Suzuki Swift
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a small car that’s genuinely fun to drive without breaking the bank? The Suzuki Swift might be the perfect answer. This spirited little hatchback combines peppy performance with impressive fuel economy and a surprisingly spacious interior. It’s built for drivers who want more than just basic transport from their small car, offering engaging handling and a cheerful character that makes every journey more enjoyable.

The Swift stands out in the crowded small car market by prioritising driving pleasure alongside practicality. While rivals like the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo focus heavily on refinement, the Swift takes a different approach. It offers a more involving drive with lighter weight and sharper responses. The latest model adds mild hybrid technology to boost efficiency while maintaining that trademark Swift sparkle.

What makes the Swift special is how it balances affordability with genuine character. You get a car that feels eager and responsive in town, comfortable on longer trips, and surprisingly roomy inside despite its compact footprint. The mild hybrid system helps keep running costs low while the reliable Suzuki engineering means fewer trips to the garage. For drivers who don’t want to compromise on fun, the Swift delivers an engaging experience that reminds you why driving can still be enjoyable.

What's the Suzuki Swift Like to Drive?

The Suzuki Swift centres around a single 1.2-litre mild hybrid petrol engine producing 82 bhp. While this might sound modest on paper, the Swift’s lightweight construction means it feels more responsive than the numbers suggest. The 0 to 60 mph time of around 11.9 seconds isn’t blistering, but the engine delivers its power in an eager, willing manner that makes town driving feel sprightly. The mild hybrid system provides a subtle boost during acceleration and helps reduce fuel consumption without any noticeable impact on the driving experience.

Where the Swift truly excels is in its handling and overall driving character. The steering is light and precise, making parking effortless while providing enough feedback to keep you engaged on winding roads. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control. It absorbs everyday bumps and road imperfections well, yet remains composed when you ask more of it through corners. The Swift feels nimble and agile, reminding you that driving a small hatchback can still be genuinely entertaining rather than just functional.

Inside the Suzuki Swift: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Swift and you’ll find a cabin that prioritises functionality over luxury, but does so with a cheerful and welcoming feel. The dashboard design is clean and straightforward, with a central touchscreen handling most of your entertainment and connectivity needs. Materials are predominantly hard plastics, but they feel solid and well assembled. The overall build quality feels robust, with controls that operate with a satisfying precision that suggests this car will age well.

The front seats offer good support and comfort for both short trips and longer journeys. There’s adequate adjustment to help most drivers find a comfortable position. The driving position itself is excellent, with good visibility all around and controls that fall easily to hand. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, electric windows, and smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Road and wind noise are well controlled, making the Swift a pleasant companion for motorway journeys. The interior might not feel premium, but it creates a bright, airy atmosphere that matches the car’s upbeat character perfectly.

The Suzuki Swift succeeds by remembering what many modern small cars have forgotten: driving should be enjoyable. It delivers this with lightweight agility, responsive handling, and an engine that feels eager despite modest power figures. The mild hybrid system adds efficiency without compromising the Swift’s natural character. While the interior materials aren’t premium, the overall package feels well engineered and built to last.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Suzuki Swift Expensive to Run?

The Swift’s running costs are genuinely impressive, making it one of the most economical choices in the small car class. The mild hybrid system helps deliver real world fuel economy figures in the high 50s to low 60s MPG, meaning you’ll spend less at the fuel pump each month. Insurance groups are very reasonable, typically falling into groups 10 to 13, which should keep premiums affordable for most drivers. The Swift’s reputation for reliability also means fewer unexpected repair bills over time.

Purchase prices are competitive, with the Swift often undercutting rivals while offering similar or better equipment levels. Suzuki’s warranty coverage provides additional peace of mind, and the network of dealers offers accessible servicing. The combination of low fuel consumption, reasonable insurance costs, and strong reliability makes the Swift an excellent choice for budget conscious drivers. With flexible car finance options available, the Swift becomes even more accessible, spreading the cost into manageable monthly payments while you enjoy those excellent running costs from day one.

Suzuki Swift Practicality & Boot Space

For such a compact car, the Swift manages space well, though it’s clearly designed with smaller families or couples in mind. The 265-litre boot is decent for the class, easily handling a weekly shop or a couple of weekend bags. The rear seats fold to expand cargo capacity when you need to carry larger items. Inside, there are enough storage cubbies and pockets for your daily essentials, plus cup holders and door bins that are actually useful rather than just token gestures.

Rear seat space is where the Swift shows its compact dimensions most clearly. Adults will find headroom and legroom tight for longer journeys, though it’s perfectly adequate for children or shorter trips with adult passengers. The Swift works best as a car for one or two people who occasionally need to carry passengers. For everyday urban use and weekend adventures, it offers enough space without the bulk of a larger car. Compared to other used Suzuki cars, the Swift strikes an excellent balance between manageable size and practical usability.

The Suzuki Swift stands out by offering genuine driving enjoyment alongside excellent fuel economy and strong reliability. It packages these strengths into an affordable, well built car that doesn’t feel like a compromise. The mild hybrid system enhances efficiency while the lightweight construction keeps the driving experience engaging and fun. While it may not offer the most luxurious interior or the largest boot in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most for daily driving.

You choose the Swift because you want a small car that’s more than just basic transportation. Its cheerful character, impressive fuel economy, and reputation for reliability make every journey more enjoyable. Whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring country roads, the Swift feels eager and responsive. For drivers seeking an honest, affordable car with genuine personality, combined with the peace of mind of excellent cars under £10,000 available on the used market, the Swift deserves serious consideration.