It was legendary Lotus founder Colin Chapman who claimed that one of the best ways to boost performance was to ‘simplify and add lightness’. This is clearly a philosophy that Suzuki approves of, because our Swift Sport is so fast and fleet that it feels as if it’s been given a lighter-than-air lift.
A quick glance at the handbook reveals that our pocket rocket tips the scales at just 1,040kg, which is a whopping 229kg less than a VW Polo GTI. As a result, the Swift shares the same immediacy of response and eager agility on the move that mark out the great lightweight driver’s cars, like the Lotus Elise and Caterham Seven.
Turn the chunky three-spoke steering wheel and the Suzuki responds instantly, diving into corners with minimal body roll and bags of grip. And while the 1.6-litre petrol engine develops a modest 134bhp, it’s more than enough to provide the featherweight Swift with eager acceleration, particularly once the revs climb above 4,000rpm. But agile handling and strong performance aren’t the only benefits of a low kerbweight.
For instance, the Swift recently spent two days pounding flat out around a race circuit for a forthcoming feature. And while the heavier hot hatches in our test left the event with worn tyres and wilted brakes, the Suzuki felt as fresh as it did when it rolled off the boat from Japan. With so little weight to carry around, our tiny tearaway was much easier on its rubber and mechanicals, so it should cost less to maintain in the long run.
Yet what really impresses is the fact that Suzuki’s Weight Watchers approach doesn’t come at the expense of creature comforts, quality and safety. I’ve already pointed out the executive car kit and robust build in previous reports, but the list of life-saving additions deserves special mention.
Most superminis make do with just four airbags, yet the Suzuki has seven, including a driver’s kneebag. You also get stability control, side impact beams and a passenger airbag cut-out switch.
A further safety boost comes from the xenon headlamps, which make light work of the dark autumn evenings. The reversing lamps are equally excellent. On most cars these are so dim you’d be better off parking by candlelight, but the Suzuki’s pair of bulbs is almost as bright as its headlamps.
In fact, the only thing I’m left in the dark about is the missing cover for one of the roof rack mounting points. The little piece of plastic disappeared a couple of weeks ago, during a late-night dash back from North Wales – a journey that allowed the Swift to demonstrate its remarkably relaxing cruising ability. Still, a quick call to Glyn Hopkin Suzuki in Watford, Herts, revealed a replacement would cost just £8.12.
Other than this glitch, the Swift continues to deliver fun, fast, cost-effective motoring. In fact, no matter what exotic models are lurking in the Auto Express car park, it’s the Suzuki I seek out whenever I’m in need of a little lift.
“The interior is a bit of a squeeze, but you forgive the Swift this flaw the moment you point its nose down your favourite B-road. I think it looks great in metallic red, too.”
Luke Madden, Deputy news editor
“The Swift looks very appealing, particularly with its £13,500 price tag. If I was downsizing, then I would be very tempted by this car.”
cousins11, via www.autoexpress.co.uk
Disqus - noscript
I have tested the suzuki swift sport with the sales rep and it was nice till he sat on my 2011 polo gti with the extra weight .\.He was speechless as the acceleration power left IT for dead and the handlings superb.yes! i would consider the swift sports as a back up car as its reliable.
I think you'll find Swifts sold in Europe are built in Hungary, not Japan.
Quite correct, journalists eh ? . I own one in Kashmir blue. The roof rack cover disappearing is well known. £8.12 for a bit of plastic !. Well screwed together with no rattles. Likes to rev , 2nd gears good for 60mph and the engines are pretty bulletproof. Fuel consumptions 36-40 mostly urban but the mpg average read out is always optimistic by 10mpg, corroborated by other owners. As stated the Xenons are very good. Climate control is excellent. Boot is a Tescos bag job and the usual lack of spare wheel is a pain in the arse. Handles like a go kart with no body roll. Quiet around town but can be tiresome when pressing on especially if you use the full 7,000rpm but then again it is a warm hatch. Marks : 8/10
Very informative, what's the difference in price? £5000 ?
Why would you need a back up car? Oh yes, you forgot to mention the superb DSG7 :o)
Very good car but totally useless boot which is more important to me than screaming round country lanes at high speed so no sale.
always been a cracking car...even better now..if it had a VW badge it would sell by the shed load ..great value and reliable