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Suzuki Swift Car Review & Ultimate Guide, Specs, Features, Reliability & Lots More

Read our in-depth Suzuki Swift car review covering design, features, hybrid engine, safety tech, running costs, and why it’s a top small car choice.


As you may know well, the Suzuki Swift has always been the go-to choice for fun, budget-friendly, and dependable small car.

The Suzuki Swift has actually been around for ages, as we will soon find out, and for good reason.

It’s always been one of those honest, fun little cars that don't cost an arm and a leg to run and are just fun to get into.

As a result, they are the car you recommend to your mate who's just passed their test or to your mum who wants something reliable for popping to the shops due to this.

So much so that it has been the undisputed champion of cheerful motoring for years - since 1985. But in today's crowded market, with rivals offering a lot of tech and high-end interiors, can the brand-new model hold onto its crown?

Well, in this Suzuki Swift car review, we’ve put it through its paces to find out.

So, let's find out if the new three-cylinder hybrid engine delivers and if it is still a good car to drive on a British B-road?

And, most importantly, should you still consider it on your buy list?
Well, read on to discover if the magic is still there with this compact Supermini.

However, the big question is, with this brand-new version, has Suzuki kept that magic formula, or has it lost it?

Table of Contents               

What's it like on the outside?

Let's be honest: first impressions count and the new Swift makes a good one here, in our expert opinion.

It is also still clearly a Swift, that's for sure, but this generation appears to have been to the gym and smartened itself up, which is good to see.

However, it hasn't lost that friendly look in doing so either, which is also a nice change from all the angry-looking cars on the road today, which proves that you don't need to shout to be noticed.

Overall, we really like that it’s a smart and modern evolution that keeps the charm of the old car while looking sharp enough to stand out in the supermarket car park.

front of blue suzuki Swift

Front      

For instance, at the front, the whole 'face' of the car is new.

The bonnet now comes in a 'clamshell' design, which means it wraps over the top of the front wings.

It's a small detail, but it makes the car look a bit more solid and well together in our view by doing so.

This is then complimented well by its headlights, which are sharper, too, and also come with some fancy L-shaped Daytime Running Lights that just give it a modern signature here - that we really liked.            

Front Bumper             

Down below, the grille is a small, black oval – that is much neater than the massive grilles you see on most new cars, we must note.

The bumper itself, though, is quite sculpted and makes the car look wider than it actually is, giving you a better road presence as a result.

All in all, it all flows together nicely and gives you a front that has a clean and uncluttered look.

Front and Rear LED Lights

Up front - and at the rear - you also get some very nice, clean and energy-efficient front and rear LED lights that really do give it a bit of a stylish and modern look to the design here.

Side Profile

Along the side, there is also a really strong crease that runs from the front all the way to the back, which Suzuki calls the 'shoulder line'.

We like that it does a good job at breaking up the metal and stops it from looking slab-sided as well.

The best news, though? The rear door handles are back on the doors!

That hidden handle on the old one could be a bit of a pain depending on your presence, granted, especially if you had kids trying to get in, which is really good to see in our view.

Roofline

Looking at the roofline, here Suzuki has kept the 'floating roof' design, where the blacked-out pillars make it look like the roof isn't connected to the body 100%, which is a cool little trick that makes the Swift stand out from the crowd that is for sure.

side and rear and roof of Suzuki swift
rear and wheels of suzuki swift

Rear    

Then, around the back, the changes are just as smart here as well.

For instance, the new taillights are wider and have a sort of 3D effect to them, which is good, all while the boot lid has a bit more shape to it, and again, the whole design just looks a bit wider and more planted on the road overall, which is good to see.

Overall, the rear gives a neat and tidy finish to the car felt.   

Wheels    

Even the entry-level 'Motion' trim gets a set of 16-inch alloy wheels, which is just great to see, as this will help to give you more traction on the road and into those corners.

The top-spec 'Ultra' model as well gets the same size, but they're polished for a more diamond-cut, premium look here, and they fill the arches well and suit the car perfectly in our view.

Paint Options

For your paint options, there’s a good range of colours to choose from here.

You've got your usual whites, blacks, and silvers, but there are some really lovely new colours like 'Frontier Blue' and a very bright 'Burning Red'.

You can then also get two-tone options with a black roof, which always looks good as well.

