Suzuki Swift Sport: Spotted
The Suzuki Swift Sport has just been replaced, but you'll be wanting the brilliantly affordable last one
For a number of years now, more and more of our favourite hot hatches have adopted turbo engines to deliver the performance that customers demand while reducing emissions and fuel consumption. However, there was always the Suzuki Swift Sport to buck that trend; until now. Yes, alas, the new generation of Swift Sport is here and it has gone down the forced induction route. Shame.
Fortunately, you can still buy a good example of the old Swift Sport on the used market. It's not the fastest hot hatch out there, but it is an entertaining little rascal nonetheless, one worthy of being highlighted in a Spotted. There are plenty out there to choose from, too, including this low mileage, two-year-old example.
The sensible stuff first. Equipment levels are generous, though, with all the mod cons such as climate control, sat nav, cruise control, and a DAB radio; none of this helps it to go any faster, but it's good to have in a sensible commuter car. The boot is small, but it's not a very big car, so this is to be expected.
When you do escape the urban sprawl, there's a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine that thrives on revs, and it's paired with a slick six-speed gearbox to enable you to keep it near the redline, at all times.
The Swift Sport has a firm ride, but it does have the word 'Sport' emblazoned on the back, so you were warned about this. It never becomes uncomfortable, mind, and it does help to keep body roll under control. The tyres stick tenaciously to the road surface, meaning that you'll need a good yank of the handbrake to really get the tail to step out of line. In other words, you can enjoy throwing the car around without fear of it biting back.
Insurance might be a little higher than its rivals and road tax is £150 per year, but that's not the end of the world. Fuel economy is good for this type of car and the reliability is sound. All in, there is a lot to like about the Swift Sport. You can buy one; thrash it for a few years and it'll still be working fine when you come to sell it.
This two-year-old Swift Sport is now down to £8,680, or less than half the price of the new car, and with only 16,000 miles on it there's plenty of life left in it. If you want your naturally aspirated thrills, buy one now, while you still can.
SPECIFICATION - SUZUKI SWIFT SPORT
Engine: 1,586cc, four-cylinder, N/A
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 136@6,900rpm
Torque (lb ft): 118@4,400rpm
MPG: 44.1
CO2: 147 g/km
First registered: 2016
Recorded mileage: 16,000 miles
Price new: £14,004
Yours for: £8,680
My best mate was looking for a four-door one in the last couple of weeks and couldn't get one anywhere.
I average 45 MPG (on the clocks) as I have a decent run into work and enjoy most of them. I have had "Hot" hatchbacks all my life and although this isnt one of the fastest it is one of the most fun and the most reliable I have had.
It is comfortable enough and handles really well. I thought I might trade it in against the new one but after reading a few reviews.. I think I have changed my mind.
Shame really as i did enjoy it but this model only has 10bhp up on the one i had.
Just like their owners, cars get an inch wider every few years. What were once small town cars have grown to become large family cars.
My wife's 2016 Vauxhall Viva is as large as my neighbour's 15yr old Corsa (early-2000s) and that's as large as a 15-year-older (mid-1980s) Astra.
If you think it's 11 inches. you are going to severely disappoint a woman one day.
Easy peasy
Depends how hard they are ragging it but Honest John Real MPG reports 42 MPG from owners and Spritmonitor a perhaps more realistic 37. With a 42 liter tank @ 37 it should be 300+ easy. Perhaps Suzuki QC isn't great and there are good engines and bad ones
In my limited experience, the steering and ride of the SSS is much better, but the Panda wins easily on practicality.
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