Suzuki Reviews

Char-grilled hatchbacks are more fun than a stick and almost as cheap. However, some people get personal joy in wringing the neck of small engines in little hatchbacks. Fortunately, since the 1970s kickstart of the Peugeot 205 GTI and Volkswagen Golf GTI, there's still a string of car makers willing to pump out a line of cars once called hot hatches, now more like toasted on the grill. Suzuki - like Daihatsu, Nissan and Toyota - has played the game before.Only one of these is still on the field. Now, after a 12-month hiatus which saw off its six-year Swift Sport model, Suzuki is back with a new engine, a new look and a competitive mid-$20K price.VALUE Okay - so any lines blurred between a Polo GTI and a Swift Sport should be clarified immediately. The Swift Sport is a punchier version of the endearing Swift shopping trolley.It gets a bigger engine, bodykit, neat alloy whe els and lots of features inside. At $23,990 as a manual, its purity as a small hatch insists that it refuse any options. The auto - a CVT unit - is $2000 more.Value rates well with standard keyless entry and start, Bluetooth, cruise control, USB port for the six-speaker audio, bi-xenon headlights and sports seats with red stitching.DESIGN The Sport picks up the new body which looks like the old body shape, making its presence known with a yawning grille, bi-xenon headlights, side skirts, deep front spoiler and integrated roof spoiler. It sits 120mm longer than the old Sport but its rounded body still looks like the winner of a baking competition. But it defies its stumpy exterior with a roomy cabin for four adults.Seats are black cloth with red trim and are really comfortable and suppportive while the hard-plastic, satin-finish dash implies low-rent but actually looks good. The boot is tiny but the near-flat, fold-down rear seats create a versatile hauler.TECHNOLOGYThe previous S port exited Australia in January 2011 as a 92kW/148Nm 1.6-litre hatchback with one gearbox - a five-speed manual - within its distinctive snail-like shell. Now there's a new engine based on the standard Swift's 1.4-litre mill but with 100kW/160Nm - that's a weight to power ratio of 10.6 kg/kW, making it outgun the old Swift GTi.Suzuki made the car bigger but shaved 30kg from the final weight, upping its zip factor while trimming fuel thirst back to 6.5 L/100km from 7.3 L/100km.  Sport gets tripl e-synchromesh on frist and second gear cogs, firmer suspension, bigger 17-inch alloys and a tighter steering feel as part of its mechanical armament. SAFETY For a small car the Swift Sport packs an impressive safety kit. There's a five-star crash rating, electronic stability control, seven airbags and all the electronic brake aids. The bi-xenon headlights make night driving some much easier but the lack of a spare wheel - there's some aerosol goo and a compressor in the emty wheel well - limits  the Swift's range.DRIVING This can be an angry, hot and sweaty little car in the right hands. It has so much pluck that it will almost burst its little heart trying to please the driver. Yes, the Sport can be work - sometimes hard work - but the reward is letting it get under your skin and to drive it like it was an extension of your body.Big surprises are the willingness of the engine to run cleanly and eagerly to 7000rpm, the extra kick from the engine at 5500rpm, the almost hydraulic feel  of the electric steering system and the ride comfort despite the low-profile 17-inch rubbers.The keyless start button, the encompassing driver's seat, the small-diameter leather-bound steering wheel and the superbly bright headlights provide the theatre. Gee, it almost feels like an early Golf GTI. Almost.VERDICT A sparkling hatch for enthusiastic motorists divided between commuting and weekend fangs while being acutely aware of the need to retain their licence.Suzuki Swift Sport Price: $23,990Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmResale: 58 per centService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: Five starSpare: aerosol repair kitEngine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl petrol 100kW/160NmTransmission: 6-speed manual; FWDBody: 3.9m (L); 1.7m (w); 1.5m (h)Weight: 1060kgThirst: 6.5 1/100km; 98 RON; 153g/km Co2 

Suzuki was one of very few, if not the only carmaker to turn a profit during the GFC. It has infact been in the black every year since startup in 1950.Obviously, that's because Suzuki makes the "right" cars, the right way, at the right price. Call them conservative if you like but it seems to be the over-riding factor in Suzuki's success.Their least conservative car is the $23,990 Swift Sports - a latter-day Swift GTi for want of a better description. It's a cool, baseball cap of a car with pert looks, a dash of attitude and performance and handling that brings a smile to your dial without actually pinning back your ears.And there's a CVT auto this time around. Suzuki's formula for its hot little five-door hatch is "pare back weight, tweak the engine and suspension, fit subtle body add-ons and boost fuel economy."Sport runs