NEW SUZUKI SWIFT

At this end of the car market, little things really matter, margins are tight, and incremental improvements are noteworthy. In the case of the new Swift, the looks have evolved but the Swift retains its unique small-car identity developed over four generations and 20 years of production. This one adds 15mm in length. The tweaked profile suggests a bit more volume has gone into the snout.

Suzuki declines to round up engine outputs for the new Swift, describing maximum power as 60.9kW while peak torque is up a fraction at 111.8Nm. The thrummy three-cylinder is now paired with a 12V hybrid starter generator for smoother-revving, punchier and more efficient running. You notice the hybrid battery giving a helping hand when accelerating away briskly, boosting performance with an extra 2.3kW/60Nm for up to 30 seconds below 4000rpm. When enabled, you no longer feel as though you have to wring the triple’s neck. Fairly tall gearing encourages plenty of revs and this characterful motor is happy to supply them. The manual shift quality is good with light but clearly defined short throws.

The starting price has crept up beyond $25k and entry GLS spec still means steel wheels, plastic caps and tall-profile tyres. Expect some bouncing over bumps and modest roll but also very decent road-town compliance. You can also expect to ride waves of light-throttle lumpiness at slow speeds, better described as a gentle hunting hesitancy, that is also apparent at higher speeds when coasting, possibly as the hybrid system harvests energy. It’s a bit of a nuisance and might partly be a function of the odd cylinder count. It’s a solid reason to keep the engine revs up.

First impressions of the cabin are that it’s as functional as ever with good front-seat comfort and excellent outward visibility from the broad, upright screen. The small gearlever and manual air-con controls are well sited and the two-tone, layered dashboard is neatly and tastefully designed. Tilt and telescopic adjustment for steering make it easy for tall drivers to achieve an ideal driving position. It’s a pleasant space, for sure, but don’t expect much material richness or doors that shut with a reassuring thunk.

Other minow downsides to the budget recipe soon become apparent but are hardly deal-breakers: general cabin isolation is so-so, boot capacity is mediocre at 265L, and tyre noise becomes intrusive on coarse chip at higher speeds. On the safety front, however, the new Swift has the prerequisites for a sound safety rating. You quickly appreciate the excellent reverse camera that combines with rear parking sensors. Both are standard along with six airbags, lane-keeping assistance (that’s easy to deactivate), and high-beam assist. You even get keyless entry and stop-start but not auto hill-hold control with the manual shifter.

So the Swift has matured into a more modern and convincing small car with genuine character and solid safety credentials. Suzuki has proven that it can still be good fun without a Sport badge, especially when a manual gearbox is a key ingredient.