Suzuki Swift drive by Steve Rogers
The cost of a tank of fuel has gone berserk so what we
need are cars that can squeeze every mile out of every drop of petrol.
Diesel used to be the answer but not anymore with it
costing an extra 10p a litre, or 45p a gallon. Hard to believe isn’t it?
Unless you are ready to go down the electric car road
the way to go is hybrid and here is a good one that might not be on a top five
shopping list. Suzuki Swift has not got the badge pulling power of supermini
favourites like Fiesta, Peugeot 208 or Skoda Fabia but may be it should because
it can top 60 miles to the gallon.
For the record Swift, in its current shape, has been
around since 2005 and unlike its competitors has not changed a great deal
mainly because they got it right first time becoming the Japanese Mini with a
shape that tells its own story.
Plenty has happened under the skin and the third
generation facelift is the most significant. There have been a few nips and
tucks to pretty up the body but the big changes are out of site - a new
platform and self charging hybrid technology.
Until now Swift’s 1.2 litre engine has been restricted
to what they call ‘mild’ hybrid which lowers emissions and sharpens the
stop-start response. But the new Dualjet engine’s 12V hybrid is now self
charging and done wonders for economy. The new unit has lifted fuel consumption
from low fifties to all but 60mpg and I did even better returning 62.6mpg over
400 miles which in my book is outstanding.
The downside, if indeed you can call it a downside
with today’s fuel prices, is lack lustre performance. Swift by name but
certainly not swift by nature. Acceleration is tame and flat in the mid range
so whipping down a couple of gears and a taking little more time is the way
forward when overtaking.
That said Swift is a smashing car to drive with sharp
steering, good balance and poise when pushed, the sort of car to make the
perfect hot hatch and you can get close to that with the Swift Sport model.
Swift has not grown in size but the new platform has
created a little more cabin space so there is ample room for four adults, even
tall people, because headroom is excellent. Probably best to avoid three in the
back, it would get a bit cramped.
Boot space has never been a strong point for Swift and
still isn’t although a few extra litres have been found.
There is a big drop into the boot well which is not
ideal but without it the boot would be a good deal smaller. A two level floor
is common enough these days and would solve the problem. How often do we use
all the boot space anyway?
There is no doubting Swift’s value for money with a
strong spec at entry level. LED headlights, air conditioning, rear view camera
and Smartphone link with DAB radio all part of the package while on the safety
front you get automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and adaptive
cruise control.
Notable additions at SZ5 level are navigation and
keyless entry.
Against its rivals Swift is well priced although this
facelift would have been the time to take a critical look at the cabin trim
which has far too much hard plastic and gives that cheap look.
But you can’t help coming back to the conclusion that
Swift is an enduring, loveable car and one of the most economic superminis money
can buy.
Fast Facts
Swift SZ5 Hybrid
£18,499 (starts (£15,499)
1.2 litre Dualjet; 83bhp
0-62mph 13.1secs; 112mph
59.7mpg
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