For instance, for your colour options, here you have:

  • Flame Orange Pearl Metallic
  •         
  • Pure White Pearl
  •         
  • Mineral Grey Metallic
  •         
  • Cool Yellow Metallic
  •         
  • Premium Silver Metallic
  •         
  • Super Black Pearl
  •         
  • Burning Red Pearl Metallic
  •         
  • Frontier Blue Pearl Metallic

Two-Tone Options

  • Pure White / Mineral Grey
  •         
  • Cool Yellow / Mineral Grey
  •         
  • Burning Red / Super Black
  •         
  • Frontier Blue / Super Black

Rear Upper Spoiler

The rear upper spoiler also gives you a very sporty design flourish that complements the dynamic and compact hatchback styling as well which is good to see as well.

And what about hopping inside?

Stepping inside the new Swift, it then feels familiar and definitely spruced up as it does so.

Here, it is clear to see that it is not trying to be a luxury car, and that’s perfectly fine, as everything feels solid and well put together - designed to handle the knocks and scrapes of daily life without any fuss, one would say.

Cabin Overall

For instance, the first thing you will notice is the two-tone design in grey and black, which stops it from being a dark, boring space - which we really like.

It also feels airy enough for a small car, and the way the dashboard wraps around the doors also makes it feel quite spacious as well.

Overall, here we liked how it's a simple, user-friendly layout where everything is easy to find, which is not something that you can always just say.

red suzuki swift
interior of suzuki swift

Dashboard

The dashboard itself, for instance, has a layered look, with a strip of satin silver trim breaking up the plastics.

Thankfully, Suzuki has kept real buttons and switches for the important stuff here, like your heating and air-con.

This is so much better than fiddling with a touchscreen, especially when you're on the move, and something that we really approve of - overall, we liked that it is a sensible and practical design.

Infotainment System and Driver Display

This is a big step up.

Front and centre, there is a new 9-inch touchscreen, which is standard on all models, and it sits high up, so you don't have to look too far down from the road.

Here, you have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well, so you can just plug your phone in and go.

As well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connecting your phone via Bluetooth is quick and simple as well, as the car comes with this connectivity option here.

Then, behind the steering wheel, you get clear analogue dials to easily see your speed and revs, with a small digital screen in the middle for other key info like your fuel economy as well.

Physical Dials & Steering Wheel

We also love the simple, chunky dials for the climate control system, as well which are so much easier to use than the screen-based menus you get in many over-designed luxury cars these days.

This is all while the leather-covered steering wheel feels great and has adjustment for both reach and height as well, which is a feature not always found on cars in this class we should note here.

Front Seats

For your front seats, these are also both comfortable and supportive, with a decent amount of adjustment available here to help you find a good driving position, too.

This is, in part, thanks to the front seats having decent side bolstering, which holds you in place nicely when cornering, and when combined with the driver's seat height adjustment, most people will be able to find a comfortable spot really easily.

While there isn't any lumbar adjustment, they do promote a comfortable and upright driving position, which is the main thing for most people.

There’s also plenty of headroom (around 990mm) and shoulder room, so even taller drivers won’t feel squashed, which we really liked in a car of this size.

This is then complimented further with the top 'Ultra' model, as they’re heated too - which is a lovely touch on a cold morning.

steering wheel and front seat of suzuki swift
steering of suzuki swift

Front Passangers

When it comes to your passenger amenities, the Swift is well-equipped, though it's worth noting there isn't a central armrest here.

That said, for charging devices, you will find a handy USB port and a 12V socket up front, so you and them will never be caught short here.

Rear Seats

For a small car, the back is surprisingly usable.

You wouldn’t want to stick three six-foot adults back there for a long journey, granted, but that is the same for all Superminis. For kids or average-sized grown-ups on shorter trips, it’s absolutely fine in our view.

The legroom is decent enough, and because of the boxy shape, the headroom is pretty good here, too.

Comfort

Overall, we felt it's a comfortable place to be and one that you would like to spend time in.

The seats are also good, the controls are easy to use, and the visibility out of it is excellent thanks to the big windows here as well.

The ride is a little on the firm side, so you’ll feel the bumps on rougher town roads, but it’s never jarring or uncomfortable. We found, while on the motorway, it’s much more refined than you might expect from a small car - which we really liked a lot.

Boot

The boot comes in at 265 litres with the seats up, and it's a bit smaller than what you’d get in rivals like the Renault Clio or Skoda Fabia.

