Suzuki Swift - Pictures

Thanks to its excellent body control and precise steering, the Suzuki is similar to a hot hatch in bends. There’s plenty of grip, the brakes are strong, and even when cornering at speed the Swift feels planted on the road.

By far the best interior here, the Swift cabin has a quality feel that’s missing from its rivals. The soft-touch plastics, simple layout of the controls and stylish stereo are all elements that make for a pleasing driving environ

It has the smallest wheelbase, so it’s no surprise boot space is limited – the Suzuki has the shortest load area, but it’s more than a metre wide. The rear seats also fold and tumble forward, revealing a flat load flo

There’s less power than in the Proton and a torque deficit to the diesel Hyundai, yet Suzuki’s VVT engine is a real gem. It rarely feels underpowered and thrives on high revs, but is quiet and refined at lower speeds.

Compared to the Proton, the Swift seems quite tall, but the payoff is fantastic headroom. The upright windscreen and black A-pillars have a hint of the MINI about them, and the Suzuki is certainly distinctive.