Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017) Review
Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017) At A Glance
The Suzuki Swift is one of the best of the ‘other’ breed of small hatchbacks. What we mean by that is that it must fight for supremacy in a playground occupied by the small cars that aren’t the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. The chances are, if you’re in the market for a supermini, you’ll look at three: the Fiesta, Corsa and one other. The Suzuki Swift is good enough to be the third car on the shortlist. It’s good looking, well-equipped, nice to drive and affordable. You can even opt for a racy Swift Sport or a rugged Swift 4x4. Just occasionally, choosing the other direction can be a rewarding experience.
This is one of the best value small cars you can buy. The Suzuki Swift looks good, is great to drive, comes with a generous level of equipment and should be cheap to run. Only a small boot and a cheap interior stop it from pushing for class honours.
Let’s get those negatives out of the way first. The boot is far too small for a car of this size, so it’s not the ideal supermini if you’re hoping to drive home with a big grocery shop. Although the rear seats split and fold 60/40, they don’t fold flat, so it’s not great for making an impromptu trip to the Swedish furniture store.
As for the interior, some of the plastics feel cheap, while others are bordering on nasty. It’s hard-wearing and robust, but the Swift lacks the soft-touch plastics and plush materials you might find in some rivals. Everything should be viewed in the context of price. Excellent value when new translates to even better value on the second-hand market.
Besides, the Swift impresses in other areas. Its boot might be small, but the cabin offers plenty of headroom and legroom for four adults, and there’s an option for three or five doors. Even the entry-level version comes with a generous level of equipment, but the absence of air conditioning means that you’ll want to upgrade to the mid-range model.
Regardless of the engine or trim level, the Suzuki Swift is brilliant to drive. Whether you’re in the city or on a country road, the Swift changes direction like a housefly and corners without any body-roll. The flipside is that ride quality is a little firm, but the raised ride height of the 4x4 version makes things a little more comfortable.
Alternatively, the Swift Sport offers junior hot hatchback levels of enjoyment, with power sourced from a 1.6-litre petrol engine. It’s like a cut-price Ford Fiesta ST, with upgraded styling, supportive seats and a good level of kit. That said, even a Swift with the 1.2-litre engine is fun to drive, while the 1.3-litre diesel offers excellent fuel economy.
Used prices start from around £2000, but a budget of £3000 will secure a low-mileage example in the right spec. Swift Sport prices start from £4500, while the rare Swift 4x4 will cost at least £5,500. The latter is ideal if you live in a rural area or in a region with less than perfect roads.
It’s not the most practical car in its class, and because it dates back to 2010, it’s certainly showing its age. But if you’re after a safe, reliable and good looking supermini, the Swift should be on your shortlist.
Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.2 Automatic to 1.6 Sport
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 32–74 mpg
Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017): Handling and ride quality
The Swift changes direction like a housefly, with a level of agility and lightness that’s absent from many modern cars. It’s great to drive in the city, but just as much fun when you exit the urban sprawl. Sharp steering, limited body-roll and decent pace are just three of the highlights.
There are some negatives. The steering is too light, while the ride is too firm, with the Swift lacking the suppleness of some of its rivals. It can be uncomfortable on pitted roads, although the Swift 4x4 could be the answer if you’re after something more comfortable.
Alternatively, the Swift Sport is a little cracker. The ride is good for a hot hatchback, and only the overly light steering stops it from being a class-leader. Not that you’ll care, because the Swift Sport is a huge amount of fun.
Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017): Engines
Although it produces a mere 94PS and 118Nm of torque, the 1.2-litre petrol engine is superb. It thrives on revs, so while this might be tiresome to anyone used to the effortless pace of a turbocharged engine, it’s a huge amount of fun to push hard.
Avoid the automatic transmission, which robs the 1.2 engine of power and makes the driving experience a little frustrating. The 4x4 uses the same 1.2-litre engine, but the extra weight only serves to blunt the performance.
The old 1.3-litre DDiS diesel offers excellent long-legged economy, but it doesn’t suit the style of the Swift. Which isn’t something you could say about the 1.6-litre in the Swift Sport. It gives the car proper fizz, turning the Swift Sport into a miniature hero. Whisper it, but it’s possible to have 90 percent of the fun in a Swift with a 1.2 engine
Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017): Safety
The Suzuki Swift was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating when it was crash-tested in 2010. The safety features are more focused on keeping you safe should the worst happen, with all models getting seven airbags, brake assist, electronic stability control, Isofix points, a temporary spare wheel (not Sport) and side-impact protection beams.