a pretty straightforward 1.6-litre, twin cam, four banger up from the 1.4 in base Swift. It's good for 100kW/160Nm output and fuel consumption as low as 6.1-litres/100km.It misses out on direct injection but scores a simple variable intake system and variable valve timing and lift to optimise efficiency. The two transmissions are a six-speed manual and CVT auto with paddle shift.Sport has a strut front and simple torsion beam rear suspension system - calibrated to give a good compromise between sharp handling and response and comfort. It won't rattle your teeth on rough roads and though small in diameter, the disc brakes are up for the job. The electric steering has been calibrated to give sharper response than base Swift. Suzuki has fitted light alloy wheels to reduce unsprung weight and optimise suspension action. It weighs 1060kg.It has a five star crash rating thanks to seven air bags, stability control and the selective use of high strength steel throughout the body/chassis.Though still "sensible", the Swift Sport has a mild body aero kit with a rear roof spoiler and under bumper diffuser complete with dual wide spaced exhaust tips. Side skirts and a deeper front apron complete the picture. No LED daytime running lights though. Inside is pretty much generic Japanese with over-used hard plastics, functional controls and a decent leather-clad sports wheel with cloth sports seats.The Sport has generous spex including bixenon headlights, Bluetooth phone and audio, keyless entry and start, cruise control and climate control aircon to name just a few goodies. The audio is OK and the sports seats with red piping have side bolsters to hold you tight. The wheels are 17-inch with low profile sports rubber.This is an enjoyable car to drive in the cut and thrust of city driving, on the freeway or on a winding road. They've nailed the driveability factor brilliantly. There's a sweet shifting manual gear change with close intermediate ratios, plenty of zip higher up in the engine rev range and a supple, controlled ride with good brakes and sharpish steering.The exhaust note is too quiet and the tyres are too skinny. It goes better than the previous Swift Sport and has more goodies. But Kia's sporty three door Rio SLS has more power and torque and costs a lot less. Gives nothing away on looks either.Great little car, fun to drive, cheap to run and own, undoubtedly reliable, safe and well equipped.

Suzuki Swift Sport is a genuine sporty model. Now, given its name, this may seem to be a blindingly obvious statement. But in these times when marketing people persuade designers to tack on a few extra bits of plastic and some fancy badges - but do nothing to actually improve the car - the name ‘sport’ has often been seriously diluted.Not so in the Suzuki Swift Sport, this little Japanese machine has been significantly improved in important areas to appeal to those who like to put serious effort into their driving. Even better news is that you don’t need big money to go the full-on high-performance route.This swift Swift from Suzuki comes into the market at an extraordinary low starting price of just $23,990. You get a lot of driving pleasure for a very modest outlay.By way of comparison, the all-new Swift Sport costs a thousand dollars less than the outgoing model did when it hit the hot-hatch scene in 2005.The Swift has always had a shape that responds well to add-ons. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels of a special lightweight design are the key to the good looks of the sporting Swift.These are complemented by a new under bumper panel carrying foglights in triple-fin bezels. The grille takes a Euro look in its hexagonal mesh design.Side skirts connect the front and rear arches and give the Sport a lower appearance without the need to drag to body down to unreasonable levels. The rear features a larger roof spoiler and a diffuser look giving the Suzuki a race-car style.Though it’s not immediately obvious, the headlight are bi-xenon items as used in quite a few upmarket European cars. While you won’t be routinely cruising at 130 km/h at night as they do in Europe, the added clarity of the lights will nevertheless be appreciated in Australia.Inside, there are leather sports seats while the instrument console features a new design with silver rings about the gauges. There’s a sports steering wheel that not only feels good while you’re driving, but also adds plenty of class to the appearance.New Suzuki Swift Sport is powered by a 100 kW version of the standard Swift 1.6-litre engine. While this doesn’t seem like a huge number, keep in mind that it weighs just 1050 kg, so the power to weight ratio is impressive for an affordable sports hatch.Acceleration from rest to 100 km/h takes place in around eight seconds. Not bitumen burning, but quick enough to put a smile on the face of anyone who likes sitting behind the wheel of a car with zing.In a true sports engine manner, the engine revs all the way to 7000 rpm and is happy to sit at the top end of the tacho, it’s almost like an Italian engine in its willingness