The latest Suzuki Swift is stepping into the ring with a focus on value, packing in mild-hybrid technology and impressive fuel efficiency. It’s a wallet-friendly option for anyone hunting for a new supermini. Yet, it’s not all smooth sailing; while the Swift scores high on practicality, it lags behind when it comes to the plushness of its interiors and the slickness of its tech.
Suzuki Swift 2024 Interior: Inspired but Not Quite Aspirational
Peeking inside the Swift, you’ll notice a nod to Mazda’s design flair—definitely a plus. But here’s the catch: the materials don’t quite hit the mark. The cabin is decked out in plastics—hard, scratchy ones at that—especially where you often place your hands. It seems Suzuki hasn’t quite escaped the plastic fantastic world yet, much like its previous models.
Tech Talk: Needs a Refresh Let’s talk tech.
The Swift comes with a bigger touchscreen than before, but it feels a bit… yesterday. The screen isn’t the crispest, and it seems to have a mind of its own, often needing a few extra taps to wake up. On the upside, Suzuki has smartly included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can pretty much sidestep the native system and use your phone for the heavy lifting.
Space and Storage: Compact Yet Comfy
The Mk3 and Mk4 Suzuki Swift models share the same dimensions, maintaining consistent passenger space. While headroom in the back is ample, legroom becomes a premium if you have tall folks in the front seats. The boot, offering 265 litres of space, might suffice for light travelers, but it’s a bit tight compared to what you might find in competing superminis.
Under the Hood: Efficient but Noisy
The Swift boasts a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine enhanced by mild-hybrid tech, promising more torque at low speeds and better fuel efficiency than its predecessor. While it only produces 82bhp and 112Nm of torque, it feels adequate for a car of its size and weight. During our test, the Swift didn’t quite hit its claimed 64.2mpg fuel efficiency, but the 52.3mpg we achieved is respectable.
Suzuki has also made strides in reducing Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) levels, which is noticeable with minimal road noise even on the motorway. The ride is comfortable enough to handle the UK’s uneven roads, making it a pleasant drive overall. However, the engine can get quite noisy in stop-start traffic, and the gearbox feels a bit uncertain.
Navigating the City: Light and Easy
The Swift shines with its light controls and excellent visibility, making it a breeze to maneuver through busy streets and cramped parking spaces. Yet, it’s not without its quirks—such as the persistent warning sounds that are more of a hassle to turn off than necessary.
Value for Money: Hard to Beat
Starting at £18,699, the Swift undercuts some of its rivals like the basic Vauxhall Corsa, which lacks mild-hybrid technology. The standard features are generous: LED headlights, keyless entry, wireless connectivity, a rear-view camera, heated front seats, and several safety enhancements like lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring are all included in the base model, the Motion trim. For those looking for a bit more luxury, the Ultra trim adds a few extras like polished rims and automatic air conditioning for an additional £1,100.