If you live in a rural area or a region that isn’t graced with smooth roads, the Swift 4x4 makes a lot of sense. The car features a 25mm increase in ride height, front and rear skid plates, black wheelarch extensions and black side skirts.
Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017): Towing
With a maximum towing capacity of 1000kg, you’re not going to tow too much with a Suzuki Swift. The Swift 4x4 is probably the best option, as you’ll benefit from the four-wheel-drive system.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
1.2 | 57 mpg | 12.3–16.0 s | 116 g/km |
1.2 4x4 | 51 mpg | 13.4 s | 126–129 g/km |
1.2 4X4 | 51 mpg | 13.4 s | 129 g/km |
1.2 Automatic | 50 mpg | 13.5–16.0 s | 129 g/km |
1.2 Dualjet | 66 mpg | 16.0 s | 99–116 g/km |
1.2 Dualjet 4x4 | 51–59 mpg | 13.4 s | 111–129 g/km |
1.3 DDiS | 67–72 mpg | 12.7 s | 101–109 g/km |
1.4 BoosterJet | - | - | 127 g/km |
1.6 Sport | 44 mpg | 8.7 s | 147 g/km |
Sport | 44 mpg | 8.7 s | 147 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
90%
Real MPG
32–74 mpg
MPGs submitted
558
Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017) interior
- Boot space is 211–528 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 3845–3890 mm |
Width | 1695 mm |
Height | 1495–1535 mm |
Wheelbase | 2430–2450 mm |
Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017): Practicality
The Suzuki Swift isn’t the most practical small hatch. The boot is too small for a car of this size, with the likes of the Fiesta, Corsa and Clio offering far more luggage space. Yes, you can fold the rear seats, but because they don’t fold entirely flat, you may have to get used to travelling light.
On the plus side, there’s loads of headroom and legroom in the back, while there are plenty of storage options throughout the cabin. There are two body styles: three-door and five-door. We’d recommend the latter, especially if you’ve got children, as it’s much easier to strap a child into a car seat. There are two Isofix points in the back.
In fairness to the Swift, you wouldn’t get the same amount of space in the back if the boot was larger. If you want the best of both worlds – a large boot and good rear-seat accommodation – buy a Nissan Note or a Honda Jazz.
Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017): Quality and finish
It’s worth viewing things in the context of the price. Besides, looking at the interior on used examples shows that it’s able to withstand 100,000 miles of use.
Many of the plastics feel hollow, the fabric used on the backs of the seats is nasty, while the boot carpet feels like a large piece of kitchen towel. Still, a leather-trimmed steering wheel is standard across the range, which helps to raise the level of perceived quality.
Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017): Infotainment
Entry-level models come with a radio, CD player, USB socket and a pair of tweeters. This was about as good as things got in 2010. Early top trim levels featured a Pioneer system with phone connectivity and sat-nav. It’s not worth hunting down in 2020, because a modern aftermarket unit would make more sense.
DAB digital radio and sat-nav became standard equipment on the Swift Sport in 2014. It’s also worth tracking down an updated version of the SZ-L trim, introduced in 2016. Thanks to DAB and sat-nav, it offers a semblance of modernity in 2020.
Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017) value for money
Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017): Prices
Prices start from around £2000. For this money you’re looking at a basic spec, with up to 100,000 miles on the clock, with an advert that includes ‘good runner’ in the description. Adding £250 to the budget should mean that you can drive away in a Swift in a more desirable trim and with fewer miles on the clock.
We’d recommend pushing the budget to £3,500. This gives you the pick of the early models, so you'll be able to find one with the right kit and with full Suzuki dealer history.
For an extra £1000, you can buy a Swift Sport. This is one of our favourite junior hot hatchbacks of the last decade, making this a used car bargain. Five-door versions cost an extra £1,000 on top, so you’re looking at £6500. They’re outnumbered by three-door models by about four-to-one, so you might have to be patient when looking for the more practical Sport.
The Swift 4x4 is even rarer than the Swift Sport, but it’s possible to find one for around £5000. Although it’s unlikely that a Swift 4x4 has ventured too far off-road, check for dents and scrapes, especially on the underside.
The most you’ll pay for this version of the Suzuki Swift is £8000. It’s possible to find examples with up to 10,000 miles on the clock and just one owner from new.
