Ian Lamming goes the journey in the new Suzuki Swift Hybrid
FOUR days in a row, round trip journeys of more than 200 miles have to be made, all to keep the wolf from the door.
Just as well the test car is eminently capable then, in fact it’s so accomplished it does make you wonder why we bother spending all our hard earned on larger vehicles.
The weapon of choice in this instance is the brand new Swift from Suzuki and it is unbelievably economical. Displayed in proud fashion on the trip computer is the consumption figure of 72.3. That means for eight pints of your finest petroleum this little hatchback will travel more than 73 miles.
Even enjoying its spirted performance it seldom drops below 67mpg – this thing seems to run on fresh air.
It’s 40 years since Suzuki produced its very first Swift and the various incarnations have always been little diamonds, solid, dependable, reliable, good value and fun to drive.
No surprise then really that the latest is every bit as good and even that bit better than the ones before.
By coincidence one of the 200 mile forays is to interview a lady who is thinking of buying a Swift and she is very interested to take a gander. She instantly loves the new sporty front end, with its bolder grille, jam pot lid bonnet and signature lights. It is after all a fine look.
Sculpted bumpers, roof spoiler, compact size, with strong proportions, send messages of solidity and reliability to your brain. Wheels are just 16in and would look even better with larger and the paint is super lustrous thanks to an extra coat of the buff stuff.
The Swift features a willing and able 1.2 litre three cylinder petrol engine which is backed by a mild hybrid system. The output of 82PS sounds modest but on the road Swift feels, well, swift. The three cylinder is rorty and eager and loves been driven. The clutch is light and the five speed manual gearbox is super-slick.
Steering is sharp and the ergonomics are perfect. Handling wise, the Swift is surefooted and capable through the bends. It will ride the motorways nicely but is more than at home through the curves. Urban conditions are a breeze, of course. Given the choice it’s the country roads that put you and the car in your element and it is joyous along twisty lanes.
The interior is more spacious than you would expect of a small car and it’s very well designed. The clocks are clear and neat the touchscreen infotainment easy to navigate. There’s satnav and the sound system is good too. Like all Suzukis, Swift comes with a quality feel. Everything is solid and well-made and there’s an overall air of reliability.
Specification is generous with everything from rear parking sensors and camera to heated seats, automatic air conditioning (operated by buttons and switches – yay) and wireless smartphone link. There’s also a whole raft of safety devices to keep you from harm.
The new Suzuki Swift is a very charming and easy car to live with, representing steadfast motoring at an affordable price. No wonder it swallowed up my quartet of double century journeys with such aplomb.
Fact File
Suzuki Swift Hybrid Ultra
Engine: 1.2 litre three cylinder hybrid
Power: 82PS
0-62mph: 12.5secs
Top speed: 103mph
Combined MPG: 64.2
Transmission: five-speed manual
CO2 g/km: 99
Price: from £19,799.00