to rev and the way it sings to the ears. We loved it. Down low, modern electronics mean it’s happy enough to pull the Swift along in a workmanlike way.Our vehicle of choice is the Swift Sport with a slick little manual gearbox, but, for the first time in this model, an automatic transmission is also on offer. A continuously variable unit it has seven paddle-operated preset ratios within the continuous range should you wish to have more control over the engine output.Cornering power and precision are the biggest features of the Swift Sport. We were fortunate in being able to spend time at the race track at Broadford where we could appreciate the Suzuki in controlled conditions. There we loved the levels of grip, the nippy handling offered by this lightweight machine and the pure enjoyment if offered.Not only has the suspension been firmed up by the use of sports components, it also has the benefit of a body that has been stiffened in important areas to give the suspension a stable platform with which to work.Brakes were more than up to the task of hauling the Suzuki Sport back to reality at the end of the long straights at Broadford. Suzuki Swift Sport is a brilliant piece of automotive engineering. For a most modest price you get a lot of driving pleasure, either at a track if you want to take that route, or simply on your favourite stretch of driving road on a quiet Sunday morning.

Starting an argument about what were the pioneering hot hatches is easy - get Peugeot, VW Golf, Renault and a few other fans of the breed and see if anyone remembers the Swift GTi, which popped up in 1986, a year before the Pug 205 GTi. Some will argue the Golf is a size up, others won't rate the little cars and while Suzuki's honest little performer has lost the GTi/GTI tag, the Japanese car maker's new Swift Sport is aiming to maintain the bloodline.New Suzuki Australia boss Mac Kato, a 30 year veteran of the Suzuki brand, has aims of taking Suzuki into the top 10 and sees the Sport as a hero car to help achieve that. "It's one of my favourite cars and after talking to the engineering team, I'm confident that we will be able to continue the Suzuki tradition of building a great hot hatch," he says.VALUEThe Swift flagship has an upgraded features list and a downgraded price - it's dropped by $1000 to $23,990. That's despite an equipment list that includes climate control, a sound system with Bluetooth and USB, cruise control, 17in wheels, bi-xenon headlights, a six-speed manual (up from five cogs) or the option of a continuously-variable transmission (with a seven-speed "manual'' change mode and an electronic lock-up clutch for improved performance).The price cut and the CVT are expected to put the Sport volumes around 200 per month, with as much as 70 per cent opting for the $2000 CVT. The sports steering wheel has also grown audio, cruise and phone controls, and the features list also includes fog lamps, keyless entry and ignition.TECHNOLOGYThe 1.6-litre engine has been given a tweak to increase power by 8kW to 100kW and torque has risen from 148 to 160Nm, thanks to a new intake manifold, smoother intake ports and variable valve timing. When under medium load, a valve in the intake is closed, opening when required at high and low engine loads - shortening the intake path and improving the spread of available torque.The extra urge has not been accompanied by growing thirst - the Sport model still prefers 95RON PULP (it can cope with 91RON) but the number has dropped from 7.3 to 6.5 for the manual - or the optional CVT claims 6.1 litres per 100km. There's also 30kg less to haul, as the new Sport tips the scales at 1060kg, thanks to a 10kg lighter bodyshell and the lightweight 17in alloy wheels rolled thinner during a new manufacturing process.DESIGNThe little five-door sports hatch gets dual exhausts and a low-key sports body kit (including roof lip spoiler) that gives the evolutionary design of the normal Swift a lift. It sits on a wider track and its length has grown by 120 mm over old Sport and its 40mm longer than current Swift model, thanks to different bumpers.There's an extra 50mm in the wheelbase that Suzuki says improves rear space. The cabin has sports seats (with contrasting red stitching, also on the steering wheel and gearshifter) and pedals.SAFETYThe Sport has inherited the cooking model's five-star NCAP rating with a safety features list that includes seven airbags (the new car has a driver's knee airbag), as well as stability and traction control, as well as front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. The Sport model has also been endowed with slightly beefier brakes than the outgoing Sport and the current Swift.DRIVINGThe first few hundred metres in the new Swift Sport hints that the little Suzuki is not trying to be something other than what you see -- a small, perky little hot hatch that is an honest machine.The seats are comfortable and with adequate lateral support and a good range of adjustment, the sports steering wheel can adjust for reach and rake to get a decent driving position and