Suzuki Swift (2005 – 2010) Review

Suzuki Swift (2005 – 2010) At A Glance

4/5

+Well liked by owners. Chain cam Toyota engines. Decent handling. Fun to drive.

-A little bit tinny. Do not jack by the rear twist beam axle or it will need replacing.

Insurance Group 23
On average it achieves 90% of the official MPG figure

This car surprised me.

I'd driven a Swift before at an SMMT test day and not been particularly impressed. But maybe that's because I drove twenty other cars the same day.

I really liked the 1.5GLX Suzuki sent me this week.

I knew readers had the hots for it because of all the e-mails I received from the Suzuki Swift fan club. So I thought I'd better make a longer acquaintance with the car.

Suzuki Swift 2008 Road Test and Video

Real MPG average for a Suzuki Swift (2005 – 2010)

RealMPG

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

29–61 mpg

MPGs submitted

223

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

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Ask Honest John

Best used small car for my 18-year-old son?

"What are your suggestions for the best used car for my 18-year-old son? Also, what is the best insurer for affordable cover for him?"
I can't tell you which insurer will be cheapest but NFU Mutual was named as the best in our 2020 Satisfaction Index: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/honest-john-satisfaction-index-2020/honest-john-satisfaction-index-2020-the-results/#insurance Best car? I'd recommend a Suzuki Swift 1.2 petrol, Ford Fiesta 1.25 petrol or Toyota Yaris 1.3 petrol. All are easy to drive, plentiful on the used market and have a good reputation for reliability.
Answered by Dan Powell

What's the best first car for young driver on a £2000 budget?

"My daughter, who is 17, is currently learning to drive. What cars would you recommend for her as a first car? Reliability and safety are paramount, I have a budget of £2000. "
I'd look for a Suzuki Swift - they're very reliable and cheap to run, while also being a bit bigger than something like a Toyota Aygo. A Ford Fiesta with the reliable 1.25-litre engine would be another good option.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Best warm hatch for under £5k?

"I am 18 and have just started on an apprenticeship course. I currently have a 2001 Renault Clio 1.2 petrol and am looking to upgrade. Ideally I'd like something that's relatively powerful and can sit on the motorway comfortably but also have good handling, body control and preferably a manual as I enjoy driving very much. I have considered a Renault Clio RS which are supposed to be great fun but the only thing I'm concerned about is the price of insurance. Is there anything that I may have missed?"
Insurance is going to be a problem. Instead I'd look at a Mazda 2 1.3TS2. Bit of a raw ride but handle better than a Fiesta, don't use too much fuel and should be more insurable than something with an RS tag on its name. Alternatively a Suzuki Swift 1.5.
Answered by Honest John

New driver in need of a used car - what should I buy?

"I'm looking to buy my first car but I'm undecided as to whether to get a 2009 Seat Ibiza 1.4 SE, 2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 S, 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec or a 2010 Suzuki Swift 1.3 SZ2. My favourite out of these is the Ibiza and judging from your review it seems pretty reliable but the same can be said for the Swift although I'm put off by it's small boot. Which car should I buy?"
Not the Ibiza because it has a horrible old engine prone to problems. Fiesta 1.25 82PS okay and very reliable. Swift probably the most fun to drive. Polo not great.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Suzuki Swift (2005 – 2010) cost?