Suzuki – The Swift has remained a fun car

A numbers game that counts the generations of one of Japan's most popular small cars. However, you can count the generations of the Suzuki Swift, whether six, seven (from 1983) or even four career stages. The final numbering has been agreed upon. The distinctive design line has undergone several transformations since 2005 (this went hand in hand with the transfer of production to Hungary). At first it was two-door, then four-door, and since 2010 it has two gates on each side. It has sold nine million copies. A sign that the little one has moved with the times – diesel engines have been sorted out and petrol engines have been electrified – but his personality has not changed.

The new version of Swift is a harmonious continuation of the popular compact car! Astrid Bellinger, press spokesperson for Suzuki Austria

Not even with the new version: it is 3.86 meters long, still well under four metres, and at 919 kilograms is still well under 1,000 kilograms (only the all-wheel drive version is slightly above the top in the highest equipment, at 1,037 kilograms), It is still very flexible and stable. The disdain in view of the small-sized engine and the “single” power of 82 hp is unwarranted, especially in light of the fast driver's prime area: the city. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine (top speed 170km/h) revs up in a blink of an eye, right up to the limit, thanks to electrical support from a 12-volt mild-hybrid system, and it doesn't require a stop. I think the engine squeals happily, but it doesn't scream , the five-speed transmission slides like it's freshly lubricated (a CVT is available as an option). The same applies, in principle, to the driving behavior: clear suspension, direct steering, quick braking. Everything is still there.

Were it not for the safety systems required by the European Union, such as the lane departure warning system with steering correction. It intervenes relentlessly and ensures that the steering feel feels a little hard. Like the inevitable tempo beep, this can be turned off, but it's difficult to discover in a submenu, and you have to reset the whole thing from scratch every time you restart.

One more thing: Suzuki still offers the small Swift with electronically controlled all-wheel drive for an additional cost.

new. Suzuki Swift

Pricing starts immediately at €17,490/22,490 (2WD/4WD). Standard on the entry-level version is the obvious: 4.2-inch LCD instrument cluster, 9.0-inch central display, smartphone integration, USB ports, LED lights, manual air conditioning, keyless entry and start, and 15-inch wheels. The first edition (limited to 500 pieces) starts at €15,490.