2023 Suzuki Swift Review: the most underrated small car?

The Suzuki Swift is now in its third generation. And while it might not compete with the likes of the Vauxhall Corsa when it comes to sales, we still rate it as a thoroughly likeable - and highly recommendable - small car. Even more so now that Suzuki has launched its Service Activated Warranty, which tops up the manufacturer warranty to seven years and 100,000 miles provided you have the car serviced within the Suzuki dealer network.

A lot of what's great about the Swift comes down to its low kerb weight. This is a small car that weighs under 1,000kg, which is almost unheard of in 2023. And so while it makes do with just 82bhp from it's 1.2-litre petrol engine, it actually feels more sprightly than you might expect, and is also capable of delivering 55mpg or more.

In this CarGurus UK review, Chris Knapman explains how the Swift stacks up for space, quality, infotainment, running costs and driving dynamics. As Chris explains, while the Swift might not be the best small car on sale, it could just be the most underrated.

Suzuki Swift full review:

Suzuki Swifts for sale:

Pros
Funky looks stand out from the crowd
Enjoyable to drive
Generously equipped, even at the bottom of the range

Cons
Surprisingly costly to insure
Interior quality is a weakness of pre-facelift cars
Not as much fun as a Ford Fiesta

The CarGurus verdict
A stylish and thoroughly well-engineered little hatchback, the Suzuki Swift offers good value for money, strong standard kit count (even at the lower reaches of the model range) and fun and engaging handling. The performance-oriented Swift Sport Hybrid in particular is really entertaining to drive. What’s more, the Swift is a tough car that will prove dependable over time, while Suzuki itself has a good reputation for putting right any reliability issues that do arise quickly and efficiently.

The one area where caution is advised concerns insurance costs. The Swift sits in relatively high insurance groups regardless of specification, meaning potential buyers should do some homework before committing to buying one. That one point aside, the Swift is a very likeable, reliable and well-equipped little hatchback that should prove to be a joy both to drive and own.

▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
00:00 – Introducing the 2023 Suzuki Swift
01:37 – Boot space
01:54 – Rear seat space
02:25 – Up front and Infotainment
04:34 – What is it like to drive?
10:53 – Wrap up

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#cargurusUK #

[andrewhawthorn]

When looking back at cars you've had, do you remember cheap plastic interiors? We've had a few swifts now and remember how totally reliable they are, they just don't go wrong. So fun to drive, and make you smile

[chrisoliver]

I've never in my life driven around tapping the interior panels, IDK why car reviewers focus on that?

[johnmbogo]

I own one in Kenya ..small but most comfortable vehicle ..I really love it ❤❤❤

[davidhuysmans]

Halleluja, at last a review about a small, sensible, economic, affordable car.

[gpierre]

Hi Chris, well to start with I think the Swift is a fun darty little car. I ❤ IT. I use to own the previous generation, very capable around bends, great turning circle and I did not mind the hard plastic, with that being said I wouldn't mind owning the new one. It really does hang on in the bends for dear life and it's as if it encourages you to keep going. It is that grippy. If your the sort of person that does not need to move big heavy items often and you just need a reliable fun to drive car, this car is for you.

[bondjamesbond]

These are one of the best small cars on the market and if you are looking for a small car and don't have one on your shopping list then you must be stupid. They are very reliable, cheap to service and great fun to drive. They are much cheaper to buy and will be more reliable than the VW and Stellantis small cars. Ignore the slightly cheap interior (it won't fall apart) and you will have a great dependable small car.

[markdean]

I think this reviewer is one of THE best on YouTube. Oh and I like the Suzuki Swift 👍🏻😊

[richardaston]

I got my GL CVT yesterday. It's a beautiful and refined car. Really impressed, very smooth and have no power issues driven sensibly. Reviews of this car are a bit harsh. The interior is cool. Great car

[garrettedwards]

I am 6 foot 7 and this car has space. Sadly mine was totaled and I am in the process of getting a new car. I told persons that I would take the same car in a heart beat but everyone is saying because I am tall I should go for a bigger car. A bigger car doesn't mean more space for me to be honest.

[anthonystevens]

Nice one Chris. I do feel for the health of the Car Guru team at times, the camera bods that have to hang onto the bonnet/stick to the doors/ hang off the roof etc to get the best shots not to mention nearly getting run over. Joking aside the Swift looks like a decent honest car that can still put a smile on the face of an enthusiastic driver and this is becoming increasingly rare. I like it. Many thanks for sharing. As / when I decide to downsize my car Suzuki are already on the test drive list amongst others.

[sjcap]

Great car, great reliability and handles brilliantly.

[JakobusVdL]

I drove the 1.0T, with the CVT gearbox. It was a heap of fun, in the hammering rain, very quick on some hilly bendy roads in the Waikato NZ. And the triple sounds great when you wind it out. Great wee car.

[pigeonpoo]

I'm really glad you like this.
When I got my first new car, I was only interested in a fun small car. I looked at this, the up, a Mazda 2 and the fiesta. Ford bribed me the most and I don't regret the decision one little bit. If Suzuki had tried a bit harder, I think I'd have enjoyed having a swift.

[zaporida]

Good to see you again! Very enjoyable.
Your best review ever is still the Honda Jazz. It was brilliant.

[TheMickvee]

I have just bought a new Swift. and the interior is positively luxurious compared to my previous car, a Peugeot 108. I am running the car in, and getting 61 mpg! It is a lovely car all round, and I can see me keeping it for a long time, like I did with my 1990 Swift, which went round the clock with no issues!

[StephenBlythe-pg]

Just got my first suzuki swift after year and years of citroens . My god fantastic car hope its more reliable then citroens have become.

[AdamZ]

The now discontinued 1.0ltr turbo was a waaay better engine.
We have that engine in our swift in SZ5 trim and it feels a-lot quicker, we had the 1.2n/a SZT for a day while it was in for a service and it just felt sluggish in comparison even with the hybrid system. 0-60 claimed on the 1.0ltr is about 10.5 seconds in reality it’s around 9.5 as we tested this out accurately slowest result was 9.9 seconds.
Couple things I noticed though was the gearbox feels a-lot tighter on the updated cars the clutch pedal is also alot shallower which felt more comfortable. Overall the 1.0ltr though was better on fuel with mixed driving than the 1.2.

[kevinmorgan]

As a 5'2" guy driving this car, it feels massive. When I look at most reviewers who review this car towering over it, it kinda looks like a toy car.

[mgk]

I’ve looked at many reviews, and iam very impressed by the expert reviews, I’m going to buy one,

[paul-kqz]

i really love your carGurus reviews i like this nice shape swift 21.23 reg its great value.😁🙂