Suzuki Swift Hatchback 2005 - Present

The Suzuki Swift was launched in 2005 and entered the already congested supermini market. It's rounded styling and perky looks made it eye catching from the start and it's nimble performance has always made it something of a favourite among drivers.

Rather refreshingly the 1.0 model has been dropped so the entry level car is the 1.3 which has a 0-60 of 11 seconds and top speed of 108 mph. While not as frugal as some of it's rivals with 46 mpg it's not going to be contributing too heavily the profits of Shell. The 1.6 GTI is the nearest the range comes to a muscle car but they all offer nippy agile driving and will perform if pushed.
I think that more manufacturers should drop their bottom level cars if they are barely up to the job. It would be better to offer something that was capable at a slightly higher price than give people the option of scrimping and being perpetually disappointed every time they take the wheel.

Swift by name and swift by nature the small Suzuki offers the kind of precise targeting that its ornithic namesake would be proud. The Swift engenders a real sense of confidence going into and coming out of corners and the suspension is set up to handle the weight of the car with ease. The ride is supple and with the powerful engines the swift is able to dart in and out of traffic and make the most of situations. With this it offers a sense of fun and minor adventure with each ride. Parking is a doddle and the brakes are more than capable.

Inside the car there is enough room to take four adults with relative comfort and the ride is pleasant. Some of the finish looks a bit cheap which may put some people off but the seats and comfortable and the cabin not too claustrophobic.

The super mini class has a lot of good cars in it and they are consistently making their limited amounts of space go a long way. The swift may not be quite as well finished as the Yaris or the Corsa but it offers a fun alternative that's definitely worth considering.

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