The Swift has always offered affordability in spades but arguably lacked the finer details of rivals like the Ford Fiesta – driving enjoyment being one of them.

Now in its third-generation, the Swift has stepped up its game, ticking more boxes and looking like a worthy competitor to the ubiquitous Fiesta.

Improved driving dynamics are at the forefront of the new Swift, although it still retains its affordably low price tag and quirky small car styling.

Performance

The 1.2-litre petrol is the most significant in the Swift range as it attracts younger buyers looking for a small engine to keep insurance premiums down. This unit produces a rather impressive 93bhp and can reach 62mph from a standing start in just 12.3 seconds. Although on paper the 1.2-litre seems fairly sprightly, it lacks vigour out on the open road, but it is happy enough when nipping around city streets.

The standard five-speed manual gearbox mated to the 1.2-litre is also worth a shout out as it is incredibly slick and certainly adds to its inner-city, hustle and bustle appeal.

Other engines on offer include a frugal 74bhp 1.3-litre diesel. There’s also a punchy 134bhp 1.6-litre petrol unit, featured in the range-topping Swift Sport model that can reach 62mph in just 8.7 seconds.

Ride and Handling

You don’t get as much feedback through the front wheels as the Fiesta, but the Swift is definitely up there with the best in the supermini segment.

The Swift’s handling has gradually improved over its three-generations and it now offers responsive steering that allows you to have fun behind the wheel. You don’t get as much feedback through the front wheels as the Fiesta, but the Swift is definitely up there with the best in the supermini segment. The ride is also quite adept as it’s not too stiff or soft. This halfway point allows the suspension to tackle speed bumps and be comfortable on long motorway trips. You do get a fair bit of wind noise at motorway speeds, but you are unlikely to opt for the Swift anyway if you are after a motorway cruiser.

Interior and Equipment

The Suzuki Swift name actually dates back to 1983, as the Suzuki Cultus would sometimes carry the Swift label.

Although the interior of the Swift is full of scratchy, hard-wearing plastics, there is still plenty of equipment on offer – so it is easy to be deceived. Standard kit on every model includes the likes of MP3 compatibility, electric front windows, central locking and a CD player. Safety wise, Electronic Stability Programme and seven airbags are also thrown in as standard. At the other end of the spectrum is the top of the range SZ4 trim, highlights of this trim include automatic air conditioning and Bluetooth. Practicality lets the Swift down a little however, especially when it comes to boot space. With just 211 litres on offer the Swift’s boot is 79 litres smaller than the Ford Fiesta. It also has a high loading lip, making it difficult to get heavy objects in and out.

Cost

If you are after something that is even cheaper than the Swift, there is not much else to consider beside the uber-budget Dacia Sandero.

The Swift’s price tag is one of its biggest selling points as models sits around £1,000 less compared to the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Peugeot 208 ranges. If you are after something that is even cheaper than the Swift, there is not much else to consider beside the uber-budget Dacia Sandero. In terms of running costs, the 1.2-litre petrol will realistically return around 50mpg, which is pretty good. The 1.3-litre diesel is also quite efficient, returning an average of around 60mpg.

Our Verdict

The Suzuki Swift for some time simply blended into the supermini crowd. But with its improved driving dynamics, the Swift has become one of the top dogs and is closer than ever to going toe-to-toe with the famed Fiesta. What it does lack is a little added refinement of its interior design and, most importantly, greater practicality. It remains one of the cheapest superminis on the market, but now has the added appeal of being fun to drive. There is definitely a heady demand for a model like the Swift.