Monthly hire purchase (HP) deals on an early Suzuki Swift start from around £35 a month. Alternatively, £100 a month is enough to secure an early Swift on a PCP contract. This is based on a car costing £5700, a deposit of £1000, and 48 monthly payments.
Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017): Running Costs
Opt for the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel and you’ll be a stranger at your local filling station. Although you’re unlikely to achieve the claimed 72.4mpg, the Honest John Real MPG test suggests 61.1mpg is possible.
Unless you intend to spend a lot of time on the motorway, a petrol engine makes more sense. The 1.2-litre petrol engine could return 56.5mpg on a combined cycle, but this drops to 50.4mpg if you opt for the automatic transmission. There’s a penalty of around 5mpg if you drive the Swift 4x4.
The Swift Sport offers a claimed 44.1mpg. Although this is backed up by the Honest John Real MPG figure of 42.3mpg, you’re probably missing the point of the Swift Sport if you get close to this.
The Suzuki Swift isn’t as cheap to insure as many of its mainstream rivals. The group ratings range from nine for a basic 1.2, to 11 for something more desirable. All versions of the Swift 4x4 slot into group 11. There’s better news if you buy a Swift Sport, because group 19 is reasonable for a car that’s this much fun to drive.
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Although the entry-level SZ2 is reasonably well-equipped, we’d opt for the mid-range SZ3 when buying used. Tall drivers should buy the SZ4, as this comes with a steering wheel adjustable for height and reach. Even better, consider the 4x4, which is based on the SZ4 but offers the reassurance of four-wheel-drive and a more comfortable drive.
If you’re after an affordable and reliable supermini that’s great fun to drive, the Suzuki Swift is a brilliant alternative to the Ford Fiesta.
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 3845–3890 mm |
Width | 1695 mm |
Height | 1495–1535 mm |
Wheelbase | 2430–2450 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1005–1125 kg |
Boot Space | 211–528 L |
Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
Servicing | 9000 miles |
Spare Wheel | |||
---|---|---|---|
Standard | Space-saving spare wheel / Tyre-repair kit |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £9,243–£21,350 |
Insurance Groups | 9–19 |
Road Tax Bands | A–F |
Official MPG | 44.1–72.4 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | 5 |
On sale until May 2024
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
Sport Boosterjet 129 MHEV Start/Stop 5dr | £21,350 | - | - |
On sale until May 2017
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.2 SZ2 3dr | £9,243 | 56.5 mpg | 16.0 s |
1.2 SZ2 5dr | £9,743 | 56.5 mpg | 16.0 s |
1.2 SZ3 3dr | £10,743 | 56.5 mpg | 16.0 s |
1.2 SZ3 4X4 5dr | £12,493 | 51.3 mpg | 13.4 s |
1.2 SZ3 5dr | £11,493 | 56.5 mpg | 16.0 s |
1.2 SZ4 3dr | £11,693 | 56.5 mpg | 16.0 s |
1.2 SZ4 4X4 5dr | £13,693 | 51.3 mpg | 13.4 s |
1.2 SZ4 5dr | £12,343 | 56.5 mpg | 16.0 s |
1.2 SZ4 Auto 5dr | £13,493 | 50.4 mpg | 16.0 s |
1.2 SZ4 Dualjet 4X4 5dr | £14,593 | 58.8 mpg | - |
1.2 SZ4 Dualjet 4X4 5dr | £14,193 | 51.3 mpg | 13.4 s |
1.2 SZ4 Dualjet 5dr | £13,093 | 65.7 mpg | - |
1.2 SZ4 Dualjet 5dr | £12,693 | 65.7 mpg | 16.0 s |
1.2 Sz-L 3dr | £11,643 | 56.5 mpg | 16.0 s |
1.2 Sz-L 5dr | £12,143 | 56.5 mpg | 16.0 s |
1.3 DDiS SZ4 5dr | £15,133 | 72.4 mpg | 12.7 s |
1.6 Sat Nav + Dab 3dr | £14,643 | 44.1 mpg | 8.7 s |
1.6 Sat Nav + Dab 5dr | £15,143 | 44.1 mpg | 8.7 s |
On sale until October 2015
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.2 SZ4 94 3dr | £11,699 | 56.5 mpg | 12.3 s |
1.2 SZ4 94 4x4 5dr | £13,699 | 51.3 mpg | 13.4 s |
1.2 SZ-L 94 3dr | £11,099 | 56.5 mpg | 12.3 s |
1.2 SZ-L 94 5dr | £11,599 | 56.5 mpg | 12.3 s |
On sale until August 2014
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.3 DDiS SZ4 75 5dr | £15,139 | 72.4 mpg | 12.7 s |
On sale until June 2013
