Swift Sport so much fun

Jan 19 2009 Peter Hayward

THERE are some really good small cars around as the makers improve their offerings to attract the increasing number of buyers downsizing from larger models.

One of the best is the Suzuki Swift, which does everything particularly well in its lower forms and also comes well equipped straight out of the box.

And then there's the Swift Sport, which is more fun than some much quicker hot hatches.

Other Swifts have a good ride as well as sharp handling and peppy engines.

The Sport has even sharper handling and the most amazing grip but the ride suffers, becoming very unsettled and uncomfortable over rough surfaces.

But who cares, when a little car like this serves up so much fun I could live with the ride any time.

The 1.6-litre engine sounds superb and is hugely willing. It revs sweetly and makes the car quick off the mark and even more fun through the close ratio sporting gears.

This little cracker is so good I want one.

Interior

High sided racing-type seats hold in all the right places and equipment is well up with the opposition, including air-con and a full electric pack.

It even comes with the luxury of rear parking sensors - such a sensible addition to any small car that needs to be slotted into tight parking spaces.

FAST FACTS

Suzuki Swift 1.6 Sport 3dr

Price : £11,750

Mechanical : 125bhp, 1,586cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 124mph

0-62mph : 8.9 secs

Combined mpg : 39.8

Insurance group : 9

CO2 emissions : 171g/km

BiK rating : 22%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 12yrs anti-rust

Marks : 9/10

Main rival : Vauxhall Corsa SRi