Looking for a sporty looking supermini that’s affordable to buy, cheap to run and fun to drive? Look no further than the new special edition Suzuki Swift Attitude…
We’ve been fans of the latest (third generation) Swift model ever since we first got our hands on it in 2018.
Priced from £12,499 up to £17,499 for the range-topping, hot version – the Swift Sport – there’s something for everybody, including a four-wheel drive (AllGrip) variant and a mild hybrid.
The Attitude is based on the mid-range SZ-T trim and, broadly speaking, offers the looks of the Swift Sport, but with the affordability and low running costs of the more basic model.
A mesh front grille with chrome trim, 16-inch polished alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, rear upper spoiler, plus front, side and rear carbon effect skirts are all standard on the Attitude, which costs £14,099.
Suzuki hopes its sporty looks, along with its frugal engine will attract younger buyers who may perhaps aspire to the dynamic 1.4-litre Sport model in the future.
The Attitude’s four-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine has an output of 89bhp and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is up to 51.4 mpg, while CO2 emissions are a low 124g/km.
Maximum speed is 111mph and though the 0-62mph time is 11.9 seconds, it seems more rapid.
It’s fair to say that it’s not the best all-round engine in the basic Swift range (that accolade goes to the excellent 110bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo, or ‘Boosterjet’ as Suzuki calls it), but the 1.2 is still a good unit.
There’s also a good choice of colours available, and we’d definitely recommend paying the extra £485 for the striking Speedy Blue Metallic.
Six airbags, air conditioning, a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirrorlink smartphone connectivity, and a DAB Radio, plus privacy glass and rear-view camera are also fitted as standard.
Sadly, you’ll have to move up to the SZ5 trim if you want autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane-departure warning driver assistance technology.
Inside there’s plenty of room for adults front and rear, while the boot is a respectable 265 litres (579 litres with the back seats folded) and there are lots of small storage spaces dotted around the cabin.
It’s fair to say that the interior is durable rather than plush with plenty of hard black plastic on display, but the design is simple and effective and all the controls and switchgear seem well placed.
With light steering, a sporty gearbox (but a sixth gear would be even better) and good visibility, the Swift is nippy in town and lively on the open road.
It’s agile and corners well with little body roll, while the ride is comfortable, if not the most sophisticated. Overall it feels composed and the engine is surprisingly refined, but has to be worked hard for rapid progress.
Verdict: The Suzuki Swift Attitude is a cracking supermini package. A combination of affordability, sporty looks, an engaging drive and low running costs, backed up by Suzuki’s reputation for dependability.
Suzuki UK
