Louth Motors: There’s a new Swift on the scene, tailored for the savvy buyer

The new 4th generation Suzuki Swift has just been launched. I got to drive it in and around the roads in Wicklow last week and it is a reacquaintance I was really looking forward to.

I love the Swift, always have, and it is a car I suggest to people starting out on their motoring learning adventure.
It has everything they need. Easy to drive, spacious, frugal and unburstably reliable.

The previous 3 generations have looks that are not divisive and in my book alway tick the cute box. In Suzuki Swift Sport guise it gives the most amount of fun you can find and I can't wait to drive the Sport version which usually comes a bit later.

The new looks are not that revolutionary but allows Suzuki to claim it is 4.6% more aerodynamic achieved by adding spoilers to the back door and sides amongst others.

It loses the hidden handles in the C pillar reverting to more normal/common door handles which is a pity being a standout design difference.

The interior has been largely revised and is better than the last model sticking with buttons, knobs and switches for the frequently used items which is, as always, excellent but missing was a round volume knob which for me is unforgivable.

Between the front seats you’ll find a manual handbrake and a manual gearbox.
Despite all the new ways of providing drive selectors the manual gearbox is the one that brings such a joyous and warm feeling.

I loved flicking between the gears on the twisty rural roads I had my short test on. There is a modern central infotainment system as usual with a classic drivers display that’s informative, reassuring and not distracting.

Power comes from a 1.2l, 3-cylinder, 82hp mild hybrid petrol unit that’s zesty and eager belying the numbers used to describe it.

There are two trim levels and a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes with competitive prices from €21,495. All models are 4-door and the boot measures 265 litres.

I’ll have a full review here in Democrat Motoring soon and I can't wait.