Suzuki says that the new Swift, which went on sale in the UK in April 2005, is one of the most significant cars it has produced in recent years. It's certainly a big improvement over what has gone before, and it needs to be if Suzuki is to reclaim the ground it has lost to rival manufacturers lately.The new Swift range is simple, the place of the 1.5 GLX within it easily told. There are two engine options - this one, with variable valve timing, and a simpler and less powerful 1.3-litre unit - along with two trim levels and two transmissions. The 1.3 doesn't get the automatic box, and it's available exclusively as a GL, while all the 1.5-litre Swifts are in the higher GLX specification.I cursed Suzuki roundly after that incident, but perhaps the company assumes that none of its customers will be stupid enough to leave the car without making sure that they have the control unit in their hands. If so, fair point.On paper, the 1.3 and the 1.5 are quite similar in terms of performance, economy and CO2 emissions. I haven't driven a 1.3 yet, but the statistics make me suspect that it must be a bit of a goer. The 1.5 GLX certainly doesn't hang about (not in manual form, at least), and it has the chassis capability to match.In fact, not to mince words here, the Swift is right at the top of its class for a compromise between sharp, agile handling and smooth, unflustered ride quality - there is, for example, no German car on the market which provides a better balance between these two elements on typical UK roads.There's certainly nothing of comparable size which looks like it. Suzuki is quite deliberately introducing a design policy which means that the Swift bears little resemblance to anything else. I reckon it looks purposeful without being especially attractive - you can make up your own mind about that, but surely we can agree that the interior is attractive in a sporting kind of way.It's comfortable, too, and quite roomy for front passengers. Luggage space falls short of being class-leading, though, extending from 213 litres to 562 litres depending on what you do with the 60/40 split folding rear seat.From 2006 you'll be able to sit in front of the telly and watch brightly-coloured Swifts charging along rally stages and emitting high-pitched screams - Suzuki is using this model to replace the very successful Ignis in World Rally Championship events. The road version isn't as exciting, of course, but it's fun to drive, reasonably practical and without question an interesting alternative to mainstream hatchback design. Engine 1490 cc, 4 cylinders Power 102 bhp @5900 rpm Torque 98.1 ib/ft @4100 rpm Transmission 5 speed manual Fuel/CO2 43.5 mpg / 159 g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 10sec Top speed 115 mph Price From £10382.00 approx Release date 01/04/2005
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