Suzuki Swift buyer’s guide

FROM £4,000 Latest version of supermini flies under radar, but is a great buy

Supermini is fun to drive and now great value used

ALTHOUGH the original Swift arrived in the eighties, it wasn’t until 2005’s launch of the fifth generation that Suzuki’s talented supermini really made an impact.

So when the time came to replace this car in 2010, it was no surprise that the brand played it safe by launching an evolution of this model rather than an all-new version.

It’s a tactic that worked as the current Swift has continued to be a success for Suzuki. And while it hasn’t notched up as many awards as some higher-profile rivals, that’s no reason to overlook it. Nearly six years after it hit showrooms, the Swift is still proving highly rated in our Driver Power satisfaction survey, so it must be good.

History

THE Mk6 Swift arrived in September 2010, as a three or five-door hatchback. At first there was just a 1.2-litre petrol engine and SZ2, SZ3 and SZ4 trims, but a few months later a 1.3-litre diesel joined the range. Buyers of the petrol car could choose between a manual or automatic gearbox; the diesel came only as a manual.

The 1.6-litre Swift Sport arrived in January 2012 in three-door form; only from July 2013 was it offered as a five-door, too. At the same time a 4x4 model joined the range (in five-door form only) and a more efficient diesel was introduced (emitting 101g/km of CO2 instead of 109g/km). From June 2014 the SZ4 got standard sat-nav and the diesel was axed from the line-up.

Which one?

THE diesel is muscular, efficient and surprisingly refined, but there aren’t that many available. You’ll probably end up with a 1.2-litre petrol car, as these are by far the most common. Also worth seeking out is the 1.6-litre Swift Sport, which is great fun.

The automatic box is okay to use but nothing special, while 4x4 models are very rare and not worth seeking out unless you live somewhere really remote and prone to severe ice. All Swifts feature seven airbags, ESP, remote central locking, electric front windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors plus a multifunction steering wheel. SZ3 adds air-con and 16-inch alloys, while SZ4 models also bring climate and cruise control, keyless start, automatic lights and privacy glass on five-door cars.

Alternatives

THERE’S no shortage of cars to consider in the supermini market. The Honda Jazz majors on practicality and reliability, while the Toyota Yaris is dependable, too. But the Suzuki’s main adversary is the Ford Fiesta, which is in plentiful supply and is great fun to drive. Vauxhall’s Corsa also offers a lot for the money as there are so many available.

Other alternatives include the Renault Clio and Peugeot 207 and 208, which are strong value and more practical than the Suzuki. The Skoda Fabia is a really easy car to live with, as is the Audi A1. You’ll need deep pockets to buy an A1, but it’s a fine small car that’s great to drive, with superb engines and class-leading build quality.

Verdict

THE Swift isn’t the most obvious supermini, but in some ways that counts in its favour. It’s unusual and most popular with private rather than fleet buyers, so most models are cherished and have covered low mileage.

Reliability is proving a strong point, too, as are running costs, but this doesn’t come at the expense of driving fun as the Suzuki is also great dynamically. While the limited engine range will put off many buyers, the 1.2-litre petrol provides more zest than you might think, plus decent economy. Throw in great steering along with an accomplished chassis, and the Swift is a tempting choice.

“Suzuki played it safe by launching an evolution of the Mk5, but the Mk6 has continued to be a success”

OUR VIEW

THE Swift Mk6 made its Driver Power debut in 2013, finishing 81st. It ranked only 139th last year, although in 2016 it’s jumped back up to 58th, thanks to strong scores of sixth in the handling category, 21st for reliability, 26th for ease of driving and 28th for running costs. Practicality (143rd) and ride quality (98th) aren’t so good, though.

YOUR VIEW

CONNOR Aston from Kidderminster, Worcs, owns a 2011 Swift 1.2. He told us: “I bought my car four years ago, and it has been completely reliable, plus it costs hardly anything to run.

“It’s great fun to drive and a bit different from what my friends own. But the Swift could do with a bigger boot.”

NEED TO KNOW The standard windscreen wiper blades aren’t that great, so swapping for Valeo or Bosch versions makes all the difference. NEED TO KNOW In spring 2015 a 1.2 Dualjet option was introduced; this was 16 per cent more efficient than the regular engine.

NEED TO KNOW On dipped beam, the headlights aren’t very bright. It’s worth changing the bulbs to Philips Blue Vision or Crystal Vision. Own a second-hand car in great condition and want it featured in an Auto Express buyer’s guide? Get in touch via mail@autoexpress.co.uk

Clutch judder IT’S more likely to be evident in low temperatures, but clutch judder can be an issue. This is usually down to a clutch plate that needs replacing.

Rattles SQUEAKS and rattles aren’t all that unusual. The normal culprits are the door trims and seatbelt mechanisms, as well as the lid for the Swift’s glovebox.

Handbrake MAKE sure that the handbrake is adjusted to hold the car on a steep incline. They can go out of adjustment quite quickly, and may need tightening.

Gearchange SOME cars suffer a notchy gearchange. The Swift Sport is the model most likely to be affected. Changing the gearbox oil can make a difference.