Used Suzuki Swift Review (2010-2017) MK2
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Fantastic driving experience
- Economical and inexpensive to run
- Good safety rating
- Limited space in the rear
- No Ford Fiesta ST-rivalling variant
- Could do with more advanced tech
What's the Suzuki Swift like?
The Suzuki Swift has won numerous accolades over the years and was even named as supermini of the year by a couple of automotive magazines.
It's one of the best superminis you can buy, with a wide range of top-notch abilities and very few drawbacks.
They have smooth and delightfully willing engines, excellent roadholding and very safe handling, and when you put all these together you have a car that’s a joy to drive.
Engines
The second generation was built between 2010 and 2017 and came with two petrol engines – a 1.2-litre with 92bhp and in, the excellent Sport, a brilliant 1.6-litre with 134bhp.
There was also a diesel 1.3-litre with 73bhp, capable of 67mpg. However, the 1.2-litre petrol is far more perky and still manages 56mpg, so it has found many more buyers.
Driving Experience
Very unusually for a supermini, the higher spec SZ3 and SZ4 petrol models were also available with four-wheel drive, where the front wheels are driven normally, and the rears are brought into play automatically when slipping is detected.
The base 1.2-litre petrol Swift is good fun with a willing nature and a sweet sound along with its very good economy. As well as a 5-speed manual gearbox, it’s also available with a 4-speed automatic that's still economical, if not as quick.
Enthusiasts who still love their driving will really enjoy the Sport, which is a mini firecracker that's still quite civilised and easy to live with.
All are easy to manage in tight parking spaces thanks to light yet informative power steering, and refinement is excellent – a world away from some other small cars in the class.
Peter Hayward
Comfort is good over long distances, and they also score well on safety, with a five-star Euro NCAP rating.
Equipment and Practicality
The level of equipment is good as standard and the chunky good looks don’t seem to date.
The interior has a high quality feel in the plastics and switchgear, and the seats are comfortable and supportive, with decent adjustment.
With tall people up front, space in the rear is not the best, reducing it to a 3-seater for adults, but there’s enough space for two little ones in child seats. If you plan on having children in the back, it's best to avoid the 3-door models for the obvious reasons.
Mid-range SZ3 models come with heated electric mirrors, aircon, traction control, split fold rear seats, remote locking, audio remote controls, and alloys.
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The Suzuki Swift scores top marks across the board and has won various awards during its lifetime, making it a hard car to beat within the competitive supermini segment. Inexpensive to run, brilliant to drive, built to a high standard, and great value for money, it will leave you with very few complaints when behind the wheel.
