2018 Mini Cooper vs Suzuki Swift

What's the difference?

I want to hug you. Or maybe we could just high five if you’re uncomfortable with the whole hugging thing. Why? You’re looking at buying a Mini Hatch or Convertible, that’s why. And that’s not a decision somebody makes lightly.

See, Minis are small, but they’re not cheap; and they’re so different looking that if they were a fish many people would throw it back if they caught one. But for those brave enough to buy a Mini the rewards these little cars will give you in return could make you a fan for life. 

So, what are those rewards? What are the downsides you really should know about? And what did we learn about the new Mini Hatch and Convertible at their Australian launch recently?

The Suzuki Swift Sport is back for 2018, with the pint-sized speedster seemingly making the transition to fully-fledged hot hatch in third-generation guise.

It's small, light and now turbocharged, and comes with a more sophisticated and spacious interior than ever before. But is it good enough to sway buyers from the go-to nameplates in the segment like the Ford Fiesta ST, Renault Clio RS and Volkswagen Polo GTI?

Well, it seems to have done so already – Suzuki Australia reckons a staggering 1500 examples of the Swift Sport are already accounted for through pre-orders.

So, if you're one of those customers, or if you're undecided, or if you're just plain curious, read on to find out what I reckon about the Suzuki Swift Sport 2018 model.