the six-speed manual is a light and direct shift (there were no CVTs on hand to sample).Rear space is reasonable given the size of the car, even allowing for my 191cm frame behind the wheel and a similarly-sized person able to sit behind without too much compromise from the driver -- head room is less of an issue than leg room, which is at a premium.Country back roads with lumps and bumps showed the Sport's ride quality was passable for something that is biased towards handling, although country bumps did make it through a little more than is ideal.The cabin wasn't invaded horribly by road or engine noise, with little on the way of droning at cruising speed; work it harder and the driver is aware of the powerplant but it's not harsh in its soundtrack. A brief stint on the racetrack showed the little Japanese hatch has decent amounts of grip  as was experienced on the road drive  and feels like it could cope with more from the powerplant.The track allowed enough pace to be carried to push the nose wide but the stability control was not pessimistic.VERDICTSuzuki Swift SportPrice: from $23,990Warranty: 3-years/100,000kmResale: N/A% (est.) Source: Glass's GuideService Interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety: 5-star NCAPEngine: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl petrol, 100kW/160NmBody: 5-door hatchWeight: 1060kgTransmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed CVT auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 6.5L/100km (6.1 CVT), 95RON, CO2 155g/km (CVT 145g/km)'

It's only when you put the new Suzuki Swift side by side with the old one that the differences become apparent.For that reason, we were surprised Suzuki did not have the previous model on hand at the Aussie launch of the all new Swift this week in Victoria. We reckon a casual observer would have difficulty telling the two cars apart and this is probably no accident. Launched in 2004, the Swift has been a phenomenal success for the Japanese company and no one wanted to derail that train.VALUEThere's three models — GA, GL and top of the line GLX, with prices starting from $16,990 plus on roads. Standard equipment includes seven airbags which no doubt contribute to Swift's maximum five-star safety rating. Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake forced distribution and brake assist are also standard.DESIGNIn this respect, execs explained the company took a leaf out of BMW's book, opting for a minor, evolutionary changes in appearance, rather than a dramatic one. Looking at the figures, the new Swift is actually significantly bigger — 90mm longer to be exact — and stands 10mm taller too.Distance between the axles has grown by 50mm which means more room inside. Bigger usually means heavier too and the new Swift tips the scales at 1025kg, about 45kg heavier despite a weight saving regime.TECHNOLOGYBut, while the Swift has grown in physical dimensions, its engine has shrunk — from 1.5 to 1.4 litres. The good news is that it produces almost the same amount of power and torque as the unit it replaces, but uses less fuel in the process — a fact that will endear the car to many new drivers.The 1.4-litre engine delivers 70kW of power and 130Nm of torque, compared to 74kW and 133Nm previously. A longer engine stroke and electronic throttle control contribute to better throttle response. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.DRIVINGWe drove the mid-spec' GL with the five-speed auto and top of the line GLX with a five-speed manual. Enthusiasts will no doubt be drawn to the manual, but the auto while nothing flash makes a pretty good fist of it. GA and GL models have drum brakes on the rear, while the GLX adds four-wheel discs.And the GLX gets reach as well as tilt adjustment for the steering wheel. Getting behind the wheel of the car for the first time, we were impressed with its big car feel. It's all hard plastics inside, but they are disguised well with changes in texture and colour.A chunky leather clad steering wheel in the cars we drove sits nicely in the hands. Rear legroom is still tight. Cleverly, the height of the boot lip has been raised which means the bumper will absorb most if not all of the impact in a rear ender making the car cheaper to repair.A space saver spare wheel is standard, hidden beneath a second false floor in the smallish boot. We gave the new Swift a good workout and can see why it is so popular. The busy four cylinder engine lends a sporty note and it feels quieter in the cabin at highway speeds.Confident handling is supplemented by a stability system that will keep the car pointing in the right direction, even at over enthusiastic speeds. Suzuki is claiming a 13 per cent improvement in fuel consumption, down from 6.3 to 5.5 litres/100km for the manual, and from 6.6 to 6.2 litres/100km for the auto.We got 6.5 from the manual and 7.8 from the auto in the course of the launch program. As good as it is, the Swift's tidy chassis deserves and could easily take more power, much more than offered by the current Sport edition (new one under development).

