Review Suzuki Swift Sport hatchback

"The latest Swift Sport is just as entertaining to drive as the previous model." The new Suzuki Swift Sport is a hot hatch aimed at buyers looking for strong performance combined with maximum value for money. Competing against the Renaultsport Twingo and Ford Fiesta Zetec S, the hot Suzuki comes with a bargain price tag of under £15,000. Powered by a 134bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine and featuring firmer sports suspension the Swift is very entertaining to drive on twisty, narrow roads. It also has a good quality interior and generous cabin space for such a small car. Drive5.0 /5 Very entertaining The Suzuki Swift Sport is great fun to drive on a twisty B-road, boasting precise steering in corners, excellent brakes and loads of confidence-inspring grip. Displaying very little body roll, few supermini hot-hatches are as capable or entertaining on challenging roads. Fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, driving fans will also enjoy the sweet sounding exhaust note. Powered by a 134bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine the Swift Sport offers brisk performance and is capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds. Flat out, you'll be doing over 120mph. Comfort3.8 /5 Impressive for a hot-hatch Keeping in mind the Swift Sport's impressive cornering ability the suspension settings provide a remarkably comfortable ride, even at very slow speeds around town. On the motorway or on open roads, some tyre and wind noise is noticebale but it remains a competent long distance tool. All the seats are supportive and offer plenty of head and legroom for a car of such small proportions. Reliability5.0 /5 Dependable and well proven Standard Suzuki Swift models have proven to be highly reliable ever since the much-improved second generation model was introduced in 2004. The latest Sport model will no doubt carry on that trend. The interior feels tough and well made, Suzuki has clearly worked hard to bring cabin quality levels in-line with rivals from Ford and Volkswagen. In Euro NCAP crash tests the standard model on which it is based achieved the full five stars. Practicality3.9 /5 Small boot but plenty of cubbies Featuring a boot that measures 211 litres the Swift Sport is not suited to carrying large, hard suitcases or golf bags. The spacious rear seats fold forwards however effectively doubling the load area to over 500 litres if needed. Plenty of useful cubbies are dotted around the cabin too, meaning your personal effects can be stored securely and close to hand. Value for money5.0 /5 Cheaper than most hot-hatch rivals Despite being the most expensive Swift model, the Sport offers excellent value for money undercutting the Volkswagen Polo GTI and Reanultsport Twingo considerably. Fitted with sporty 17-inch alloy wheels as standard the Sport is also well equipped and surprisingly desirable. Running costs4.0 /5 One of the cheapest hot-hatches available Capable of 44mpg the driver focused Swift Sport is certainly economical enough to use every day without breaking the bank. Emissions of 147g/km equate to an annual Road Tax outgoing of £130. General maintenance, replacement part and servicing costs are also likely to be very manageable.