Suzuki Swift (2021) Review
Written by Justin Delaney, an Independent Reviewer, Journalist, and Motor expert.
This week we have been spending some time with what we call a good honest car! Although Suzuki unveiled this particular shape Swift at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show as its all new global compact supermini, it was face-lifted for 2021 with a heavily revised 1.2-litre engine with hybrid technology as standard.
There were further standard equipment updates and subtle changes throughout that give this stylish little hatchback more bang for the buck! Every time we see the Swift the first thing you notice is the size. At just 3,845mm long, the Swift is a compact little runaround that features excellent visibility, a surprisingly spacious interior and ample luggage space for that weekend away.
Buyers will have three choices (SZ-L, SZ-T, SZ5) when picking a Swift, all of which, have different levels of specification.
Features
For this updated version the standard equipment on the SZ-L includes air conditioning, rear view camera, Radar Brake Support with Adaptive Cruise Control, smartphone link for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, leather steering wheel, privacy glass, LED Headlamps, LED rear combination lamps, polished 16-inch alloy wheels and front electric windows. Stepping up to the SZ-T adds grey painted 16-inch alloy wheels, Dual Sensor Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Weaving Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition and rear parking sensors.
The top of the range SZ5 adds Navigation, 16-inch polished alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, keyless entry and start, telescopic steering wheel adjustment, rear electric windows and door mirror side turn indicators. All models come in one solid colour and six optional metallic colours with three dual tone colours incorporating a Black Pearl roof which we think really suits the shape.
The audio system for all Swift Facelift models has a smartphone link capability, with a large seven-inch touch panel display that enables easy operation of selected apps with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or MirrorLink. This is where Suzuki might have fallen down in the past with a ‘not so user friendly’ infotainment system but now everything is much more intuitive. We found Apple CarPlay a gift to use in this new Swift facilitating navigation directions, listening to music, safely accessing text messages and more.
Power
Those of us familiar with Suzuki products will remember the little 1.2-litre Dualjet engine (K12C), which was first launched in 2014. This engine is now gone in favour of a new four-cylinder K12D Dualjet unit, which offers better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. The maximum power output is 83hp with a torque figure of 107Nm at just 2,800rpm. This doesn’t seem like a lot but in a car of this size and weight, it’s more than enough.
Fuel efficiency is further increased when paired with the self-charging hybrid system powered by a new lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 10Ah. This upgraded 12V Hybrid system is a compact and lightweight unit that incorporates an Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG), which acts as both a generator, and starter motor, the ISG is belt driven and assists the engine during vehicle take off and acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking. In situations that require higher fuel use, such as when starting from a standstill or accelerating, the hybrid system helps decrease fuel consumption by providing electric motor assistance harvested through regenerative braking. Although it’s commonly referred to as ‘mild’ hybrid technology it is incredibly sophisticated.
Our test car was a manual but a CVT gearbox with paddle shift is an option.
Safety
The Swift might be cheap on price but they haven’t skimped on safety technology. Our test car had active safety equipment to include a Radar Brake Support (RBS) system, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Vehicle Weave Warning which operates the same as Lane Keeping Assist.
When the vehicle is travelling at vehicle speeds of approximately 60km/h or above and is weaving from side to side within a lane, the system sounds a warning buzzer and lights an indicator on the instrument panel. This quickly grabs your attention to weaving caused by drowsiness or just poor driving. Decent crash protection and a gaggle of cabin airbags also keep occupants safe.
Suzuki Swift Prices
This is where Suzuki really shines in our opinion. Our test car was the SZ-L which kicks off at just €17,775 or €18,145 including the metallic paint option selected. The SZ-T is €19,180 and the top of the range SZ5 comes in at €21,320. PCP and Hire Purchase options are both available with 0% APR. This is going to be hard to beat for competitors in this segment!
Summary
The Suzuki Swift is a standout offering for us at the moment. It’s stylish, nimble, responsive and great fun to drive particularly in the manual transmission. The smooth four-cylinder engine pulls well through the gears and it’s very enjoyable to live with. The no fuss styling might be already dated to some but for us, this is half the charm. It floats around under the radar doing exactly what you ask of it!
For someone on a budget considering a used car from one of the German giants or perhaps a new car from a less known manufacturer then we think you would be hard pressed to find better value than this tried and tested offering from Suzuki. It is a brand you know you can trust offering good residuals and that new car piece of mind! Perhaps it’s time you got behind the wheel of one?
Suzuki Swift Pros
Honest Drive
Price
Spec
Suzuki Swift Cons
A little bland for some
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