That said, it's fine for the weekly shop or a couple of weekend bags.

But, the rear seats do fold down, and if you do so, the space opens up to a much more useful 589 litres here.

Technology

This is where the new Swift really shines.

Here, even the basic model comes loaded with tech. You get the 9-inch touchscreen, a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and a whole host of safety kits like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist, to name just two - more on that in a sec.

It’s an impressive amount of gear for a car at this price point, in our opinion.

boot of suzuki swift
blue suzuki swift
lady driving Suzuki swift

Quality, Materials, and Cabin Ambience

Suzuki here has cleverly focused on durability. Yes, you'll find plenty of hard plastics, and while you won't find many soft-touch or plush materials you might get in more expensive luxury cars, the fit and finish of the sturdy hard plastics are excellent, giving the cabin a robust and long-lasting feel.

It's more this focus on having a smart, durable design rather than unnecessary frills that give the cabin its unique appeal in our view.

This is supported well with the dashboard. For instance, rather than being plain, the dashboard has a lovely textured finish, and the smart two-tone grey and black design gives the cabin an airy, open feel, which is very noticeable.

Then, the satin silver accents sweep across the dash and onto the doors, giving you a more premium touch that lifts the whole space and creates an environment that’s both functional and stylishly understated, which is good to see.

Seat Comfort and Adjustability

When it comes to comfort as well, the front seats are excellent, offering you a brilliant combination of comfort and support for everyday driving due to.

For instance, they hold you in nicely when you’re on a twisty road yet remain perfectly comfortable for the school run or a commute as well.

The stylish fabric design also looks great, and on the top-spec Ultra model, the addition of heated seats is also a welcome luxury on chilly mornings.

As a result, finding a good driving position is also easy, and while they aren't designed for cross-continental road trips, they are perfectly judged for the journeys this car will spend its life making.

Cabin Storage and Passenger Amenities

For a compact car, the Swift is also packed with thoughtful storage solutions as well.

The door bins, for instance, are a good size and easily swallow a water bottle, all while the cupholders are well-placed and secure, and the glovebox is handy for keeping essentials out of sight as well.

In the back, your passengers will also get decent space here, and on the Ultra trim, other practical additions like rear assist grips and heater ducts show that comfort for everyone has been considered as well, which we really liked.

Suzuki has clearly made the most of every inch of space and that is really clear to see.

The Main Event - How Does It Drive?    

This is where the Swift has always shone, and I’m happy to report it’s still brilliant fun to drive today.

For instance, here, the new engine is a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol with a little bit of mild-hybrid tech.

Now, that doesn't mean it’s a full hybrid; it just means a small electric motor helps to save a bit of fuel. 

It also feels nippy and eager around town, which we liked, all while the steering is light, and the car just feels incredibly agile - which makes zipping through traffic and parking an absolute doddle.

On a twisty country road, it also really puts a smile on your face, as it just feels light on its feet, and you can chuck it into corners with confidence.    

Then, moving onto the motorway, it’s surprisingly grown-up here as well.

It’ll happily sit at 70mph without feeling strained, although you will get a bit of wind and tyre noise, and the ride can feel a little firm, but it’s never uncomfortable.

Engine Specs

For your engine specs, here you have:

MODEL 1.2 MILD HYBRID (MOTION, ULTRA) 1.2 MILD HYBRID ALLGRIP (ULTRA)
Engine Type Z12E Z12E
Number of cylinders 3 3
Number of valves 12 12
Piston displacement (cc) 1,197 1,197
Maximum output (PS (kW) / rpm) 82 (60.9) / 5,700 82 (60.9) / 5,700
Maximum torque (Nm / rpm) 112 / 4,500 112 / 4,500
Transmission Type 5-speed manual CVT 5-speed manual
Gear ratio 1st: 3.545 2.391 - 0.431 1st: 3.545
2nd: 1.904 2nd: 1.904
3rd: 1.233 3rd: 1.233
4th: 0.911 4th: 0.911
5th: 0.725 5th: 0.725
Reverse: 3.272 Reverse: 3.272
Final gear ratio 4.294 3.698 4.562
Performance & Economy Max speed (mph / km/h) 103 / 165 106 / 170 100 / 160
0-62 mph / 0-100 km/h (seconds) 12.5 11.9 13.1
CO2 emissions (WLTP g/km) 99 98 110
Fuel consumption (WLTP) Low (mpg / l/100km): 51.3 / 5.5 Low (mpg / l/100km): 52.3 / 5.4 Low (mpg / l/100km): 43.4 / 6.5
Medium (mpg / l/100km): 65.6 / 4.3 Medium (mpg / l/100km): 67.2 / 4.2 Medium (mpg / l/100km): 57.6 / 4.9
High (mpg / l/100km): 74.3 / 3.8 High (mpg / l/100km): 74.3 / 3.8 High (mpg / l/100km): 62.7 / 4.5
Combined (mpg / l/100km): 64.2 / 4.4 Combined (mpg / l/100km): 60.1 / 4.7 Combined (mpg / l/100km): 54.3 / 5.2

