Sooty, the Swift Sport
Discussion
Picked this up in April 2016, a 6 month old Suzuki Swift Sport. Had been looking for a while and decided what spec I was after - blue or black, 3dr - that's all there really is to decide as there's no options on them when new! Saw this online at a Suzuki main dealer just outside Newport, South Wales. Phoned them up, price and generous trade-in offer for my old car agreed and then arranged to pick up. Only then did I start to consider how long it would take to get there and back from Dundee... oops.
Long story short, here's Sooty (yes, seriously - Sooty) on the way back from Wales:

And now, complete with my plates on and the most important addition, a smilie (parents' cars just sneaking into view!):


Absolutely loving it so far, can see it staying for quite a while. Getting the right balance between fun and cheap to run was important for this one, as I'm heading back to uni after 3 years out working in August. Certainly feels like I've made the right decision so far! No plans to modify it at all, just going to keep fed and watered and clean
Long story short, here's Sooty (yes, seriously - Sooty) on the way back from Wales:
And now, complete with my plates on and the most important addition, a smilie (parents' cars just sneaking into view!):
Absolutely loving it so far, can see it staying for quite a while. Getting the right balance between fun and cheap to run was important for this one, as I'm heading back to uni after 3 years out working in August. Certainly feels like I've made the right decision so far! No plans to modify it at all, just going to keep fed and watered and clean

