I know, I know, a comparison of the Swift Sport with the old Honda Civic Type R is not fair. Or all that valid, come to think of it. Because if you're interested in a Sport - and you very much should be - then you won't also be considering an 11-year-old Honda as an alternative. However as two light, revvy and fun Japanese hot hatches, it was interesting to compare and contrast.
Not much size difference, is there? Both are on 17-inch wheels, with the Swift appearing fractionally taller and similar on width too. The Civic is longer, but it goes to show how the B and C segments have changed over the past 15 years.
Inside both sit you a bit too high, however each also with good seats and steering wheels. Both even have electric steering that could be better. There are more similarities than you might think, basically, with that pleasing Japanese tradition of placing the driver right at the centre of things.
Of course what really separates the Civic from the Swift, plus its contemporaries, is that powertrain. The Type R's engine shines in the package like the Maltesers in a tin of Celebrations, the best bit that's on offer by a long way. The zeal, energy and frenzied nature of that 2.0-litre VTEC is addictive, complemented beautifully by the six-speed manual. Even now it feels fast and almost exotic, to a level that the Swift can't compete with.
But as I said, that's not a relevant comparison. Not only does the Swift remain a performance car bargain at £14K, I'm finding more things to like about it. The dimensions are spot on for someone who spends a lot of time in urban areas, the Swift's slender frame ideal for darting into gaps and parking in small spaces; the latter's particularly good if your parking skills aren't exactly up to scratch.
It's still large enough and comfortable enough on longer journeys however, small boot notwithstanding. It does make you wonder why people bother with things so much bigger.
Foolishly this month I've let other people borrow the Swift, from which praise has been less forthcoming. I shan't name names, however complaints of meagre performance that's too difficult to access have been heard. Heathens! The very joy of the Swift is that its modest numbers have to be worked for and that it can be driven hard without (much) fear, chasing revs and the limit of grip to your heart's content. The truly humble hot hatch is dying, though it's not hard to see why when issues like this are raised. Said staff members will surely be happy when the next turbocharged Swift Sport arrives, presumably with even wider tyres and a host more driver aids. Or maybe the diesel.
I must finish with an apology too, as the comparison that is genuinely relevant - with other forgotten hot hatches from days gone by - hasn't been organised yet. It will be done soon! I really need to get that foglight sorted as well; the little Swift has largely been kept in airport car parks recently, which I don't like. Finally, employing a more economical (kind of) driving style - albeit without many motorway miles - saw the Swift return 35mpg. Back to the old way it is then!
FACT SHEET
Car: Suzuki Swift Sport
Run by: Matt
On fleet since: October 2016
Mileage: 4,009 (delivered on 300)
List price new: £14,399
Last month at a glance: Others may not agree, but it's still a super Swift for Matt