It might look the same, but the new Suzuki Swift is in fact quite different. Not only does it feel different, it is actually different inside, with a classy new interior and instrument layout.Launched in 2005, Swift has been such a success for Suzuki, it is not surprising the company was reluctant to jeopardise this juggernaut, which is probably the main reason it looks so similar. Put the two cars side by side, however, and the differences become obvious immediately.The thing is new car buyers normally want others to recognise the fact they are driving a new car. And, if you happen to be the owner of the previous model, you might not be as inclined to update - not if you need to tell people its new. That'd be a shame, because you'd be missing out.Suzuki has invested quite a lot of time and effort into making the car better. Extensive use of higher-strength steel has made the body lighter and stiffer, which combined with a lower centre of gravity has smoothed out the ride without making the car feel insecure.Looks can be deceiving, because the new Swift is actually 90mm longer, 10mm taller and 45 kilos heavier than before, and the distance between the axles has grown by 50mm which translates to more interior space. The distance between opposing wheels has also increased, which together with larger diameter wheels and lower profile tyres contributes to better handling.The rear bumper also sits higher, which means it will absorb most of the impact in the event of a rear-ender, reducing the cost of repairs (and hopefully insurance). Instead of a 1.5 the new Swift is now powered by a smaller 1.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine.Initially, this might sound disappointing, but with an output of 70kW and 130Nm the smaller engine actually produces almost as much power as before but uses less fuel. Suffice to say that the performance is not disappointing.We were impressed with the changes that Suzuki had made when we drove the car at launch a couple of months back and we were just as impressed the second time around this week. Our test vehicle this time was the entry level GA model fitted with a five-speed manual transmission priced from $15,990 - the same price it was five years ago. Suzuki's engineers have paid particular attention to reducing noise and vibration and it shows.Getting into the car for the first time it feels more substantial and more refined, with a comforting clunk when the door is closed. It has a big car feel that belies it size, with a ride that is smooth and quiet and the manual shift is easy to use. The car accelerates confidently and is not phased by sudden changes in the road surface.A new variable steering ratio setup makes the car respond more quickly to driver input, while a relatively slow ratio near the turning limits reduces the effort required for bigger turns. A new black-and-silver theme has been adopted for the interior giving the car a sportier, more sophisticated feel.The central, smoked glass display is the same as in the pricier Kizashi. All important fuel consumption is down from 6.3 to 5.5 litres/100km which means you'll be filling it up less often. Add to this electronic traction and stability control, seven airbags and a maximum, five-star safety rating and it makes the new Swift a tempting proposition.GA and GL models have drum brakes on the rear, while the GLX adds four-wheel discs. And the GLX gets reach as well as tilt adjustment for the steering wheel.

