Used Suzuki Swift review: 2011-2013

The FZ Swift released in 2011 was an evolutionary model explained Suzuki executives when trying to justify the little apparent visual change from the EZ model that preceded it.

So successful had the EZ been that they simply wanted to build on it rather than reinvent the wheel with an entirely new model was their very logical explanation.

The EZ had given the Suzuki brand new life when it hit the local showrooms in 2004

New

The EZ had given the Suzuki brand new life when it hit the local showrooms in 2004 and the new FZ was aimed at continuing that success. But anyone looking at it for the first time would have had quite some trouble in picking the differences between the new and old models.

The FZ range had one body style, a five-door hatch, and four models, the GA, GL, GLX and the Sport hot hatch.

While it looked the same as the outgoing model the FZ was actually longer by 90 mm and higher by 10 mm, and rolled on a wheelbase that was 50 mm longer, all of which yielded more cabin space. While that was great the downside was that is was also heavier.

Even though the cabin was roomier than the EZ's there still wasn't a lot of room for back seat passengers, and the boot was relatively small. There were two engines in the FZ offering. A 1.4-litre four-cylinder was used in all models except the Sport, which had a zippier 1.6-litre VVT unit.

Even though the 1.4-litre engine was smaller than the equivalent engine in the EZ it put out only marginally less power and torque and used less fuel. The transmission choices were a five-speed manual and the more popular four-speed automatic.

On the road the Swift handled well and obediently followed directions from the driver. With seven airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, and electronic stability control standard ANCAP gave the Swift a five-star tick of approval.

Now

Suzuki is a brand generally thought of as a builder of quality small cars, but at the same time its cars have never quite fitted the mainstream.

The original Swift was a tiny car, but very well engineered with a jewel-like engine that punched above its size. The EZ Swift established Suzuki as a brand to be more widely considered by buyers and the FZ continued that theme.

Few owners complain about their Swifts, most are passionately in love with them and are happy to tell you so. They report good performance for its size; even the standard 1.4-litre engine gets the job done with relative ease. Even better they say it is economical.

While there was some criticism at the launch of the rear seat roominess, which made sitting in the back seat a tight squeeze for adults, few owners actually complain about it. That's probably because they rarely use it to carry four adults.

With few issues to consider look to the general condition of the car, inside and out, looking for evidence of body damage, and interior wear and tear.

Serviced well they will last and last

Ask the seller for a service record to show the car you're considering has been serviced properly. The Suzuki engines being finely engineered need regular oil and filter changes to stay healthy. Serviced well they will last and last.