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.3 DDiS SZ3 5dr | £13,699 | 67.3 mpg | 12.7 s |
On sale until October 2011
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.2 SZ3 Auto 5dr | £12,710 | 50.4 mpg | 13.5 s |
Model History
- September 2010: New Suzuki Swift went on sale
- May 2011
- August 2011: New generation Suzuki Swift Sport debuted
- January 2012: The new Swift Sport goes on sale priced from £13,500
- March 2012: Special Swift Attitude model launched
- July 2013: Suzuki Swift 4x4 now available
- February 2014: Special edition Suzuki Swift SZ-L launched
September 2010
New Suzuki Swift went on sale
Suzuki claiming it is the cleanest petrol engine supermini in its class with CO2 emissions of 116g/km and just £30 in annual VED charges. Unmistakably an evolution of its predecessor, the new Swift is designed to be more fun to drive thanks to sporty handling as well as being more attractive thanks to a sophisticated modern design.
Three clearly defined specification grades have been devised - SZ2, SZ3 and SZ4. In addition to seven airbags and ESP, the SZ2 has front passenger airbag deactivation facility, electric front windows, remote central door locking with deadlocks, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, MP3 / WMA compatible CD tuner with USB port and steering wheel mounted audio controls.
The SZ3 adds manual air conditioning and 16-inch Alloy wheels with SZ4 including Automatic air conditioning, Bluetooth integrated audio unit with music streaming capability, electric front and rear windows, push button keyless start, Automatic headlamps, rear privacy glass (five-door models) and cruise control as standard.
The new Swift has even more space inside and has grown slightly in length (+90mm) with a 50mm increase in wheelbase and 10mm increase in height. The interior design now has a more dynamic feel, featuring black as its keynote colour with accents of silver throughout the car.
A new Euro 5 compliant 1.2-litre petrol engine incorporating Dual VVT (Variable intake and exhaust Valve Timing) is used that produces 94bhp at 6,000rpm, slightly more than the outgoing 1.3-litre unit. Torque is also improved to 118Nm at 4800rpm.
The new Swift is more economical than before too with fuel consumption on the combined cycle now 56.5mpg for the manual transmission model, an improvement of 7.8mpg over the previous 1.3-litre unit. Emissions are much lower as well; the new 1.2-litre engine produces just 116g/km on the combined cycle; representing a 17 per cent improvement over the previous 1.3-litre unit. An optional four speed torque converter automatic transmission will also be available on SZ3 and SZ4 five door models. A revised 1.3-litre diesel engine will be on sale from spring 2011 and this engine emits just 109g/km (down from 119g/km) and has an impressive combined fuel consumption of 67.3mpg.
The new Swift is available in nine colours - seven metallic and two solid - which are:
- Smokey Green metallic
- Kashmir Blue metallic
- Galactic Grey metallic
- Silky Silver metallic
- Sunlight Copper Pearl metallic
- Cosmic Black Pearl metallic
- Cool White pearl metallic
- Bright Red
- Superior White
Metallic paint is a £390 option
Pricing
Model Price
SZ2 Three door £9,995
SZ2 Five door £10,445
SZ3 Three door £10,995
SZ3 Five door £11,445
SZ3 Five door (A/T) £12,445
SZ4 Three door £11,795
SZ4 Five door £12,245
SZ4 Five door (A/T) £13,245
May 2011
Suzuki announced the addition of the low emissions 1.3-litre DDiS model to the recently launched Swift range. Available in all 148 Suzuki dealerships from June 1 2011, the Swift DDiS uses a new 75PS 1.3-litre engine, offers low emissions of 109g/km with combined fuel consumption of 67.3mpg, giving an estimated driving range of more than 500 miles.
The new Swift DDiS is available for a competitive £12,890 as a five door model with SZ3 grade which includes seven airbags; air conditioning, 16 inch alloy wheels, USB port and heated electric door mirrors as standard equipment.