How the Clever Mild Hybrid System Works

All new Swifts also now come with a clever bit of kit called a Mild Hybrid system.

Don't worry; you don't have to plug it in to enjoy the electric car feel; it just means that you get a small electric motor that gives the main petrol engine a little nudge when it’s working its hardest - like when you're accelerating or climbing a hill.

You don't even feel it happening either, but it helps you to save on fuel and cut down your emissions, which is brilliant for your wallet as well here.

Performance, Efficiency and Fun

This is where Swift really gets it right, in our opinion.

That hybrid help means the engine doesn’t feel sluggish, but it's still ridiculously good on fuel, and it proves you don't have to choose between having a car that's fun to drive and one that's cheap to run either – as the Swift just manages to be both which is great to see from a car in this class.

Driving Dynamics and Gearbox Options

To go with the zippy engine, you get a choice of two gearboxes.

First, there’s a lovely five-speed manual, which is great fun to use, or you can get a smooth CVT automatic if you'd rather the car did all the work for you.

Suzuki has also done a great job with the suspension as well, as it feels nimble and stable in the corners, but it's still comfortable enough to handle bumpy British roads without shaking your fillings out as it does so as well.

Handling

The Swift's long-term reputation has always been built on being a hoot to drive, and a huge part of that is its handling.

For instance, around town, the steering is incredibly light, which makes manoeuvres like three-point turns and tight parking spots an absolute breeze.

But what impressed us is that it doesn't feel overly light or vague as your speed increases either.

Then, when you get out of town and onto a twisty B-road, the steering weighs up nicely, giving you a good sense of connection to the front wheels.

For instance, here, you can even place the car exactly where you want it with confidence.

Feedback

For a standard supermini, the feedback is also surprisingly good; you can feel what the tyres are doing, which is essential for more spirited driving, let's face it.

Then, thanks to its low weight, the car feels incredibly eager to change direction when you need it to as well.

Cornoring

This is all supported really well when you turn into a corner, as the nose dives in keenly, and there’s very little body roll for a car of this type, which we really liked.

For instance, here, it does stay much flatter and more composed than many of its rivals, which really inspires you to press on as a result.

Models

Moving on to your models, here you have 2 to choose from, including:

  • Suzuki Swift Motion
  • Suzuki Swift Ultimate

Suzuki Swift Motion Key Features

For the Motion, its key standout features consist of, for instance:

  • 16-inch painted alloy wheels
  •     
  • LED headlamps
  •     
  • LED rear combination lamps
  •     
  • LED daytime running lights
  •     
  • Rear upper spoiler
  •     
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  •     
  • Rear view camera
  •     
  • Rear parking sensors
  •     
  • Navigation
  •     
  • Heated front seats
  •     
  • Wireless smartphone link with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  •     
  • Suzuki Connect connected services with 3-years free subscription
  •     
  • 9-inch infotainment display
  •     
  • Full colour driver info display
  •     
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  •     
  • Driver Monitoring System
  •     
  • Dual Sensor Brake Support (AEB)
  •     
  • Lane Departure Warning
  •     
  • Lane Departure Prevention
  •     
  • Weaving alert
  •     
  • Traffic sign recognition
  •     
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  •     
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  •     
  • eCall
  •     
  • Electric rear windows
  •     
  • Keyless entry and start
  •     
  • Rear privacy glass

Suzuki Swift Ultimate Key Features

The Ultimate then comes with the same features as the Motion but also consists of the following:

