Review of the new Suzuki Swift 1.3 DDiS

Since the launch of the 1.3 DDiS diesel model, sales of Suzuki's current generation Swift supermini have really started to get going. The only slight problem from launch was its emissions figure. Not that the original showing of 124g/km was bad. It was just that this placed the car slightly above the Inland Revenue's more affordable Band B level. Nor could Swift diesel buyers look forward to reclaiming 100% of the London congestion charge. Hence a few tweaks by the Suzuki engineers in order to get this car down to a figure of 119g/km, qualifying it for both Band B and 100% congestion charge relief. That's better.

The Suzuki's DDiS diesel engine is a major player in the Swift line-up. It's not that there's anything wrong with the 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines that comprise the remainder of the range but there's just something about compact diesel cars that makes sense. Fuel economy is the obvious benefit of filling-up from the black handled pump and, sure enough, the Swift DDiS is offers a thrifty official average consumption of 61.4mpg. This isn't the massive benefit that it first appears because the petrol 1.3-litre model turns in a 46mpg average and the 1.5-litre petrol can manage 44mpg - they're also both substantially cheaper than the 1.3-litre DDiS.

The oil-burner is more than the entry-level 1.3-litre petrol and you'd have to run it for over 120,000 miles before you recouped the difference on fuel costs alone (80,000-miles if you compare it to the 1.5-litre petrol). Where the diesel option does start to look more appealing financially is in those low C02 emissions (which as we've said, position it in a lower road tax bracket than the petrol choices), and its higher residual values - even if these are unlikely to be on a par with rival superminis from mainstream brands. The insurance group is a lowly 4A as well, the same as the 1.3-litre petrol.

Ownership costs are definitely a strongpoint of the Swift DDiS but the factor that should attract most buyers is the diesel's driving experience. The engine itself is slightly unusual in that as well as the latest common-rail injection architecture, it also employs a turbocharger and intercooler. The result is a flatter torque curve than you'll find in many rival diesel superminis. That means improved engine response and flexibility at a wider range of engine speeds.

"Ownership costs are definitely a strongpoint of the Swift DDiS"

With its maximum torque of 170Nm, the DDiS has significantly more low-end grunt even than the 1.5-litre petrol unit with its 133Nm output. Higher in the rev range, despite the diesel's impressive flexibility, the 1.5 petrol feels more eager thanks to its 101bhp rating but low and mid-range punchiness is the name of the game for urban motoring and the 64bhp 1.3-litre DDiS has plenty of that. The Swift handles very adeptly, remaining composed in the corners and giving good feedback to the driver through the well-sprung suspension. On the road, the springs can be a bit noisy when travelling over bumps but most keen drivers will happily put up with that as a trade-off against the car's sporty character.

The Swift's handling and packaging are key strong points and both are helped by the fact that the chassis offers the widest track in the class (1470mm wide at the front and 1480 at the back), which in turn translates into the greatest overall width of any supermini (1,690mm). Coupled with a long wheelbase and compact engines, this frees up plenty of room in the cabin and allows for a 213-litre luggage area.

Visually, the Swift is refreshingly different, offering what Suzuki calls a "1.5 box" design. Rather than being an amorphous blob, the Swift has a pronounced bonnet line and a very shapely contour along its shoulders. A wide air dam and big headlamps give the car a distinctive 'face' and the big wheels at each corner of the car give the impression that it's solidly planted to the road. The black pillars give the car a floating glasshouse effect and the wraparound glazing helps to promote better all round visibility. The rear of the car is even more expressive, with thickset haunches and a roof that melds into an integrated spoiler. Overall, there's more than a hint of new MINI about the car and Suzuki will be more than happy if some of the trendy image of BMW's baby rubs off.

The interior is also very different from what we've come to expect from Suzuki. Again a wraparound theme dominates, with smoothly curved surfaces and a number of bright ideas. The illuminated ring around the speedometer is a welcome change from the usual chrome rings and the three-spoke steering wheel looks agreeably sporty. Taking its cue from Suzuki's sports bike expertise, the tachometer dial features a zero mark at the six o'clock position. A centrally mounted information display takes care of the time, fuel consumption and outside temperature functions. Suzuki have listened to customers who are tired of manipulating tiny, fiddly audio and climate buttons and have instead opted for big, easy to reach dial-type controls. The audio system can also be operated from a set of optional wheel-mounted switches.

Swift models are offered in SZ2, SZ3 and SZ4 guises but this diesel comes only in SZ3 trim. Air-conditioning, alloy wheels and front fog lamps all feature as does a CD stereo, electric windows and remote central locking.

Is the 1.3 DDiS diesel the pick of the Suzuki Swift range? The answer is a resounding, 'it depends what you're looking for'. Buyers for whom price is the prime determining factor won't be able to see past the 1.3-litre petrol car while people who select their vehicles purely on grounds of 0-60mph acceleration and top speed will favour the 1.5. If, however, you take the longer view - looking at ownership costs and residual values while also weighing up the DDiS Swift's generous specification and muscular performance - it may well look the best bet.

TOP 5 SWIFT DEALS

The results below show the top SWIFT deals on buyacar

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