that meant that the squealing couldn’t be replicated, because all the suspension and brakes were wet. They did, however, pull the splash guard farther away from the disc to try to eradicate the unwanted noise. 

All seems to be well with the Swift now, although I’m still waiting for a couple of dry days in order to find out if I can round a roundabout in peace. But the leak has been fixed, so overall, I’m very satisfied with the dealership experience. It was only a matter of a few hours reading my book in the waiting area and two complimentary coffees later before I was handed back the keys, and best of all, it didn’t cost me a penny, because the work was covered under warranty.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Read more on our long term used Suzuki Swift >

See more long-term test reports >