        
  • 16-inch polished alloy wheels
  •     
  • Rear assist grips x 2
  •     
  • Automatic air conditioning
  •     
  • Rear heater outlet
  •     
  • Electrically folding door mirrors
  •     
  • Indicator integrated indoor mirror
  •     
  • Satin chrome interior trims
  •     
  • Painted door trim ornament
  •     
  • Front seat seatbelts shoulder height adjuster

All Standard Equipement

For your standard equipment for both models, here you have:

Feature Category Description Suzuki Swift Motion Suzuki Swift Ultimate
Safety ALLGRIP Auto 4-wheel Drive   (ALLGRIP model only)
ABS with EBD and Brake Assist function
ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
Hill hold control
Dual Sensor Brake Support
Lane Keeping Assist
Lane departure warning
Lane departure prevention
Weaving alert
Traffic sign recognition
Blind Spot Monitor
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Intelligent Speed Control Support
Driver Monitoring System
Driver & front passenger airbags
Front passenger airbag deactivation system
Safety Side airbags (incorporated into front seats)
Curtain airbags
Front 3-point ELR seatbelts with pre-tensioner and force limiter
Front seat seatbelts shoulder height adjuster  
Rear 3-point ELR seatbelts with pre-tensioners & force limiters x2, 3-point ELR seatbelt for centre seat
eCall
LED high mounted stop lamp
ISOFIX child seat anchorages x 2
Child seat tether anchorages
Security Childproof rear door locks
Tyre pressure indicator
Immobiliser
Remote central door locking
Deadlocks
Comfort & Convenience Locking wheel nuts
Freewheeling key cylinders
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control Stop & Go CVT only CVT only
Rear parking camera
Rear parking sensors
Keyless entry and start
Suzuki Connect
Engine auto stop-start system
Driver seat height adjuster
Electric front windows
Electric rear windows
Front cabin light
Rear seat with 60:40 split folding
Rear seat head restraint x 3
Front accessory socket
Front sun visors with vanity mirrors & ticket holders
Front assist grips passenger's side  
Rear assist grips x 2  
Comfort & Convenience Power steering
Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
Telescopic adjustable steering wheel
Gear shift paddles   CVT only
Clock
Outside temperature display
Fuel consumption display (average/instantaneous) and range display
Full-colour LCD info display
Low fuel warning lamp
Lights-on and key-in reminder
Heating & Visibility Automatic air conditioning  
Manual air conditioning (with digital control panel)  
Heater
Pollen Filter
Heated driver's and front passenger's seats  
Rear heater outlet  
Rear fog lamps
Front wipe: 2 speeds (low, high) with adjustable intermittent + washer
Rear wipe: 1 speed with intermittent + washer
Automatic headlamps
LED projector headlamps
Manual headlamp levelling
High beam assist
LED rear combination lamps
LED position lamps
LED number plate lamps
Daytime running lights - LED (integrated in headlamps)
Guide me home light
Electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors
Electrically folding door mirrors with built-in turn signal lamp  
Entertainment & Communication Wireless smartphone link with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Navigation system
DAB digital radio
9-inch infotainment display
4 speakers
2 tweeters
Bluetooth integrated into audio unit
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
12V accessory socket
USB (type A & type C) and AUX connectors
Storage 3 x cup holders (x2 front, x1 rear)
Centre lower box
Glove box
Centre console box with storage
Storage pocket with bottle holder, all doors
Styling 16-inch alloy wheels (painted finish)  
16-inch alloy wheels (polished finish)  
Upper front grille - Black
Lower front grille - Black
Side under spoilers
Rear upper spoiler
C-pillar trim moulding
Rear privacy glass
Green tinted windows
3-spoke leather-covered steering wheel
Body colour exterior door handles
Body colour exterior door mirrors
Black coloured A & B pillars
Painted instrument panel ornament
Material door trim ornament  
Painted door trim ornament  
Fabric seat upholstery
Chrome interior door handles
Chrome hand brake release button

Safety Features

One of the best things about the new Swift, though, is how much safety technology is just squeezed in as standard.

It’s like having an extra pair of eyes watching out for you, which gives you real peace of mind.

Here you are also not disappointed as it comes packed full of it, including, for instance:

Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS)

This is a really clever bit of kit.

Here, the car uses a camera and radar to scan the road ahead for cars, cyclists, and pedestrians.

