Suzuki Swift review (2017-2024)

As long as you don’t approach Suzuki Swift ownership expecting it to have the quality feel of, say, an Audi A1, you won’t be disappointed.

That’s because the plastics used feel like the ‘built to last’ variety, rather than the ‘built to make you feel good’ type.

It doesn’t feel cheap. There’s little sign of the soft-touch plastics that convey a truly luxurious feel.

Instead, the Suzuki Swift’s cabin seems solid, durable and as if it’s there to do a job.

Tech and features

The dashboard has a simple layout with conventional instruments ahead of the driver, with vents of various shapes on either side.

The optional central infotainment touchscreen looks more naturally integrated.

This screen also incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, which is what most people will use for the bulk of the time.

Below this area lie the neat-looking controls for the climate system.

Entry and mid-range models of the current car feature height adjustment only for the steering, whereas top-spec models have reach adjustment too.

Engines and power

Both modern generations of Swift are available with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine, which isn’t that powerful.

Because it has a revvy, fizzy nature, it’s actually pretty fun to drive.

The car is also available with a more powerful turbocharged 1.0-litre engine, which gives the Swift some real zing.

This is also available with an automatic gearbox that allows you to change gear using steering wheel-mounted paddles, which is all very mini-touring-car.

Handling and ride comfort

That zippy feel continues around corners as the Swift has a real eagerness about it, and changes direction like a puppy searching for a biscuit.

Its sharpness is useful at low speeds, where the quick steering makes parking easy. If there’s something to look out for, it’s that the ride feels a bit ‘sporty’.

The Suzuki Swift might is quite diminutive on the outside. Yet, it still has decent space for two tall adults up front, partly because there’s loads of seat adjustment available.

Rear seats

The current car also has space for a couple of adults to sit behind the driver as well, so the Swift could be used as a family vehicle. Getting in there is pretty easy too, because the doors open wide.

Boot space

Boot space is fair - you’ll fit carry-on cases for all passengers. You’ll not get much else in though. When the rear seats are folded there’s a bit of a step in the floor.

Storage solutions

There are a few small cubbies dotted around the Swift’s cabin, and the glovebox is a good size, while the door pockets are big enough for a decent-sized bottle.

Fuel economy

It might be in a car called Swift, but the fuel gauge needle will only descend very slowly, so light is the car’s thirst.

The 1.2 petrol should do somewhere north of 50mpg in the real world, while the turbocharged 1.0 engine should achieve around 47mpg.

Insurance groups

Insurance is, however, a bit of an Achilles’ heel for the Swift. It starts in group 19 and ends in group 28. The old-shape car is much better in this regard, going from group 9 to 11.