It's only when you put the new Swift side by side with the old one that the differences become apparent. For that reason, we were surprised Suzuki did not have the previous model on hand at the Aussie launch of the all new Swift this week in Victoria. We reckon a casual observer would have difficulty telling the two cars apart and this is probably no accident. Launched in 2004, the Swift has been a phenomenal success for the Japanese company and no one wanted to derail that train. In this respect, execs explained the company took a leaf out of BMW's book, opting for a minor, evolutionary changes in appearance, rather than a dramatic one. Looking at the figures, the new Swift is actually significantly bigger - 90mm longer to be exact - and stands 10mm taller too. The distance between the axles has also grown by 50mm which means more room inside. Bigger usually means heavier too and the new Swift tips the scales at 1025kg, about 45kg heavier despite a weight saving regime. But, while the Swift has grown in physical dimensions, it's engine has shrunk - from 1.5 to 1.4 litres. The good news is that it produces almost the same amount of power and torque as the unit it replaces, but uses less fuel in the process - a fact that will endear the car to many new drivers. There's three models - GA, GL and top of the line GLX, with prices starting from $16,990 plus on roads. Standard equipment includes seven airbags which no doubt contribute to Swift's maximum five-star safety rating. Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake forced distribution and brake assist are also standard. The 1.4-litre engine delivers 70kW of power and 130Nm of torque, compared to 74kW and 133Nm previously. A longer engine stroke and electronic throttle control contribute to better throttle response. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. We drove the mid-spec' GL with the five-speed auto and top of the line GLX with a five-speed manual. Enthusiasts will no doubt be drawn to the manual, but the auto while nothing flash makes a pretty good fist of it. GA and GL models have drum brakes on the rear, while the GLX adds four-wheel discs. And the GLX gets reach as well as tilt adjustment for the steering wheel. Getting behind the wheel of the car for the first time, we were impressed with its big car feel. It's all hard plastics inside, but they are disguised well with changes in texture and colour. A chunky leather clad steering wheel in the cars we drove sits nicely in the hands. Rear legroom is still tight. Cleverly, the height of the boot lip has been raised which means the bumper will absorb most if not all of the impact in a rear ender making the car cheaper to repair. A space saver spare wheel is standard, hidden beneath a second false floor in the smallish boot. We gave the new Swift a good workout and can see why it is so popular. The busy four cylinder engine lends a sporty note and it feels quieter in the cabin at highway speeds. Confident handling is supplemented by a stability system that will keep the car pointing in the right direction, even at over enthusiastic speeds. Suzuki is claiming a 13 per cent improvement in fuel consumption, down from 6.3 to 5.5 litres/100km for the manual, and from 6.6 to 6.2 litres/100km for the auto.We got 6.5 from the manual and 7.8 from the auto in the course of the launch program. As good as it is, the Swift's tidy chassis deserves and could easily take more power, much more than offered by the current Sport edition (new one under development).

Suzuki Kizashi Touring and VW Jetta 118 go head-to-head in this comparative review.

The Suzuki SX4 has been the baby of the small car SUV segment since its launch in 2007. The front-wheel drive version is the smarter choice, though. It cuts out the cost and complexity of the AWD system to be a good-looking and reliable hatch and it is being run down by the latest models from Asia. Queue equipment upgrades and price trims.VALUEThe latest update sees the front-wheel drive models start from $18,990 and the switchable all-wheel drive version at $21,990. The 2WD has picked up the flared arches that were previously reserved for the all-paw versions so there is externally no difference in styling. That should make the front-hooker the more attractive buy for most.I'd tip the $3000 into the higher-spec S model, which, no surprise, costs the same and brings with it cruise control, climate airconditioning, fog lamps, rear spoiler and a nine-speaker sound system. Nissan's Tiida hatch undercuts the SX4 by $1000 but has four airbags to the Suzuki's six, making the Kia Cerato its closest competitor at $19,640.TECHNOLOGYThe 2.0 litre engine in the SX4 was a work of art four years ago. Now its power and torque figures (112kW and 190Nm) are matched by the opposition, but it still has the edge in fuel use, especially with the six-speed manual. The continuously variable auto doesn't come close. It uses more fuel and is less fun but at least the drone under acceleration will encourage owners to ease up on the right foot.The suspension is MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam rear and it does a decent job of keeping the Suzuki on track. Hit a big enough pothole at speed, though, and the rear end will thump and jump.DESIGNRoof racks are