If it then thinks you’re about to have a bump, it’ll flash and beep to warn you, and if you don't react, it can even apply the brakes for you to help avoid a crash or make it less serious.

red suzuki swift on a motorway
cup holder and charging

Driver Monitoring System (DMS)

A small camera watches your face to make sure you’re paying attention.

If it thinks you’re getting a bit drowsy or distracted on a long drive, it will sound an alarm and flash a message on the dashboard, telling you to take a break.

Reverse Parking Sensors

These are simple but so useful, as here you get little sensors in the back bumper beep at you when you’re reversing, letting you know how close you are to any obstacles behind you.

It will also make parking in tight spots a doddle as well.

This system works with the traffic sign camera and the adaptive cruise control.

If you drive into a lower speed limit zone, the car will automatically adjust your cruising speed to match the new limit, helping you to stay legal.

This is brilliant for motorway driving.

Here, you have radars watching your blind spots for you, and a little warning light will pop up in your door mirror if a car is hiding there.

If you then try to indicate and pull out, the light will flash, and it’ll beep at you – a great little safety net.

When you’re reversing out of a parking space, this system then watches for cars coming from the left or right.

If it spots an approaching car, it'll beep to warn you, preventing any nasty car park scrapes.

The car’s camera reads road signs like speed limits and displays them on the dashboard, which is handy if you missed one.

If you go over the speed limit, the icon will flash to give you a gentle reminder.

If you start to drift out of your lane without indicating, the system will either vibrate the steering wheel or make a noise to alert you.

It can even gently steer you back into the middle of the lane to keep you on the straight and narrow.

If the car senses that you're weaving about in your lane, perhaps because you’re tired, it will sound a buzzer and flash up a warning on the dashboard to let you know.

For extra confidence in bad weather, you can get the Swift with ALLGRIP Auto four-wheel drive.

You don’t have to do anything; if the car senses the front wheels are losing grip on a slippery or snowy road, it automatically sends power to the back wheels to keep you going.

It’s a brilliant feature for a small car.

This system makes night driving much easier.

It automatically switches between high and low beams for you, so you never have to worry about dazzling oncoming drivers. It just takes care of it.

Suzuki Connect

One of the really neat bits of tech on the new Swift is the Suzuki Connect app for your smartphone as well, which we really liked.

The reason we did this is it lets you link your phone directly to your car, giving you some genuinely useful features that let you keep an eye on it from wherever you are.

For instance, here you can take advantage of:

 

Ever walked away from your car and had that nagging feeling you forgot to lock it?

This feature sorts that, as it'll send a message to your phone if you've left the doors unlocked or the lights on, and you can even lock it remotely.

You can also check how much petrol you've got left without even leaving the sofa.

This one's a lifesaver for anyone who loses their car in a massive car park.

The app shows you on a map exactly where you parked. You can even share the location with your family or friends if they're picking the car up.

 

The app keeps a log of all your journeys for the last 18 months. You can see where you've been, how far you travelled, and what your fuel economy was like for each trip.

It’s pretty handy if you need to keep track of your mileage for work.

This is a clever one, especially if you share the car with your family.

You can set a boundary on a map or a time limit, and the app will ping you if the car goes outside that area or isn't home by a certain time.

For extra peace of mind, the app will send you an instant alert if your car's alarm is activated or if the engine is started at a time you wouldn't expect it to be.

If a warning light pops up on the dashboard, the app will tell you what the problem is and what you should do about it.

It can even give you the contact details for roadside assistance or your local Suzuki dealer, taking the panic out of a potential problem.

On the rare occasion that Suzuki needs to do a safety recall or a service update, you won't miss the memo, as the app will send the information straight to your phone, so you're always kept in the loop.

What About the Running Costs?

This is another big win for the Swift.

Thanks to that mild-hybrid system, it’s ridiculously good on fuel, and Suzuki claims you can get over 64 miles per gallon, and you know what? That actually feels achievable.

During our test drive, doing a mix of town and motorway driving, I was easily getting in the high 50s without even trying.

The Road tax is also very low as well, and it sits in a low insurance group, too, making it a properly affordable car to own.

