Suzuki Swift Sport
THE label ‘supermini’ gets stuck on most small hatchbacks these days – but many are far from super. However, one mini-motor which really does what it says on the tin is the latest Suzuki Swift Sport.
Its peppy 1.6-litre, 136bhp petrol engine can whizz the little car from 0-62 in just 8.7 seconds.
Add to that a well set-up chassis and suspension system (wide track and short wheelbase), supportive sports seats and a crisp, six-speed manual box and you have a little car that’s really ‘chuckable’.
The Sport’s M16A engine offers power combined with low emissions. Fuel economy is 44.1mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions are 147g/km from the ‘bespoke’ exhaust system with twin tailpipes, one on each side of the rear diffuser.
Our five-door version first became available last summer, but Suzuki have boosted standard equipment on the 2014 version to include satellite navigation and DAB digital radio plus auto air conditioning, fog lamps, push button start, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and rear privacy glass. ESP and seven airbags are also now fitted as standard.
In the looks department the Swift also scores well. It sits on smart, 17in alloy wheels and has a rear spoiler, plus other sporty detailing which makes the car stand out.
And don’t just take my word for it. The Swift Sport was voted a ‘Best Buy’ in the 2014 What Car? Magazine awards for a hot hatch under £15,000 for the third consecutive year. Prices are £13,999 for the three-door and £14,499 for the five-door model.