Suzuki Swift 2006 review

Item by item the Swift doesn't produce much that is a standout; it's all pretty good but generally on a par with others in the segment. Stylistically it is in the "cute box" mould. A strong front-styling gives it presence and a squareish body allows for comfortable interior space.

For a $15,990 car, the standard fittings are impressive. There are dual front airbags, ABS brakes, a six-speaker in-dash CD stereo with steering-wheel-mounted controls, airconditioning, height-adjustable seatbelts and driver's seat, electric mirrors and windows, power steering and remote central locking.

The test car was fitted with the "S pack" which, for $2000, adds side and curtain airbags, alloys and foglights. But it is not just the list of what is in the car that impresses but the thought that has gone into the little extras. A tray under the passenger seat is perfect to keep knick-knacks out of sight. The inclusion of a pressure pad release for the rear hatch is a touch of class missing from many far more expensive models.

The feeling of batting above its position in life continues in the interior of the Swift. A feeling of being in more prestigious surroundings persists with well-designed, quality-feel controls and comfortable, supportive seating.

Pleasant surprises keep coming with the Swift's road behaviour. Impressively solid and grounded, the Swift suffers only from a slightly choppy ride at low speeds but when up and rolling the ride is stable and comfortable.

The manual box is light and precise but the clutch is too light and the uptake too high up in the travel.

A substantial feel to the steering wheel is in keeping with the quality feedback the front-driver provides. Turn-in is precise without being sharp but the chassis offers impressive stability under load.

Don't be put off by the fact the Swift has drum rear brakes. Coupled to an effective ABS system the disc front/drum rear set-up works strongly and offers good pedal feel. Raw figures, 74kW@6000rpm and 134Nm@4000rpm, don't do the Swift's performance justice.

The manual option definitely works best with the 1.5-litre engine, which spins up willingly and when held at the higher end of the rev range (anything over 3200rpm keeps the pot stirred) can be a lot of fun.

In automatic trim, the Swift can struggle to get off the line, particularly with four passengers on board, but finds its legs when it's up and moving. Fuel economy is good rather than frugal. The manual on test averaged in at 9.3 litres per 100km, mainly around town. Suzuki claims 9.0 litres per 100km about town and 5.9 litres per 100km on the open road.

Can't wait for the GTi.