Suzuki Swift hatchback (2010-2017) - Interior & comfort

The Suzuki Swift costs quite a bit less than the equivalent VW Polo or MINI, and it's clear why when you sit inside. The inside of the Swift is full of cheap-looking plastic and it looks a little dated compared with the recently refreshed VW Polo.

Suzuki Swift dashboard

The dashboard in the Swift is neatly laid-out and the materials used feel quite robust, but there's certainly a lower-rent feel than you get in the more expensive MINI and VW Polo, with the Ford Fiesta having a more modern design. The plastics are quite hard and look a bit old-fashioned, although it does feel quite sporty inside once you're on the move.

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The seats are comfortable and hug your body well while cornering, but the overall comfort of the car is lacking compared to the composed VW Polo and even the soft-riding Citroen C3. That's not to say the Swift is uncomfortable, though, as it filters out the minor lumps and bumps of British roads fairly well.

Equipment

The Suzuki Swift equipment list is excellent, with plenty of standard kit on all models in the range. LED daytime running lights, ISOFIX child-seat mounts and central locking will help keep you safe, while split-folding rear seats, a fuel consumption display and electric front windows all make life easier for you.

Other standard equipment includes heated door mirrors, USB connectivity and front foglamps. Move up to the SZ3 specification and you'll also get air-conditioning, alloy wheels and Bluetooth phone connectivity. This makes it our pick of the range, as it has everything you'll likely to need.

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The SZ-L model comes next, offering much of the visual drama that makes the Suzuki Swift Sport so attractive, but with the same engine as the normal car. Outside it features dark glass, a rear spoiler and black alloy wheels. The sporty feel continues inside, with silver stitching in the seats and the sports steering wheel. The SZ-L is also the least expensive model in the range to include sat nav and DAB digital radio as standard.

If you need a bit more luxury in your life, go for the SZ4, which adds keyless entry (which unlocks the door if you’re standing near the car with the key), automatic air-conditioning and cruise control. The entire Swift range comes with a tyre repair kit, so you'll have to ask if you want a proper spare wheel.

Options

It's possible to fit the Suzuki Swift with a tow bar and a roof rack, which might appeal to buyers who have specific uses for the car in mind (perhaps a keen cyclist).

Other useful options include sat nav, Bluetooth phone connectivity, rear parking sensors and a handful of interior and exterior cosmetic enhancements. These include a spoiler, stripes, plusher carpets and a sportier-looking steering wheel.

It's also worth mentioning that, as of February 2015, the Swift does without a spare wheel, instead just coming with the less dependable solution of a tyre-inflation kit.