Suzuki Swift Sport

	First impressions are that the Sport is great fun. With its relatively low power, it doesn’t struggle for traction and is really enjoyable to drive

Suzuki’s new Swift Sport aims to fill the gap by having all the looks of a fully fledged GTi, but an insurance-friendly 123bhp.

Auto Express played a hand in its development when we drove an early prototype in Japan. So, how has the finished product turned out?

First impressions are that the Sport is great fun. With its relatively low power, it doesn’t struggle for traction and is really enjoyable to drive within the legal limit. While the suspension is stiff and turn-in eager, body roll becomes an issue, and this can be unnerving.

After a few miles, however, you gain confidence in the Suzuki’s abilities, and the chassis loves to be pushed hard through corners.

Yet where Ford’s Fiesta Zetec S provides consistently precise feedback through the steering wheel, the Swift is vague, which takes the edge off its B-road abilities.

On long journeys, the hard suspension gives a bouncy motorway ride. The buzzy engine and short gearing don’t help, the motor revving at 4,000rpm at these speeds. So while performance is sprightly, the unit has to be worked hard.

The Suzuki will cost £11,500 when it goes on sale in October. It’s a better-quality package than Citroen’s C2 VTS, yet can’t match the Zetec S for dynamics. Still, as an old-school hot hatch, the Swift Sport is sure to be a hit.