The Suzuki Swift has long been an unassuming, unsung hero beloved by its loyal following. Yet it’s often overlooked by mainstream buyers — and the new, fourth-generation model is no exception.
Often better known for its sporty motorcycles, the Japanese automaker’s new hatchback belies its compact size and weight. It’s also reasonably priced with smart looks, well-stocked features and five-seat family flexibility.
The new Swift range consists of just two models, and starts at £18,699 for the Motion trim and £19,799 for the more expensive Ultra, which I drove in an attractive colour called Cool Yellow (an extra £600).
Loyal following: the fourth generation Suzuki Swift
It’s not the cheapest budget car on the market, but it offers good value for money and comes with a warranty of up to seven years, on top of the company’s reputation for reliability.
The hybrid Swift is powered by an economical yet punchy 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with 82 hp. This engine delivers a fuel economy of 8 percent, together with low CO2 emissions of 99 g/km, which keeps road tax low.
It was nice to reconnect with a five-speed manual in an agile hatchback that comes loaded with kit as standard, has a modern interior and a compact boot that expands when the rear seats are folded down. An automatic is also available.
Riding on 16-inch wheels, it handles sharply and is quick enough for daily commuting and highway cruising, though its 0-62 mph time of 12.5 seconds — on to a top speed of 103 mph — may leave some wanting more oomph.
Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist and lane departure warning, driver monitoring and drowsiness alert (if you feel drowsy), blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
With just two models, the new Swift range starts at £18,699 for the Motion trim and £19,799 for the higher-spec Ultra
It was nice to be able to drive a five-speed manual transmission again in an agile hatchback that comes standard with all kinds of gadgets
It’s not the cheapest budget car on the market, but it does offer value for money and comes with a warranty of up to seven years on top of the company’s reputation for reliability
Safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist and pre-departure warning, driver monitoring and weaving alert, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
It has a modern interior and a compact trunk that becomes larger when the rear seats are folded down
An extra-grip ‘ALLGRIP Auto’ four-wheel drive version is planned, Suzuki’s first fully electric car, the eVX, will arrive in the second half of 2025, followed by more EV models through 2030.
The brand has announced that it will cease sales of its Swift Sport, Jimny LCV, Ignis and hybrid Swace estate models from early 2025 at the latest, to comply with emissions rules – known as the ‘ZEV mandate’ – which require manufacturers to produce more zero-emission electric vehicles, regardless of consumer demand.
Ian Cameron fatally stabbed
Leading British car designer Ian Cameron, who designed the flagship Rolls-Royce Phantom when Germany’s BMW took over the marque in the early 2000s, has been fatally stabbed outside his family home on Lake Ammersee in Bavaria.
I knew Ian as a warm, friendly, endearing character whose shocking death last Friday was widely felt. He was 74.
Tragedy: Leading British car designer Ian Cameron created the flagship Rolls-Royce Phantom when Germany’s BMW acquired the brand
He graduated from the Royal College of Art in London and worked at Pininfarina in Italy, before joining BMW to design the 3 Series and Z8 roadster. He also worked on the third generation Range Rover.
A 22-year-old man is being held in connection with Cameron’s murder.
CARS & DRIVING: ON TEST
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