Suzuki Swift Sport: PH Fleet

Back behind the wheel, Matt's only growing fonder of the sprightly Suzuki

For reasons up to and including a horrid commute across south London (better done by train), some actual time on holiday and a couple of early Christmas parties, I hadn't been driving the Swift a great deal. Frustrating really, given it had been away for a spell after being driven into before I'd even had it a week.

Fortunately it's now fresh from a couple of longer trips, one just yesterday in fact. And the discoveries from this extended use are encouraging.

The blue one is staying now!

While the Swift Sport wouldn't be a natural choice for a motorway journey, it was really pleasant company for a drive up to Worcester yesterday evening. Beyond just getting the simple things like a good seat and clear dials correct, there are additional (previously unknown) aspects that make it enjoyable. The sat-nav screen has a GPS speedo, for example, meaning you can be super accurate (and usually a bit quicker) in average speed roadwork sections. And while it may sound perverse, the absence of lane-keep assists and blind spot warnings is another tick in the plus box for me. Not only does the Swift not require them because visibility is very good, it means that there aren't spurious lights and buzzers as you just try to drive along.

The touchscreen has large, simple controls, meaning you can switch between radio, CD and podcasts (or terrible 90s pop) without fuss. The cupholder is in a sensible place. Plentiful snacks can be stashed in the door bins. The fastest wiper setting is pretty damn fast. They sound like inconsequential things, so it's usually only when they're done badly that they're noticed. That the Swift gets so many right is a really encouraging sign.

Of course I'm not suggesting the Swift is some kind of miniature S-Class, or even a shrunken Golf GTI, because it certainly does have some problems at speed. The 1.6 gets a bit buzzy at a constant rpm, there's a fair amount of road noise and the stereo could do with being a bit stronger to drown them out. Oh yes, and it seems none of the lane hoggers who moved out of a Civic Type R's way (driven in the same fashion) want to make room for a Swift. Funny, that. That the biggest issue is how regularly the rear windscreen needs screenwash should show how accommodating the Swift is on the motorway. The idea of a Nordschleife trip to try the track-prepped Rent4Ring Sport is now even more appealing...

It was a fun drive to to Goodwood...

The other journey that stands out was down to Goodwood for the Sunday Service. Now ostensibly we were all travelling down in convoy, but I'm not getting up at 0500h to stick with a diesel S-Max. Sorry lads! But it was worth it, despite Kent to Goodwood not exactly being Dream Drive material. That being said, the last section into Chichester via the A272 and A285 is always good fun, especially early on a Sunday morning.

The Swift felt really in its element; the engine feels keener than it ever has (and hopefully there's more to come), most eager from 4,000-6,500rpm and easy to keep there thanks to a light, positive gearchange. Though the brake pedal is softer than I'd like the stopping power is strong and the whole car is imbued with this glorious sense of agility. Knowing this comes from an inherent lack of weight, not contrived by torque vectoring, trick diffs or sticky tyres, is hugely refreshing in this day and age. And means there are no nasty surprises. Honest is probably what you would call it.

So life is sweet with the Suzuki. At present it's going to be my Christmas transport though, which it doesn't look ideally equipped for. Not only is the boot rather small, the last car I took to my dear old Nan's for a family do was a Ferrari. What will the neighbours say to her when they see a Swift?

FACT SHEET
Car: Suzuki Swift Sport
Run by: Matt (well, it's meant to be...)
On fleet since: October 2016
Mileage: 1,835 (delivered on 300)
List price new: £14,399
Last month at a glance: More miles (at last!) means more smiles in the Swift

Previous updates:
A Swift hello!
Doors for thought as Matt gets in a five-door Sport