It's the car that provided the first glimpse of Suzuki's innovative new design strategy, and now the Swift has received the ringing endorsement of two particularly discerning audiences.
In the UK the highly respected magazine has just named the supermini its 'Car of the Year'. Meanwhile, on its home turf the Swift has picked up the 'Most Fun' category in the Japanese Car of the Year (COTY) awards and received the 'Car of the Year' accolade from the 72-strong Automotive Researchers and Journalists Conference of Japan (RJC).
Car editor Jason Barlow summed up the magazine's feelings: In a world where small cars are getting better and better, it doesn't fall into the trap of offering gimmicks, pointless extras or overt quirkiness - it simply gets on with the job it's there to do, and it does it superbly.
These three awards are a strong vindication of the Swift's approach to the supermimi sector, delivering a seductive blend of eye-catching good looks, Japanese quality and European-inspired driving dynamics, backed up by excellent handling and outstanding fuel economy.
Nor was the Swift's victory a fluke, as Jason Barlow explains: All-rounders often end up winning various 'car of the year' accolades due to the fact they offend the fewest judges, but in this case not a single judge came out against it as a fair choice.
The car is stylish, roomy, good value, pretty quick and a lot of fun to drive, and this combination of aptitudes makes it a totally compelling package.
The five-strong Swift line-up is priced from £7,499 and comprises 1.3 GL 3-door and 5-door manual models, 1.5 GLX 5-door manual and automatic, and 1.3 DDiS diesel 5-door manual. |
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