The Suzuki Swift Won an Award, Then Had to Defend It All Year
Both reviews arrive at nearly the same place: a genuinely charming, well-priced small car that's ageing well against some rivals but facing real pressure from newer, better-equipped Chinese competition.
Small Car, Big Reputation to Live Up To
Winning a Small Car of the Year award is one thing. Reviewers have spent the following months asking whether that reputation still holds up against a fast-moving market — and largely, if not unanimously, concluding it does.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Supermini hatchback |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L mild-hybrid 3-cyl (81-82bhp) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or CVT automatic; Allgrip 4WD available (manual only) |
| 0–62mph | 12.5 sec |
| Fuel economy | Up to 70mpg claimed, high-50s to low-60s real-world |
| Boot space | 265 litres |
Full Review Summary
Top Gear
Top Gear's six-month long-term test found the Swift remarkably close to getting everything right first time, with genuine praise for its light weight — under a tonne — making it feel agile and alert despite a modest 81bhp. They flagged tired-feeling cabin plastics and a slow, laggy touchscreen as real weaknesses, and by the test's end were candid that newer, bigger, better-equipped Chinese rivals at similar prices have made the traditional petrol supermini's position genuinely precarious. Real-world fuel economy consistently exceeded 56mpg across varied conditions including snow and ice, with the optional Allgrip four-wheel-drive system praised as a rare feature in this class.
Motorpoint
Motorpoint praised standard-fit radar cruise control even on entry-level trim, alongside heated front seats and a reversing camera as genuinely generous equipment for the price. They found motorway refinement a weak point, with more tyre and wind noise than most rivals bar the Dacia Sandero, and rated rear-seat space as decent but behind the roomier Skoda Fabia. Despite the styling being more divisive than the previous generation, they concluded it remains a great car at a great price with only minor niggles around gearbox choice and refinement.
Strengths
- Excellent real-world fuel economy
- Light, agile, genuinely enjoyable handling
- Generous standard equipment for the price
- Rare optional four-wheel-drive system in this class
Weak points
- Tired-feeling cabin plastics and slow touchscreen
- Noticeable wind and tyre noise at motorway speeds
- Facing genuine pressure from bigger, better-equipped Chinese rivals at similar prices
- Modest power means real-world acceleration is leisurely
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want a genuinely fun, efficient, well-equipped small car and don't mind sacrificing some cabin polish and outright pace. Worth cross-shopping against newer Chinese rivals offering more space and equipment for similar money before committing.