Car reviews

Introduction

The 2nd generation of the Suzuki Swift marks a huge improvement from the previous model. Although still reasonably priced, the 2nd generation tries to break away from the deeply rooted image of a sub-par budget subcompact. The new Swift was a bold response to the MINI One and the Volkswagen Polo. Just like the older Swift, the 2nd generation is assembled in Hungary ensuring top quality and very few complaints.

Exterior & Interior

Although it’s an original Japanese design and you cannot help noticing its super-mini (kei-car) roots, the design team knew they were building the Swift for the European market and they might have borrowed a bit of inspiration from the MINI One. The vertical tailgate and the sporty appearance are pleasing to the eye and the car stands out from the crowd of boring subcompacts. It’s a massive improvement from the 1st generation Swift and it’s no wonder the new car was an instant best-seller.

The interior design is very interesting. The light-grey plastic and the straight lines remind you of the daring concept cars of the 1980s. It’s got a sporty look both inside and out. The hard seats bring the sporty feeling even further, but not to an extent where you find it uncomfortable. The backrest could be executed more thoroughly – it offers too little support to your upper back during long journeys, but for city driving (essentially what it was designed for) the seats are comfortable. There’s a good level of adjustments available and taller drivers will have to slide the seat slightly backwards making it almost impossible for the rear passengers to feel comfortable.

The rear seats are only comfortable if the front seats are left in their default position. Otherwise there’s simply not enough legroom and when it comes to knees, it can even be painful.

The boot space is limited, you can barely get a couple of shopping bags in there, however, with the rear seats folded, it opens up to 560 litres.

There’s a good amount of standard equipment included despite the low price. However, if you want the sporty looking Swift, you’d be better off choosing a GLX, DDis or Sport VVTi trim. Getting inside the car is tricky, starting it is even trickier – but it’s actually quite cool once you know how it works. In order to gain access, you have to push a button on your remote and then push a small button underneath the door handle. The door will unlock and even pop open. Then once you’re in, the engine is started with a small lever located where normally the ignition key would go in.

Drive

The 1.6-litre petrol unit with variable valve timing gives the car the best justice. It reminds you that the sporty image is there for a reason. A 1.6-litre engine in such a small car transforms it into a pocket dynamo! Meeting certain road conditions, you may find the car harder to control. Although the suspension was fine-tuned during a string of tests carried out in Europe, the struts are slightly too short and hence, the rear of the car can start sliding if you’re not careful. Driving in the city within the speed limit shouldn’t produce any problems; and the car is a favourite first-time buy as it gives the owner an easy to drive car with great fuel economy.

Faults & Repairs

Going through the regular servicing procedure is quite expensive, but that’s the only thing that is expensive in a Swift. It is a well-built and reliable car.