Suzuki Swift Sport 2011-2017: Should YOU buy one?

The Suzuki Swift Sport has long been a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate a hot hatch with excellent handling and plenty of fun, all without breaking the bank. While not the most powerful option on the market, it’s agile, lightweight, and an absolute joy to drive. With this third-generation model, Suzuki aimed to expand its appeal by offering a smarter interior, lower running costs, more grunt, and even sharper handling. For all its improvements, it remains a well-kept secret in its segment, but those who know it will undoubtedly enjoy what it brings to the table.

Back to Basics: A Hot Hatch Without the Fluff

I remember a time when hot hatches were about pure, simple fun—no fancy technology, no excessive weight, just a rev-happy engine and a great chassis. The Swift Sport captures this spirit in a way that most modern cars don’t. While many performance cars now feature trick differentials, electronic stability systems, and dual-clutch gearboxes, Suzuki has kept things refreshingly straightforward. The Swift Sport doesn’t need these gadgets to provide a thrilling experience.
This car stands as one of the best-kept secrets in GTI motoring. It may not boast big horsepower figures, but it makes up for it with its lightweight design. As a result, it can easily surprise much more expensive and powerful cars, especially in tight corners and twisty roads. With around 6,000 Swift Sports already driving around the UK, many of them are owned by drivers who wouldn’t trade their Swift for anything more expensive or powerful.

How Does It Drive?

The Swift Sport is not all about raw power. Back in the ‘80s, affordable hot hatches like the Peugeot 205 GTI dominated with a power-to-weight ratio that made them great fun. That’s exactly what Suzuki has achieved with this model—a lightweight, agile car that’s fun to drive, even if the power numbers aren’t mind-blowing. The 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine produces 134 brake horsepower, and while that’s not going to blow you away, it’s the way the car delivers that power that’s impressive.
With a curb weight just over a ton, this little machine can sprint from 0 to 60 in about 8.7 seconds, with a top speed of 121 mph. Sure, it won’t win many drag races, but that’s not the point. The Swift Sport shines on twisty back roads where its quick, responsive steering and nimble handling come into play. The short wheelbase and rigid torsion beam suspension setup make it a joy to throw into corners.
The six-speed manual gearbox replaces the old five-speed, and while the engine needs to be revved to deliver its peak performance, it’s a pleasure to drive. In a world of turbocharged engines offering power low in the rev range, this naturally aspirated unit requires the driver to work a bit harder, but the reward is an engaging driving experience.

How Does It Handle Long Drives?

Despite its sporty nature, the Swift Sport remains a surprisingly comfortable highway companion. The ride isn’t punishing, and the engine is quiet when you’re not pushing it to the limit. The new six-speed gearbox makes cruising more relaxed, which is not something you would typically expect from a car like this.
Thanks to the six-speed transmission, long trips aren’t a problem for this hot hatch. The improved refinement and better ride quality make it far more livable than you might expect from such a focused driver’s car.

Design and Interior

The Suzuki Swift Sport isn’t about flashy looks, but it’s still got an assertive design that reflects its performance potential. The front end, with its high-intensity discharge headlamps, gives it a lower visual center of gravity, while the rear showcases sleeker lamps and a stylish design that makes it stand out.
Inside, the cabin is driver-focused. Overlapping dials sit behind a leather-trimmed sport steering wheel, and the tapering center console leads your eyes to the six-speed gear lever. The seats offer good lateral support, ensuring you stay comfortable and in control on twisty roads.
It’s true that the materials inside won’t make you feel like you’re in a luxury car, but the quality is much improved over previous models. This is a hot hatch focused on driving pleasure, not luxury, and for the price, you get a lot of car for your money.

Affordability Meets Fun

The Suzuki Swift Sport isn’t just about driving fun; it’s also about affordability. Priced at around £14,000, it offers great value in today’s small car market. The combination of lightweight design, sporty performance, and a reasonable price point makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious drivers who want a bit of excitement in their daily drive.
You get only one body style (three-door) and a single six-speed manual transmission, but the car comes decently equipped. Features like 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, automatic headlamps, privacy glass, sports seats, and air conditioning come as standard.

Rivals and Competitors

Compared to its rivals, the Swift Sport holds its own. The Renault Twingo and Fiat 500 Abarth are two cars that offer similar performance, but they’re smaller and not as practical for everyday use. The Mini Cooper is a more direct competitor, but it’s more expensive and, again, smaller than the Swift Sport.
The Swift Sport’s mix of affordability, fun, and practicality gives it an edge over many of its competitors. You won’t find many cars at this price point that offer as much character and enjoyment.

Economy and Running Costs

Suzuki has worked to keep the Swift Sport’s emissions and fuel economy figures competitive. CO2 emissions have been trimmed to 147g/km, and fuel economy is improved to 44.1 mpg on the combined cycle. These aren’t class-leading numbers, but they’re respectable considering the car’s performance.
Insurance costs are also lower than some of its competitors, with the Swift Sport being rated in group 19, compared to the previous generation’s group 23.

Conclusion

The Suzuki Swift Sport is a hot hatch that delivers old-school driving fun without the drawbacks of old-school design. It’s an affordable, practical, and entertaining car that feels just as at home on a daily commute as it does on a twisty back road.
If you’ve been overlooking the Swift Sport, it’s time to give it a second look. Take it for a spin, and you might just find that it’s the perfect blend of fun and functionality. For those seeking a real driver’s car without the high price tag, the Swift Sport could be exactly what you need.
For more insights and to see the Swift Sport in action, check out this review on YouTube: Suzuki Swift Sport 2011-2017 | Should YOU buy one?.