Introduction: The Suzuki Swift – Affordable Without Compromise

The Suzuki Swift, introduced between 2010 and 2017, is proof that affordable cars don’t have to feel cheap. This supermini delivers a driving experience that rivals more expensive competitors like the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. Despite its budget-friendly pricing, the Swift offers great value through enhanced quality, improved fuel efficiency, and a spacious cabin. With its clever design, this car ensures you don’t sacrifice quality or comfort for a lower price tag.
In this article, we’ll explore the Suzuki Swift in detail, highlighting its design, performance, and why it continues to be a popular choice for supermini buyers.

Design: Familiar Yet Improved

The Suzuki Swift may look familiar, and that’s because it has stayed true to the successful design of its predecessor. Suzuki made minimal changes to the exterior, focusing on evolution rather than revolution. Despite the similarities, this newer model offers some notable improvements. The car is now 90mm longer and 5mm wider, which means a roomier cabin for passengers.
The Swift retains its cheeky and compact shape, with subtle updates like curvier front and rear lights, and a curved rear quarter window that gives it a modern touch. The floating roof effect, created by blacked-out side pillars, adds a sleek and sporty feel. Whether you choose the three-door or five-door variant, this design is attractive and functional, with a sense of maturity that wasn’t as evident in its predecessor.

Interior: Bigger and More Comfortable

Step inside the Swift, and you’ll notice that this supermini is surprisingly spacious. Thanks to the 50mm increase in wheelbase, the rear seats can comfortably accommodate two adults with plenty of legroom and headroom. The tall roof design also ensures that even taller passengers won’t feel cramped on longer journeys.
While the boot space is modest at 204 liters, it’s enough for everyday use. Folding the 60/40 split rear seats expands the cargo capacity to 528 liters, although the load area isn’t completely flat. Practical storage options are scattered throughout the cabin, with bottle holders in each door and a well-sized glove box.

Performance: Fun and Engaging to Drive

Under the hood, the Swift offers a choice of engines, with the 1.2-liter petrol engine being the most popular option. This engine delivers **94 PS** and is paired with a clever variable valve timing system, making it both efficient and responsive. You may need to rev it a little higher, but the payoff is a driving experience that feels lively and engaging, particularly in the higher RPM range.
Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes about 12.2 seconds, with a top speed of 103 mph. While these figures might not seem groundbreaking, the Swift’s compact size and well-balanced chassis make it a joy to drive on winding country roads. The car feels stable and agile, with plenty of grip and effective body control. The lighter steering, combined with a more substantial platform, makes it easier to handle around town as well.
For those seeking a bit more excitement, the 1.6-liter **Swift Sport** model delivers 125 PS, offering a more dynamic driving experience that’s sure to please hot hatch enthusiasts.

Comfort and Handling: A Great Balance

The Swift strikes a good balance between comfort and sporty handling. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps in the road, providing a smooth ride even on uneven surfaces. The lighter steering makes maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze, but it still offers enough feedback for an enjoyable driving experience when you’re out on the open road.
For urban drivers, there’s also a **four-speed automatic option** available, offering a more relaxed drive in stop-and-go traffic. Overall, the Swift is versatile enough to handle both city streets and country lanes with ease.

Features and Equipment: Plenty for the Price

One of the Swift’s greatest strengths is the level of equipment it offers for its price. Starting around **£10,000**, the Swift is competitively priced within the supermini segment, undercutting many of its rivals. When compared to similar models like the **Ford Fiesta**, **Renault Clio**, and **Vauxhall Corsa**, the Swift consistently offers more power for a lower price.
Standard equipment includes **electric front windows**, **remote central locking**, and **electric mirrors**. All models come with an MP3-compatible CD stereo with USB connectivity and steering wheel controls. The **ESP stability control** system is standard across the range, providing enhanced safety and control on the road.
Suzuki didn’t skimp on safety either. The Swift comes equipped with **seven airbags**, including a driver’s knee airbag, which helped the car earn a five-star **Euro NCAP safety rating**.

Comfortable and Well-Appointed Interior

Inside, the Swift’s cabin is functional yet comfortable. While some of the plastics may feel hard to the touch, the overall build quality is impressive for a car in this price range. Chrome trim accents and neat detailing give the interior a more premium feel. Higher trims also offer **reach and rake adjustable steering wheels**, although every model comes with seat height adjustment to ensure a comfortable driving position.
The large windows and narrow pillars provide excellent visibility, making city driving less stressful. Whether you’re commuting or taking longer road trips, the Swift ensures you’re comfortable behind the wheel.

Running Costs: Efficient and Affordable

The Swift delivers excellent fuel economy, with the 1.2-liter petrol engine capable of **56.5 mpg** on the combined cycle. CO2 emissions are equally impressive at just **116 g/km**, which makes the Swift affordable to run and environmentally friendly. If you’re after even better fuel efficiency, the **1.3-liter diesel** variant returns **67 mpg** on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions as low as **109 g/km**.
When it comes to insurance and maintenance, the Swift remains budget-friendly. It’s not going to break the bank with high insurance premiums, and Suzuki’s comprehensive warranty package provides peace of mind for new buyers. Residual values have also improved, meaning the Swift holds its value better than many competitors in the supermini segment.

Conclusion: A Supermini That Defies Expectations

The Suzuki Swift from 2010-2017 stands out as an affordable car that feels anything but budget. With its fun driving dynamics, spacious interior, and strong list of standard features, the Swift is a supermini that should not be overlooked. It delivers everything you need in a small car, without the high price tag typically associated with its rivals.
For buyers who want an affordable, efficient, and reliable vehicle that’s still fun to drive, the Swift is a hidden gem in the supermini segment. It’s an option that many people might overlook in favor of more mainstream brands, but once you get behind the wheel, you’ll quickly see why it deserves more attention.
If you’re curious to learn more or want to see the Suzuki Swift in action, check out this detailed video review here: Suzuki Swift 2010-2017 | Full Review.