now standard across the range and help raise the Suzuki's profile, while the flared guards lift it a touch above the average inoffensive hatch/SUV shape. The interior is functional rather than fancy: the hard plastics aren't class-leading, the seats are supportive but could do with more padding and the 250-odd litres of luggage space is what you'd expect in this segment.It looks roomy from the outside but the rear seat is limited to two passengers on a journey of any decent length. Keep it to a foursome and the upright seating position at the front not only help get in and out of the car but mean the seat can be sli d forward to give rear passengers legroom.SAFETYSix airbags and the usual software give the SX4 solid safety credentials. It was tested when released in 2007 and earned four stars from Euro NCAP. The brakes bite hard and don't fade, probably because the Suzuki's 1200kg weight isn't too much of an ask. The ABS system is fine on tarmac - with the 2WD model, Carsguide didn't play with it off-road - and the tall(ish) body doesn't affect its stance through corners.DRIVINGThe SX4 punches above its weight on the road and can be a reliable runabout during the week and still provide some entertainment on weekends. The steering is super-light at carpark speeds and helps make the Suzuki one of the best of the bunch to park. The response stiffens as the pace picks up and while it's never going to be a precision weapon, it is up to the job of pointing the car in the right direction.It can't rival the latest crop of cars for refinement, though. The engine/auto transmission matches on vehicles such as Hyundai's i30 and the Toyota Corolla are better - and the auto will be the preferred choice for most buyers in this class - and the Suzuki also lags on the quality of the interior plastics and the way they've been put together.VERDICTThe SX4 is a good car in a field of great new ones. As an entry level car in the small car class it does the job but needs a new automatic and improved interior to be a class leader. The price cuts/equipment upgrades make it a better buy but it is a common tactic for mid-life models and Suzuki's rivals are playing the same game. The good news is that gives buyers cause to bargain hard.SUZUKI SX4 HATCHPrice: $18,990 (SX4), $20,990 (auto)Warranty: Three-yearsResale: 58 per cent after three yearsService intervals:Engines: 2.0-litre four-cylinder, 112kW/190NmBody:  Five-door hatchWeight:  1215kg (manual), 1255kg (auto)Transmission: Six-speed manual, continuously variable auto; front-wheel driveThirst: 7.3 litres/100km, 170g/km CO2 (manual), 7.6 litres/100km, 178g/km CO2 (CVT)"It wins on the performance/economy equation but the interior is dated"

WE turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want answers. Ultimately, however, there is only one question that really needs answering - would you buy one?What is it?The GLX is Suzuki's top of the range Swift which has just been updated although it looks very much like the previous model.How much?GLX is $18,990, $3000 more than the entry GA and $2000 more than the mid-range GL model. The optional four-speed auto adds $1700 to the price.What are the competitors?Plenty of competitors in this segment, but the Swift knocks them all for six in terms of style. It's actually 90mm longer and 10mm higher than the old one, with another 50mm between the axles which means more room inside.What's under the bonnet?Same 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine as the other models. Delivers 70kW of power and 130Nm of torque, compared to the old 1.5's 74kW/133Nm.How does it go?Surprisingly well. Even the auto is zippy. The engine has a sporty note under hard acceleration and it remains sure-footed in corners, with stability control to sort things out if necessary.Is it economical?Better than before. Suzuki is claiming a 13 per cent improvement in fuel consumption, down from 6.3 to 5.5 litres/100km for the manual, and from 6.6 to 6.2 litres/100km for the auto.Is it 'Green?'Gets four stars from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius gets five). The auto produces 147g/km of CO2, a little more than the manual.Is it safe?Gets a full five stars thank you very much. Seven airbags standard, along with traction and stability control plus anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.Is it comfortable?Gets our vote. One of the first things we noticed about this car was its big car feel belying its size. Interior has a much classier feel, with better finishes. Sits on 16 inch alloys, with 185/55 rubber.What's it like to drive?Feels very smooth and sure footed, with good sound insulation. A longer engine stroke and electronic throttle control contribute to better throttle response.Is it value for money?As well as more gear the GLX adds some mechanical upgrades like foggies, rear disc brakes, and the addition of reach adjustment for the steering wheel. There's also Bluetooth, climate air and a keyless entry/start system.Would we buy one?You bet. Love the looks, like the way it rides and handles but the higher price for the GLX puts it within cooee of plenty of excellent competitors. Rear legroom is still tight and the spare is a spacesaver.SUZUKI SWIFT GLX AUTORATINGVERDICTSwift ... bigger and more economical than before.