Skip advert
Advertisement

Suzuki Swift (2017-2024) review

The Suzuki Swift offers a decent drive and reasonable practicality, although rivals are more refined

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
RRP
£19,199 £21,549
Avg. savings
£750 off RRP*
  • Strong performance
  • Good economy
  • Tidy handling
  • Noise at speed
  • Unsettled ride
  • Hard plastics in cabin
Find your Suzuki Swift
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

This is an archived review of the 2017-2024 Suzuki Swift. If you are interested in information about the latest Suzuki Swift, or news about the latest Suzuki models, please follow the links provided.

The Suzuki Swift is an appealing alternative to the likes of the Hyundai i20, Kia Rio and Toyota Yaris, that delivers good economy, particularly from its punchy three-cylinder engine, and solid build quality.

Advertisement - Article continues below

However, that doesn’t mean that it’s able to challenge the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Skoda Fabia at the top of the supermini class; put simply, there are better-finished, more comfortable and more refined offerings on the market. Since prices for this Swift have been nudged upwards, it can no longer rely on ‘bargain’ appeal either - unfortunately the same is true for the Swift Sport flagship.

About the Suzuki Swift

While the Suzuki Swift Sport has gone down as one of the best small hot hatchbacks for sale in the UK, the standard Swift is more of a left-field choice in the supermini market. The Suzuki used to be able to trade on its competitive pricing, but the Japanese-built car is no longer the bargain it once was. Still, it's a decent enough small car and will appeal to those looking for something that's fun to drive, while the Swift 4x4 model is an interesting proposition.

The latest Suzuki Swift arrived in 2017 with an evolutionary shape (albeit now five-door only), more kit and additional space when compared to its predecessor, while a facelift in 2020 saw the addition of LED lights, a revised grille and updated tech and safety kit. The current model line-up comprises SZ-L, SZ-T, and SZ5 models with the Swift Sport at the top of the range.

Competition in the supermini class is very strong. Sporty handling is one of the Suzuki's plus points, and other cars that can match it include the all-conquering Ford Fiesta, the Mazda 2 and SEAT Ibiza. Elsewhere, the Skoda Fabia and VW Polo are also competitive, and the Citroen C3 offers comfort and a unique style of its own. The Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio offer reliable, well equipped transport, while the Vauxhall Corsa, Renault Clio and Peugeot 208 are all fighting for sales.

Power for the latest Swift comes from a 82bhp 1.2 Dualjet four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the SZ5 model is offered with four-wheel-drive. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a CVT auto transmission available for the SZ-T and SZ5 (front-wheel-drive) versions. The Sport model gets a 127bhp 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder unit with a six-speed manual 'box.

Prices for the Swift range start from around £15,500, while opting for more performance with the Sport model will cost you more than £22,500

Skip advert
Advertisement

Our latest car deals

Suzuki Swift

Suzuki Swift

RRP £19,199Avg. savings £750 off RRP*Compare Offers
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £1,204 off RRP*Compare Offers
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £29,735Avg. savings £4,910 off RRP*Compare Offers
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £18,395Avg. savings £2,695 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Cheap electric car finance could be on the cards as government aims to boost sales
Omoda E5 - front tracking

Cheap electric car finance could be on the cards as government aims to boost sales

A newspaper column and whispers suggest that government-backed cheap EV loans could be coming to stimulate market
News
2 Dec 2024
New Ford Puma Gen-E arrives to challenge the Hyundai Kona and Jeep Avenger
Ford Puma Gen-E - front studio

New Ford Puma Gen-E arrives to challenge the Hyundai Kona and Jeep Avenger

Despite being based on the petrol car, electric Ford Puma gets bespoke features and a massive boot
News
3 Dec 2024
Nissan Qashqai alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Nissan’s big-selling SUV
Nissan Qashqai alternatives - header image

Nissan Qashqai alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Nissan’s big-selling SUV

Nissan’s Qashqai has been a hit since the first generation launched in 2006, but if it’s not quite your cup of tea, we’ve rounded up the best of the r…
Features
1 Dec 2024