Used Suzuki Swift Hatchback 2005 - 2012 review

What's the used Suzuki Swift like?

The Swift is great fun to drive, and when you consider how inexpensive it is, there aren't many cars that beat it.

The Suzuki has terrific handling, with tenacious grip and excellent body control and composure. The ride is firm, though, and larger bumps thump into the cabin.

Overview

It's hard to beat as a fun car for not much cash

Pros

• Powerful and great fun to drive, especially considering how inexpensive it is

Cons

• Luggage space is limited, and the ride is firm and noisy when you're on the motorway

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Suzuki Swift

1.5 GLX 3dr

£499

Suzuki Swift

1.5 GLX 5dr

£895

Suzuki Swift

1.3 Attitude 3dr

£1,250

Suzuki Swift

1.5 GLX 3dr

£1,290

Suzuki SWIFT

1.5 GLX 3dr

RRP £9,227

£1,295

Suzuki Swift

1.5 GLX 5dr

£1,295

Suzuki Swift

1.3 GL 5dr

£1,295

Suzuki Swift

1.5 GLX 5dr

£1,395

Suzuki SWIFT

1.5 GLX 5dr

£1,475

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It's good inside, too. The cabin looks smart and classy - a rarity in cars this cheap - and all the controls are simple to use. There's good space for four people, but the boot is on the small side. Both three- and five-door versions are available, with the former slightly more sporty to look at.

All models come well equipped and the only major criticism is that the Swift isn't the most refined of cars. The rev-hungry engines have plenty of power, but they get noisy on the motorway and there's a lot of wind- and road noise to contend with.

Our recommendations

Which used Suzuki Swift should I buy?

The 1.5-litre petrol engine strikes a good balance between performance and civility, and comes in GLX trim only. This provides keyless entry, alloy wheels, air-con, four electric windows and a CD player.

The 1.3 is perky, but is more raucous at speed than the 1.5. This engine was available in GL trim only, so it misses out on the alloy wheels and air-con of the GLX, while the keyless entry system is replaced by remote central locking.

The 1.3DDiS diesel feels quick, but it's also efficient and refined. Equipment levels are the same as the GLX, but with the addition of traction control. However, it's rare on the used market and expensive to buy.

If its fun you're after, then search out the Swift Sport. The 123bhp 1.6-litre engine isn't scorching, but, allied with the Swift's nimble chassis, it's a hoot to drive.

In early 2010, new trims, the SZ2, SZ3 and SZ4, were announced. The first is a little too basic and comes without alloys or air-con, while SZ3 gets air-con and SZ4 adds climate control and alloys.