Skip advert
Advertisement

Suzuki Swift Sport: Fourth report

Who needs carrots? We can see clearly with our Swift’s superb headlights

I’ve never been a big fan of carrots, but ever since I was a boy I’ve forced them down at dinner because my mum said they would help me see in the dark. However, our Suzuki Swift Sport has enabled me to finally ditch Bugs Bunny’s favourite snack and end years of mealtime misery.

Advertisement - Article continues below

You see, included in the Swift’s long list of standard kit is a set of powerful high-intensity discharge headlamps, which are helping me to make light work of the long winter evenings. In fact, I reckon the set-up is better and brighter than those found on the expensive options list of pricier cars – tick the box for upgraded lights on a £14,900 MINI Cooper, and you’ll have to fork out an extra £485.

On dipped beam, the Suzuki’s lamps provide a usefully broad spread of light; select the main beam and you’ll be convinced that the sun has come back out. And although they’re not packaged with the hi-tech adaptive cornering function of some rivals, I never feel as though I’m missing out.

The extra-bright lights mean I can continue to enjoy the Sport’s sprightly performance and sparkling handling after dark. I’ve lost count of the number of fast cars I’ve driven that have been hobbled by ineffective headlamps that sap your confidence and leave you guessing which way the road goes.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Swift

2021 Suzuki

Swift

17,492 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £11,600
View Swift
Swift

2019 Suzuki

Swift

11,291 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,400
View Swift
Swift

2019 Suzuki

Swift

5,470 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £11,135
View Swift
Swift

2019 Suzuki

Swift

27,312 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £9,600
View Swift

So after nearly 8,000 miles, I still relish the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Suzuki, day or night. The Swift’s list of standard kit may be bulging with hi-tech extras such as keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control, but the way it drives is simple and uncomplicated.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Unlike its rivals, the Suzuki doesn’t rely on a gimmicky Sport button or Drive Select system that artificially changes the steering weight and throttle response. Instead, Suzuki engineers have tuned the Sport’s controls to respond crisply and deliver natural feedback, whether you’re tootling around town or tearing down a twisty back road.

The electrically assisted steering is among the best in the business, while the six-speed gearbox has a quick and precise action. And despite the relatively narrow 195 section tyres, the lightweight Swift grips hard in corners.

Yet there’s more to everyday desirability than sharp driving dynamics. The remarkable refinement and surprisingly forgiving ride mean the Suzuki is just as comfortable tackling my 30-mile daily commute into Central London as it was pounding around the Anglesey circuit in North Wales at our Performance Car of the Year test.

As with any car, there are one or two niggles, but these are few and far between. For instance, only the driver’s side electric window gets one-shot lowering, while there are no stalk or wheel-mounted controls for the trip computer – to scroll through the various functions, you have to use the trip switch, which is awkwardly located below the speedometer on the instrument pack.

Yet I’m willing to forgive these minor flaws, especially as driving the Suzuki means carrots are no longer on the menu.

Our view

“You don’t expect a warmed-up supermini to be so comfortable. The supportive seats mean even long journeys can be completed in the Suzuki without aches and pains.”Tom Phillips, Web reporter

Your view

“The Swift Sport is a cracking car that’s great value and very reliable. If it had a VW badge, it would sell by the shed load.”Phil, via www.autoexpress.co.uk

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Suzuki Swift

Suzuki Swift

RRP £19,699Avg. savings £600 off RRP*Used from £6,795
Mazda 2

Mazda 2

RRP £16,505Used from £10,564
MG MG3

MG MG3

RRP £16,995Avg. savings £1,433 off RRP*Used from £7,100
KIA Picanto

KIA Picanto

RRP £10,335Avg. savings £1,343 off RRP*Used from £6,195
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025