The Euro 5 emissions turbo charged engine is now even smoother and more responsive than before with maximum torque of 190Nm from just 1,750rpm and 0-62mph in 12.7 seconds. It offers an eight per cent improvement in fuel consumption and produces nine per cent lower tailpipe emissions than the 1.3-litre diesel used in the previous Swift.
August 2011
New generation Suzuki Swift Sport debuted
The new Swift Sport is a refined sport compact resulting from the first full model change since the launch of the original Swift Sport in 2006. It has a more aggressive and dignified exterior look thanks to a low-slung form that gives a sense of stability and tension, and a big front grille that evokes a sporty performance feel. The cabin combines essential sportiness with a high-quality look and feel, and design features that heighten excitement about the driving experience.
Higher power and lower fuel consumption are delivered by the 1.6-litre M16A engine, which Suzuki developed exclusively for the Swift Sport. The engine is mated to a specially developed six-speed manual transmission, resulting in performance that is both exciting and environmentally responsible. The new Swift Sport offers superior cornering stability and brisker, more responsive handling thanks to struts with internal rebound springs and an exclusive rear-suspension design.
High levels of safety are assured by features such as a light, stiff, impact-absorbing body, seven airbags (including curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag); and ESP® (Electronic Stability Program).
January 2012
The new Swift Sport goes on sale priced from £13,500
The new Euro 5 1.6-litre 136hp VVT engine offers improved torque together with 10 per cent lower combined fuel consumption of 44.1mpg and exhaust emissions of 147g/km - 10 per cent lower than previous Swift Sport model.
The Insurance Group rating of 18 is down five groups over previous model Swift Sport and standard specification includes auto air conditioning, fog lamps, push button start, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, HID Projector headlamps with headlamp wash and rear privacy glass. ESP and seven airbags fitted as standard. 0-62mph takes 8.7 seconds with a maximum speed of 121mph.
March 2012
Special Swift Attitude model launched
Aimed at younger buyers, the Swift Attitude is based on the 1.2-litre SZ3 model but with more sporty and aggressive styling. The 1.2-litre Dual VVT 94PS engine is one of the most powerful in its class but offers low emissions of just 116g/km, 56.5mpg on the combined cycle and only £30 in Annual VED charges.
The whole point of this is to give the car street cred in a standard package that does not therefore attract insurance hikes as 'modifications'. Swift Attitude is based on the SZ3 grade with seven airbags, ESP, air conditioning and USB port as standard but offers increased specification with front fog lamps and rear privacy glass together with an enhanced sporty appearance consisting of Carbon fibre effect roof and door mirrors, rear upper spoiler in body colour, Carbon fibre effect ‘Attitude’ badging and 16-inch wheels in black paint finish.
With an insurance group rating of 9E, Attitude is ideal for younger Swift fans to own a bespoke and sporty looking car at an affordable purchase price together with low costs of ownership.
July 2013
Suzuki Swift 4x4 now available
February 2014
Special edition Suzuki Swift SZ-L launched
Limited to a production run of 500 units, the SZ-L is based on the 1.2-litre SZ3, but with additional equipment and features designed to enhance the sporty and fun to drive character of Swift.
Exclusive equipment includes 2-tone metallic paintwork as standard; in either Boost Blue or Cosmic Black body colours with contrasting Cool White roof, rear spoiler and door mirrors. Inside, silver stitching has been added to the steering wheel, gear gaiter and seats which also have a unique fabric design.
Crucially, the Swift SZ-L offers value for money in terms of running costs and purchase price; the 1.2-litre Dual VVT 94PS engine is one of the most powerful in its class, but offers low emissions of just 116g/km CO2. Swift SZ-L is available on the recently extended VAT free promotion until the 31stMarch at £10,899 for three door models and £11,316 for five door models.
What to watch out for
Complaint of corroded wheel nuts on 8,000 mile, 34 month old 2012 Suzuki Swift. Suzuki blames wheel cleaning chemicals.
03-06-2016:Complaint of clutch failure of new March 2016 Suzuki Swift Sport after just 3 months. Driver error blamed. Suzuki later capituated and replaced the clutch FoC.
27-07-2019:Report of TPMS trouble with 2015 Suzuki Swift.
22-09-2019:Late report of clutch failure of 2016 Suzuki Swift 1.6 Sport after 200 miles. Initially dealer blamed driver, but complaint was escalated to the MD, the clutch was replaced, and the owner has had no clutch problems since.