Lovely car! I've got a low miler 2011 mk1, does everything you need (apart from seat people comfortably in the back, fit wide stuff in the boot, get over 35mpg, be quiet and refined on motorways) but once you hit the right road it all makes sense
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Good idea keeping it standard, but there are so many options in regards to aftermarket parts I can see most people getting tempted! Either way, in standard form it's a lovely throwback to late 80's/early 90's hot hatches and always surprises people I take out in it with how capable they are!
.Good idea keeping it standard, but there are so many options in regards to aftermarket parts I can see most people getting tempted! Either way, in standard form it's a lovely throwback to late 80's/early 90's hot hatches and always surprises people I take out in it with how capable they are!
Robbins said:
I've always liked the Mk1 Swift Sport and this new one gets good reviews too but to me it looks under wheeled and heavy which takes some of the Mk1 appeal away for me. If it's a fun car though it doesn't matter.
The only place I think this car isn't as appealing is the back end. Aside from that I think it's a great job. I believe it's actually lighter than the mk1 as well!Edited by Robbins on Thursday 9th June 20:21
Great looking car OP I really like these. My dad has a white sport and if we are going out together I'll often try to get round to his place before he is ready to leave and make sure I'm in the driving seat.
There absolutely rammed with gadgets compared with what I was expecting. Driving position is a bit odd when you first get in as its high up but somehow very quickly you forget that when your on the go. I do find it quick and although I haven't had much of a chance to really play in the upper rev range I was expecting a bit more poke above 5k.
There absolutely rammed with gadgets compared with what I was expecting. Driving position is a bit odd when you first get in as its high up but somehow very quickly you forget that when your on the go. I do find it quick and although I haven't had much of a chance to really play in the upper rev range I was expecting a bit more poke above 5k.
Thanks all, glad to see it's not just popular with me! Forgot to add that the room inside is surprisingly good, had tallish people in the back without complaint. The boot is teeny though, although the biggest thing I ever carry in it besides a food shop is my violin so I'm alright with it.
Re. kit, you get absolutely cracking xenon headlights, electric heated foldy-in mirrors, climate control, cruise control, full touchscreen nav system with Bluetooth streaming/DAB/USB etc. and 7 airbags (I didn't know knee airbags were a thing until I got this car!). Think it's a pretty impressive list given they list at 14k and can be had for a decent amount less than that at 6-9 months old.
Re. kit, you get absolutely cracking xenon headlights, electric heated foldy-in mirrors, climate control, cruise control, full touchscreen nav system with Bluetooth streaming/DAB/USB etc. and 7 airbags (I didn't know knee airbags were a thing until I got this car!). Think it's a pretty impressive list given they list at 14k and can be had for a decent amount less than that at 6-9 months old.
Ticked over 5k miles this weekend, so that's 1600ish covered so far in my ownership. Took it up over the road past Knockhill on Friday, then back roads towards the A91 and back up to Dundee from there, in mostly pouring rain but very quiet roads - pretty much ragged it for most of an afternoon. Great way to spend it. It's a right giggle when you really go for it, and yet it's not so fast that you're at licence-risking speeds before you're having fun.
Magic hasn't worn off yet.
Magic hasn't worn off yet.
I don't suppose you've had any experience of the MK1 to compare the two at all?
I have a mk1 at the moment, and it's too noisy on the motorway for me - the newer ones are supposed to have a 6 speed box and be generally more refined though, and have bags more kit.
Tempted to go and test drive one when I get chance! Looks nice, enjoy!
I have a mk1 at the moment, and it's too noisy on the motorway for me - the newer ones are supposed to have a 6 speed box and be generally more refined though, and have bags more kit.
Tempted to go and test drive one when I get chance! Looks nice, enjoy!
Don't have any experience of the Mk1, but can tell you the Mk2 is definitely a 6-speed gearbox. Sits at around 3200rpm at 75mph in 6th, don't know how that compares to Mk1! Certainly refined enough for me though. Think if you get 64-plate or later the full touchscreen nav etc. is standard from that point on, and I've been impressed with the system so far. Much more responsive than the system in my parents' XK!
Congratulations!
I've been meaning to start a thread on mine. Also a 65 plate, but mines blue. I've only done 2300 miles, but so far very pleased. Sadly there isn't anything else like it on sale.
I've been meaning to start a thread on mine. Also a 65 plate, but mines blue. I've only done 2300 miles, but so far very pleased. Sadly there isn't anything else like it on sale.
JoeCastle said:
Lovely car! I've got a low miler 2011 mk1, does everything you need (apart from seat people comfortably in the back, fit wide stuff in the boot, get over 35mpg, be quiet and refined on motorways) but once you hit the right road it all makes sense
.
The current model also has a small boot, but I think there's a bit more rear leg room (longer wheelbase), and I'm averaging 40mpg. That's real mpg, not the 50+ that the onboard computer reports.
.CX53 said:
I don't suppose you've had any experience of the MK1 to compare the two at all?
I have a mk1 at the moment, and it's too noisy on the motorway for me - the newer ones are supposed to have a 6 speed box and be generally more refined though, and have bags more kit.
I test drove the older model a few years bag and found it very buzzy and unrefined. The current model is much better, but still no limousine.I have a mk1 at the moment, and it's too noisy on the motorway for me - the newer ones are supposed to have a 6 speed box and be generally more refined though, and have bags more kit.
Very smart :-) I'm considering one of these for myself at some point, given we bought a new Vitara as a family car earlier in the year and that's been fantastic so far.
Surprised on so few options being available from new though as on a Vitara there's tons! We added different wheels/rear spoiler, trims round the DRLs, armrest, a few piano black trims etc.. but had options for different gearnobs, sill covers, dash trim inlays, PDC and so on
Surprised on so few options being available from new though as on a Vitara there's tons! We added different wheels/rear spoiler, trims round the DRLs, armrest, a few piano black trims etc.. but had options for different gearnobs, sill covers, dash trim inlays, PDC and so on
daniel-5zjw7 said:
Very smart :-) I'm considering one of these for myself at some point, given we bought a new Vitara as a family car earlier in the year and that's been fantastic so far.
Surprised on so few options being available from new though as on a Vitara there's tons! We added different wheels/rear spoiler, trims round the DRLs, armrest, a few piano black trims etc.. but had options for different gearnobs, sill covers, dash trim inlays, PDC and so on
Start a thread with some pics pal Surprised on so few options being available from new though as on a Vitara there's tons! We added different wheels/rear spoiler, trims round the DRLs, armrest, a few piano black trims etc.. but had options for different gearnobs, sill covers, dash trim inlays, PDC and so on
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