Insurance Groups

For your insurance groups, here you have:

Model Trim Engine & Drivetrain Insurance Group (ABI 1-50)
Motion 1.2 Mild Hybrid Manual 21
Motion 1.2 Mild Hybrid CVT Auto 21
Ultra 1.2 Mild Hybrid Manual 22
Ultra 1.2 Mild Hybrid CVT Auto 22
Ultra 1.2 Mild Hybrid ALLGRIP Manual 22
Insurance groups are subject to change and can vary based on individual circumstances and the insurer, and data is for guidance only.        

Warranty and Aftercare

Buying a new car is a big deal, but Suzuki includes a few nice extras to make owning the Swift completely hassle-free, which we really liked.

For instance, here you get:

Up to 7 Years Warranty

Every new Swift gets a standard warranty for the first 3 years or 60,000 miles.

But the clever bit is, if you get your car serviced at a Suzuki dealer each year, they'll keep extending the warranty for free, all the way up to 7 years or 100,000 miles.

That’s a brilliant bit of long-term reassurance.

Free 12 Months Breakdown Cover

To make sure you're never left stranded, Suzuki throws in a full year of roadside assistance when you buy a new car.

It’s nice to know that help is just a phone call away if you ever need it.

Free 2,000-Mile Health Check

Once you’ve driven your new Swift for a couple of thousand miles and everything has settled in, you can book it for a free health check at your local dealer.

They'll just give it a once-over to make sure everything is running perfectly.

Free Accident Aftercare

If you're unlucky enough to have a bit of a prang, Suzuki will handle all the boring stuff for you.

They’ll manage the insurance claim and make sure your car is repaired properly, and it doesn't matter who you're insured with or whose fault it was.

Reliability

The Swift has been in production for an insane 40 years. As a result, it's seen as being highly reliable.

Over this time period, it has also won hundreds of awards, with many of these factoring this in as well, with some of these consisting of:

           
  • Most Reliable Brand Award at the What Car? Reliability Survey 2021
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  • Most Reliable Small Car (2010-2017 model) Award at the What Car? Reliability Survey 2023
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  • Top Reliability Ranking for a Small Car (2017-present model) Award at the What Car? Reliability Survey 2022
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  • Most Reliable Car Brand Award at the Which? Car Guide 2021
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  • Best Car Brand for Reliability Award at the Honest John Satisfaction Index 2020
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  • Top 3 Most Reliable Brand Award at the Telegraph Motoring Reliability Survey 2018
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  • Most Reliable Small Car Award at the What Car? Reliability Survey 2020
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  • Best Value New Car Award (citing reliability) at the What Car? Awards 2019
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  • Top Reliability Ranking Award at the Driver Power Survey 2019
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  • Most Reliable Budget Car Award at the Honest John Awards 2018
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  • Top 5 Most Reliable Brand Award at the What Car? Reliability Survey 2019
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  • Most Reliable City and Small Car Award at the Which? Car Survey 2022
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  • Brand Reliability Award (Second Place) at the What Car? Reliability Survey 2023
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  • Most Trusted Brand (Small Cars) Award at the Honest John Satisfaction Index 2021
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  • Fewest Faults (Small Car Category) Award at the What Car? Reliability Survey 2018
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  • Best Used Small Car for Reliability Award at the What Car? Used Car Awards 2022
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  • Top 10 Most Reliable Car Award at the Auto Express Driver Power Survey 2020
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  • Exceptional Reliability Score (98.1%) Award at the What Car? Reliability Survey 2023
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  • Top Brand for Low Repair Costs Award at the What Car? Reliability Survey 2021
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  • Most Recommended for Reliability by Owners Award at the Honest John Awards 2019

40 Years of the Swift, With A Quick Trip Down Memory Lane

It's hard to believe, but the Swift has been with us for four decades now.

Here’s how it got to where it is today.

The 80s Original (1983-1989)

This is where it all began.

It wasn't even called a Swift in Japan (it was the Suzuki Cultus), but this was the car that came to Europe as the first-generation Swift.

At the time, it was a simple, boxy little hatchback that was cheap to buy and run, and it even spawned a nippy GTi version - which became a bit of a cult classic.    

The Long Runner (1989-2003)

The second-generation Swift then came around in 1989 and had a much more rounded, modern look to it than its prior generation.

This model was also a massive success and was produced for over 13 years, with it selling around 70K cars in the UK.

As a result, it was a familiar sight on British roads, and it really cemented Suzuki's reputation for making dependable and affordable small cars as well.

The Game Changer (2004-2010)

This is the one most people remember as the 'first' modern Swift.

