Suzuki Swift: Compact Charm with Big Car Features

Explore the 2024 Suzuki Swift – a lightweight, well-equipped supermini with excellent fuel economy and fun driving dynamics. Discover why it stands out.

In an era where small cars are being pushed off the roads by growing SUVs and EV mandates, Suzuki’s decision to stick with the Swift feels almost rebellious. As the Ford Fiesta, Nissan Micra, and VW Up vanish from showrooms, the Swift stands its ground — compact, lightweight, and built for real-world fun.

This isn’t Suzuki’s first rodeo. The Swift has been around since 1983, selling over 9 million units globally. The 2024 version sticks close to its roots, measuring just under 3.9 meters long, but with sharper styling up front and a floating roofline thanks to blacked-out pillars. It’s not the roomiest in class, but with a 265-liter boot and space for four adults, it checks the practicality box for most supermini shoppers.

Inside, the evolution is clear. While hard plastics still dominate, clever moldings and two-tone design lift the cabin’s feel. Even the base Motion trim is generously equipped with heated seats, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a rearview camera — not bad for an entry-level car.

The infotainment system, a new 9-inch unit, isn’t flashy. It’s a bit slow and basic, but supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which matters more. Step up to the Ultra trim and you get climate control, folding mirrors, and polished alloy wheels.

Under the hood lies a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder engine with 81 horsepower — modest by any measure. Yet thanks to a mild hybrid system and lightweight construction (under 950 kg for base models), the Swift feels surprisingly eager. The 5-speed manual gearbox is slick, making the most of the available power and adding to the driving joy.

Out on the road, it’s a reminder that small can still be fun. The steering is more weighted than before, the chassis playful but controlled. It leans, yes, but it grips, and it responds. The Swift won’t beat the Fiesta for outright dynamics, but it comes close — and that’s no small feat.

Fuel economy is another highlight, with over 64 mpg (WLTP) and real-world results often exceeding 50 mpg. Running costs, then, are firmly in check.

But there’s a caveat — price. The Swift is no longer the budget hero it once was. Starting at just under £18,700, it’s pricier than rivals like the Citroën C3 or Renault Clio, both slightly larger. While Suzuki packs in more standard features, that price could be a hurdle for some.

Is the Swift worth it? If you’re after simplicity, character, and a genuine smile behind the wheel — absolutely. Perhaps Suzuki could offer a stripped-down version to hit a more enticing price point. But even as it stands, the Swift makes a compelling case for staying small in a world that seems obsessed with going big.