Suzuki Swift 1.2 SZ2

With its eager four-cylinder engine and fun handling, the Suzuki is a good choice if you value the driving experience above all else. Yet it isn’t as clean as its rivals, while the tiny boot compromises practicality. Cabin quality is good and the styling looks smart, but the Swift doesn’t have as much standard kit as the Mirage.

If you want a bargain supermini with a dash of character, the Suzuki Swift is hard to ignore. With its MINI-inspired darkened and rounded A-pillars, friendly face, tapering window line and rounded tail, it doesn’t look like a budget car. While the SZ3 version in our pictures gets smart 16-inch alloys, our SZ2 test model makes do with wheel trims, but it still looks upmarket for an affordable small car.

It’s the same story inside, where the simple dash is set off by a textured top section and a metal-effect finish on the dial surrounds and vents. Some plastics and the air-con controls aren’t up to the Skoda’s standards, but overall quality is a big step up on the Mitsubishi’s.

Still, the Mirage 3 has the edge on standard kit– you’ll have to trade up to the £12,499 SZ3 if you want air-con. And while the Suzuki’s rear legroom is on a par with that of the Skoda and Mitsubishi, the narrow window line makes it feel a little claustrophobic in the back.

The biggest gripe, though, is the tiny 211-litre boot, which seriously hinders the Swift’s practicality. Even with the standard 60:40 split-folding rear chairs tumbled, the 528-litre maximum capacity is the smallest here. Still, comfortable seats and a height-adjustable steering wheel mean the driver has little to complain about – especially as the 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine delivers the power and torque to outperform its rivals.

Peak torque is developed at a high 4,800rpm, but the Suzuki doesn’t mind being worked hard. In fact, it thrives on this and recorded the fastest acceleration figures on test. Better still, with a slick gearshift, light clutch and perky response, it’s lively. And there’s no question some people will prefer the more conventional sound and feel of a four-cylinder engine, even if it’s noisier than the Skoda on the motorway. Plus, with no stop-start and emissions of 116g/km, the Suzuki uses more fuel.

Still, the way the Swift drives goes some way to making this a price worth paying. Sporty, with more than a hint of hot hatch about it, the SZ2 is a hoot from behind the wheel. Body control is very good, and while the steering is light and little over-sensitive, the Swift reacts keenly to each turn, and has fine front-end grip.

Its agile chassis delivers plenty of feel, and although the brakes are a fraction sensitive there’s plenty of bite. The ride is much more comfortable than the Mitsubishi’s, but the suspension lets more vibrations into the cabin than in the composed Skoda.

However, the Swift still strikes a nice balance between fun and comfort. It’s easy to see why this sure-footed and relaxing car is a popular choice. It’ll cost more to tax and fill up, but decent residuals and cheaper insurance than for the Mirage mean it remains a car that should appeal to the head and the heart – just as long as you can live with such a small boot...