NIFTY SWIFTY

Price tag will be key to success of Suzuki’s racy new baby

JUST back from that there French France where we’ve been prodding, poking and pedaling the new Suzuki Swift.

It’s a bit of a weird one, really, as the car’s not on sale until June 1 and no prices are being announced until mid-May. Go figure.

So, while I can’t tell you precisely how much it’ll cost – just an informed guess at a range starting at just over £10k for the 1.2 SZ-3 and topping out around £15k for the 4x4 SZ-5 version – I can tell you what it’s like to drive.

And don’t worry Mr Suzuki dealer, it’s pretty much all good.

In fact, I reckon you can spark-up a chubby Cuban Havana cigar, pour yourself a large Cognac and generally feel pretty smug about the forthcoming registration bonuses.

Let’s start here. The new Swift is wider, lower and 130kgs lighter.

While shorter overall, the wheelbase is actually 20mm longer. Suzuki claim this new version is also 19% more powerful and 8% more fuel efficient than the previous Swift.

This, with a smaller, more compact engine bay, has freed up a fair amount of interior space, allowing for more side-to-side space between the front seats and a boot that eats 25% more luggage. Visibility is good as well, with that trademark Swift wraparound windscreen. It’s also without the comedy high rear waistline that designers seem to love but rear seat kids hate because they can’t see out.

In handling terms, this wider, squatter, longer car results in a more surefooted footprint and a lower centre of gravity. It’s that wheel-at-every-corner feeling you get in the Mini.

The previous two generations of Swift were a hoot to drive but this new one is better, with finely tuned springing and damping plus meaty, communicative steering. Body control is impressive, as are the interior acoustics, especially when it’s fitted with the tiny but seriously grunty 1.0litre, three-cylinder Boosterjet engine and it’s lollopingly high-geared manual five-speed gearbox.

This engine is also available with SHVS mild hybrid system – a sort of enhanced electric starter motor that gives the car an extra battery-powered shove when needed. Nifty. Nifty Swifty, in fact. Adding just over 6kgs, this