NEW SWIFT EMBODIES ALL THAT'S GREAT ABOUT SMALL CARS
“Refined design, sweeping tech and safety improvements, and a heavily-upgraded interior positions the brand-new Suzuki Swift among the very best small cars.”
It’s a weird time for hatchbacks.
Tightening margins, increasing EV production costs, and exploding demand for larger SUVs has left manufacturers’ re-evaluating - or cutting completely - product lines.
The demise of the most-esteemed hatchback ever: the Ford Fiesta - and the equally revered Volkswagen Polo being not far behind - is indicative of a market in a state of flux.
So, doubling-down on a declining segment is a breath of fresh air, if not slightly questionable at first.
The game plan is immediately clear upon stepping inside however. Suzuki wants to plug the forthcoming gap created by manufacturer exits, planning to do so with its latest high-spec solution.
Built to the same dimensions as the third generation, the new Swift follows an evolutionary - rather than revolutionary - blueprint. This approach appears to have been the correct one, with practical outcomes for drivers.
The first and obvious difference is the exterior design, which has been modernised with a more contemporary look. The enlarged grill and refreshed bonnet design allows for a more optimal and central radar sensor position, making it even better at scanning ahead for hazards.
LED lights come encased within the headlamp itself, offering better visibility from the off. The wide angled rear parking camera is now positioned further up the boot door, improving image clarity.
Lastly, a floating roof concept effortlessly blends with the integrated rear spoiler, meaning new Swift drivers get style as well as substance.
The interior is where the new Swift comes into its own, with an almost-complete overhaul. Plush dual-tone panelling conveys a feeling of luxury, while updated bucket seating dials up the comfort and safety factor.
The infotainment display is now 9-inches, positioned higher up and angled toward the driver. It means better eye contact can be maintained when driving and viewing information, reducing accident risk.
Front passengers get heated seats as standard, while rear passengers have extra room afforded by the redesigned door frame. Despite this, boot storage is still impressively spacious.
Climate controls move away from simple dials of previous models, and toward an electronic system. It all adds up to an unapparelled and premium experience, without premium pricing!
Talking technology and safety, there’s no other way to put it: drivers get more specification on an entry-level motion, than they ever did with a previous top-of-the-range SZ5 model.
Some of the upgraded kit we’re already covered, but Suzuki have gone even further here. The new Swift comes equipped with rear parking sensors as standard, while entertainment is now handsfree - and safer - with wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity.
Mild-hybrid technology supports the all-new and powerful Z12E 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, boosting efficiency to a quoted standard of: 64.2mpg and 99g/km of CO2. As ever, CVT and ALLGRIP variants are available.
Improved adaptive cruise control, radar braking and sign recognition compliment newer features like rear crossing traffic alerts, ensuring drivers will always be confident of safe - and fun! - journeys.
Overall, there’s a lot to love about the new Swift.
And by including a plethora of extras, without the associated cost, Suzuki is banking on hatchback drivers thinking exactly that too.
A dying supermini segment shows little sign of reversing, evidenced by manufacturers’ exiting the small car game, in tandem with a lack of new entrants in the space. Until now of course.
Those dependant on the economy and practicality of a smaller vehicle, but have found their options increasingly narrowed; Suzuki is hoping to tempt over.
With its unexpected quality and starting from just £18,699, the new Swift has everything to breathe new life into a market that’s long been gasping for air.
NEW SWIFT: LEARN MORE
SWIFT TOPS RELIABILITY TABLE
*Model Shown: New Swift 1.2 Mild Hybrid Ultra at £20,649 on the road including dual-tone metallic paint available at £850. Terms and Conditions apply. All prices, specifications and offers correct at time of publication. Fuel economy and CO2 results for the New Swift range: Mpg (l/100km) (combined): 64.2; CO2 emissions: 99g/km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.
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