Here, Suzuki completely redesigned it for European tastes, in our view, as it was chunkier, more stylish, and a lot more fun to drive.

Due to this, this was the model that really started winning awards and put the Swift on the map as a serious rival to cars like the Ford Fiesta as well.

The Grown-Up Swift (2010-2017)

The fourth version wasn't a massive change on the outside, but it was bigger, safer, and more refined.

As a result, it felt more like a 'big' car to drive, but it had more efficient engines and more tech inside, showing that the Swift was growing with its customers as well.

The Lightweight Hybrid (2017-2023)

Suzuki put the Swift on a diet for the prior generation, using a new, lighter platform, which made it even more agile and fun to drive as a result.

This was also when mild-hybrid technology became standard as well, making it one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars you could buy as a direct result, and it was packed with safety kit, too.

That brings us to the latest generation.

Weights & Dimensions

For your weights and standard dimensions, here you have:

1.2 MILD HYBRID (MOTION, ULTRA) 1.2 MILD HYBRID ALLGRIP (ULTRA)
Overall length mm 3,860 3,860
Overall width mm 1,735 1,735
Overall height mm 1,495 1,520
Wheelbase mm 2,450 2,450
Minimum turning circle m 9.6 9.6
Ground clearance mm 115 140
Seating capacity Persons 5 5
Luggage capacity (seatback raised, VDA litres) litres 265 265
Luggage capacity (seatback folded, VDA litres) litres 589 589
Kerb weight (inc full options) kg 949 1,037
Gross vehicle weight kg 1,389 1,441
Max towing weight (braked) kg 1,000 1,000
Max towing weight (unbraked) kg 400 400
Fuel tank capacity litres 37 37

So is the Suzuki Swift Right For You?   

So, has Suzuki messed it up with this latest generation? Not a chance. They’ve taken everything that was great about the old Swift and made it just that little bit better in our view.

It’s still huge, fun to drive, incredibly cheap to run, and packed with all the essential kit you actually need.

It’s a simple, honest-to-goodness car that’s full of charm.

This is especially true in a world of ever-more complicated and expensive cars; the Suzuki Swift just remains a breath of fresh air, to be honest.

It’s a car that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t pretend to be anything else: a fun, honest, and brilliantly engineered Supermini that’s packed with character.

As a result, the new model builds on this legacy perfectly, adding a layer of modern technology and safety that’s truly impressive for a car in this class.

From the zippy and incredibly frugal mild-hybrid engine to the agile, smile-inducing handling, the Swift is a car that makes every journey, whether it’s a trip to the shops or a blast down a country lane, feel like an event.

Then, when you factor in the generous standard equipment, the peace of mind from the extensive safety features and warranty, and Suzuki's reputation for rock-solid reliability, the Swift isn’t just a good choice; it's an outstanding one.

So much so that we are confident to say that it will deliver on every promise it makes, offering you an unbeatable combination of low running costs, genuine driving pleasure, and everyday practicality.

So, for anyone looking for a small car that offers so much more than just getting you from A to B, the new Swift is, without a doubt, a champion for you here to consider.

If you liked our Suzuki Swift car review, then you may like some of our other latest news, in-depth electric cars and hybrid car reviews, car buying guides and car news, such as, for instance:

Test Drive

So why not find out in person if a Suzuki Ignis is your best car option, especially if you like what you have read and are looking for city cars for your next option? Then why not book a road test drive in one of our test cars at one of our local Suzuki dealerships near you today - and experience this small car first-hand by getting behind the wheel?

Who is Ian Grieves?

Here at Ian Grieves we are an established car dealership network located in Falkirk, Scotland, who can specialise in offering you new and used vehicles from top brands such as Jeep, Subaru, Isuzu Pick-ups, and Suzuki as well as used cars.

Founded in 1991, our business remains family-owned and is run by Ian Grieve's sons, Alastair and Adam Grieve.

Our services include vehicle sales, servicing, MOT work, and a wide range of aftersales support as well.

With a focus on customer care, Ian Grieves has earned a reputation for treating all our customers with a personalised approach, ensuring that you feel valued and supported throughout your experience as a result.

Consequently, we are proud to provide you with everything from purchasing a new car to doing small maintenance tasks, making us a very reliable choice for car buyers across central Scotland and the whole of the UK as well.

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01 July 2025