SecondHandSense:AS A CAR with wide appeal for European motorists, Suzuki's Swift was a success. Its squat design – four wheels set far into corners and fluid lines – gave it a greater appeal than previously with the Swift in particular, and Suzuki in general.
The Swift has been around since the early 1990s but it was the 2005 model – built in Hungary – that moved it into the mainstream. Suzuki didn’t exactly rattle other manufacturers with the Swift, but it did surprise them. The words “cool” and “funky” were being used about Suzuki for the first time.
A few years on, the Swift still looks fresh. There are two versions available with 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines that produce 91hp and 102hp respectively. Neither is exceptionally lively but both are competent.
The 1.3 is a good city car and the 1.5 can take a bit more, although both would be comfortable for a long journey. The Swift is ideal for two, but will comfortably carry four. The cabin is well designed, despite some cheap plastics. Everything is functional and instruments and switchgear are easy to use.
The rear can be cramped and the boot is nothing special. It will take an average load but the split seats option is needed to get anything bulkier aboard. With a normal load you can expect to get over 40mpg.
The car is well equipped. Later models have twin front airbags, side and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and brake force distribution. Many cars have air conditioning, which is useful – even in this country.
Suzukis have good reliability and are easy to maintain. However, in 2007 some 18,000 cars were recalled for handbrake problems, and last year some 15,000 were brought back for potential inadvertant airbag deployment. If you are considering a Swift, it should be checked.
The car scored four out of a maximum of five in the Euro-NCAP crash test programme. It did not get five because of “mixed protection” for children.
A 2006 with 1.3-litre engine and 19,000km (with air conditioning) is at one garage for €9,450, while a 2007 with the same engine and 11,000km is €9,950. You can get the 1.5 for slightly more. Prices sought are another indication of the variation in asking prices these days.
STAR RATING: 6/10