Suzuki Swift cars for sale

Frequently asked questions about the Suzuki Swift

• What is the Suzuki Swift?
• Since the first range appeared in Britain in 1984, there have been two distinct eras of superminis badged Suzuki Swift, with the earlier one not having a direct lineage with more recent models. Now in Mk5 guise, the Swift is a range of small hatchbacks that takes on the might of the Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio and SEAT Ibiza, but with a couple of intriguing twists up its sleeve to garner further appeal.

• Which versions of the Suzuki Swift are available?
• Today’s Swift is the third iteration since the franchise was rebooted in 2005 and consequently the latest Mk5 model looks like an evolution of the two generations immediately before it. This is no bad thing, though, as the Swift has a distinctive shape, amplified this time around by a much larger grille, curvier bodysides and hidden rear door handles. Like almost every other supermini on sale, the Suzuki Swift Hatchback is now five doors-only, albeit with hidden rear door handles to make it look a bit sportier.
  
  Engine choice is limited for the mainstream range of two petrol motors: a 1.2-litre Dualjet and a turbocharged 1.0-litre Boosterjet – both are available on selected models with a mild hybrid system known as SHVS - for Suzuki Hybrid Vehicle System. That’s one area the Swift (currently) differs from its rivals – only the Toyota Yaris is also available with a hybrid system, albeit a much more capable one. The other break from the norm is that Suzuki will also sell you a Swift 4x4 with a slightly elevated ride height. It’s not a go-anywhere SUV, but it might get you out of bother if you live in an area that suffers regularly from poor weather and rough road surfaces.

• What is the Suzuki Swift Sport?
• Topping the line-up is Suzuki’s performance-focused version of the Swift, although its 140hp output looks more than a tad weedy compared with the likes of the Ford Fiesta ST’s 200hp output. Badged Swift Sport, it differs visually from less-powerful versions largely by virtue of a completely different front bumper, together with a more protruding, inverted grille design.
  
  Although the handling still allows drivers to exploit the relatively modest power on offer, the experience has been softened somewhat compared with its predecessors. Those of you with longer memories may recall that the sportier versions of the Mk1 and Mk2 Swift followed the 1980s trend of using the GTi name – both were well-regarded at the time, but only a handful of each survive today.

• What's under the skin?
• Although the Mk5 Swift’s styling is an evolution of the two models before it, the underpinnings are different. Suzuki calls it its Heartect platform, and those parts are shared in modified form with other Suzukis including the Ignis and Baleno ranges. The vast majority of Swifts send their power to the front wheels, with the 4x4 using a part-time four-wheel drive system Suzuki calls AllGrip.
  
  This saves fuel compared with a full-time four-wheel drive, but still gives buyers the security they’re looking for when they choose one in the first place. It’s a well-engineered supermini – something reflected in Suzuki’s enviably strong reliability record – but as a value-focused brand that means that expense is spared elsewhere, most notably with the hard, unyielding interior plastics.

• Is it good to drive?
• Even though its responses have been softened slightly compared with the two generations of Swift before it, the Mk5 remains an enjoyable car to pilot along both winding B-roads and urban areas. There’s not a huge amount of power on offer – even with the punchier Swift Sport – meaning that part of the Suzuki’s fun is eking out as much performance as one can and maintaining it for as long as possible. Despite its sharp, roll-free cornering ability, the Swift is light and nimble – this can result in a floaty, sometimes fidgety ride over poorly surfaced roads.

• How much does the Suzuki Swift cost?
• Where once Suzuki was a paragon of low-cost motoring compared with its rivals, today’s models are not so obviously inexpensive. One reason the older Swift Sports gained popularity was because of their good value for money, while the most recent generation is as expensive as the much quicker Fiesta ST. Not a good position to be in. It’s a similar story on finance, where the Swift is average value compared with other superminis, that arguably have greater badge kudos or where dealers are more frequently found.