Used Suzuki Swift Sport 2018-2024 review

What's the used Suzuki Swift like?

If we utilise that long-standing automotive cliché of comparing the character of a dog to that of a car, then the Suzuki Swift Sport is a little terrier. Before you groan, consider the fact that both are small, light and generally quite fearless in the face of bigger and more powerful competition.

Though it's a terrible trope to use, it perhaps perfectly describes the energetic Swift Sport. It ran from 2018 to 2024 and is now a great used car choice.

Overview

The Suzuki Swift Sport is an energetic, pint-sized hot hatch that combines a lightweight design with a responsive 1.4-litre turbocharged engine. With impressive acceleration, light handling, and decent ride quality, it offers a fun driving experience. Though practicality is limited, the standard equipment is generous, making it a commendable choice for those seeking an affordable used performance car.

Pros

• Perky engine gives eager performance
• Less than 1000kg in weight enhances agility and fun
• Plenty of standard equipment for the price

Cons

• Tiny petrol tank limits overall range
• Front seat comfort over long distances
• High boot load lip and less space than some rivals

Used cars available now

In partnership with

Suzuki SWIFT HATCHBACK

1.2 Dualjet MHEV SZ-L Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,330

Suzuki Swift

1.2 Dualjet MHEV SZ-L Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,560

Suzuki Swift

1.2 Dualjet MHEV SZ-L Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,595

Suzuki Swift

1.2 Dualjet MHEV SZ-L Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,595

Suzuki Swift

1.2 Dualjet MHEV SZ-L Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,450

Suzuki Swift

1.2 Dualjet MHEV SZ-L Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,499

Suzuki Swift

1.2 Dualjet MHEV SZ5 ALLGRIP Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,590

Suzuki Swift

1.2 Dualjet MHEV SZ-L Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,595

Suzuki Swift

1.2 Dualjet MHEV SZ-L Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,695

See all available cars

Engines & Performance: To keep things simple, there’s only one engine offered in the Sport and you can only have a six-speed manual rather than some fancy (and weighty) dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The early, 2018-2020 examples came with a turbocharged 138bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine taken from the larger Suzuki Vitara. This easily has enough power to haul this lightweight 975kg Suzuki from 0-60mph is a very swift 7.6sec, according to our figures.

Later models got a cleaner 127bhp 1.4-litre turbo motor with mild hybrid assistance. Despite its humble claimed 0-62mph time of 9.1sec, we clocked an impressive 0-60mph time of just 7.0sec.

Being turbocharged, it isn’t quite the high-revving free spirit that the old Suzuki Swift Sport 2012-2017 was, but many will appreciate the extra low-down grunt it does have, especially when flowing down a country road; it’ll still pull you out of a corner without you needing to drop a gear or two.

Ride & Handling: Because it is light, you can chuck the Sport into a bend and carry a decent amount of speed. The steering is a touch heavier than you’ll find in a regular Swift, but that suits the sportier nature of this mini hot-hatch and it feels consistent as it weights up when you wind on extra lock through particularly tight corners.

Ride quality is surprisingly good for something with such a short wheelbase, and it’s only the really rotten bits of road surface that give you any cause for discomfort.

Interior & Practicality: Inside the Swift Sport, you’re greeted with lots of hard plastic surfaces. Still, there are plenty of sporty touches such as the flashes of red trim, perforated leather on the steering wheel, chunky sports seats and the all-important aluminium pedals to lift the overall look. You even get some gimmicky tech in the driver information display such as a g-force meter and turbo boost gauge to keep you in mind of its performance intent.

As with the regular Suzuki Swift, the Sport isn’t the most practical small car. True, it is far better at accommodating passengers than its predecessor was, but against the Ford Fiesta ST, it could do with having a bit more rear leg room and a bigger boot. There’s also a noticeable lip to lift items over, where most rivals offer an adjustable-height boot floor to mitigate this.

Trims & Equipment: There’s only one trim to choose from, so you get plenty of standard kit with the Swift Sport, including 17in alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start, automatic air conditioning, automatic headlights, heated door mirrors, parking aids and touchscreen infotainment.

Interested in buying a used Suzuki Swift Sport? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Ownership cost

What used Suzuki Swift will I get for my budget?

Prices for a Swift Sport start at around £9000 for an early 2018 or 2019 version. Up that to around £12,000 if you fancy yourself a 2021 or 2022 model, while 2023 and the last 2024 cars go for around £14,000 to £17,000.

Check the value of a used Suzuki Swift Sport with What Car? Valuations

Find used Suzuki Swift Sport cars for sale

Our recommendations

Which used Suzuki Swift should I buy?

There’s very little to add here because there’s only one combination of engine and gearbox with the Swift Sport. Both versions, the earlier 138bhp one or the later 127bhp car, are both equally good fun to drive. Just make sure you find the best example you can afford and that your purchase has a full service history. That way, you’ll know you’ve found the perfect car.

Our favourite Suzuki Swift Sport: 1.4 Boosterjet

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Suzuki Swift?

For similar money to a used Suzuki Swift Sport, you could have a Volkswagen Up GTI. The Up GTI is smaller and less practical, but it would be the superior choice if you wanted a little bit more refinement but need a smaller car because you live in a city where parking is at a premium.

The Ford Fiesta ST is a thoroughly enjoyable hot hatch, although most examples will be the less practical three-door version, which could be a problem for those who have children that need to be put in car seats. However, it's one of our firm favourites to drive.

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

Interested in buying a used Suzuki Swift Sport? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.