In a shrinking supermini sector, can Suzuki’s latest Swift compete with the class leaders and increasingly predominant crossover rivals? By Al Suttie.

Suzuki Swift 1.2 Ultra

List price (BiK): £19,579 (24%) CO2: 99g/km Economy: 64.2mpg Test efficiency: 61.1mpg

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Monday

As the supermini sector becomes ever less-populated, Suzuki is either making a very bold step in launching its new Swift or walking into no man’s land. The Swift has never been a major force in the class, but fewer competitors could see it gain in sales and appeal. A week with this Flame Orange example of the new Swift should tell us what we need to know.

Tuesday

Suzuki calls this Swift all-new, though it does use an updated version of the previous car’s platform. That’s no bad thing in my view as the last Swift was a nifty handler and this one feels even more agile in the corners on this morning’s cross-country jaunt. It also deals with the usual mish-mash of surfaces very ably to balance ride and handling in a way that is reminiscent of the Ford Fiesta.

Wednesday

Much of the Swift’s talent comes from it being very light, especially by modern standards. Tipping the scales at comfortably less than a tonne, this allows the Swift to make the most of its 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and mild hybrid assistance. There may be a modest 82hp on offer, but the Suzuki gets going with greater zest than the official 0-62mph time of 12.5 seconds suggests, which is one of the joys of compact, light cars.

Thursday

The simplicity of the Swift’s cabin is evident in so many of the interactions the driver has with the car. Easy-to-use heater controls and an infotainment system that is way better than that of previous Swifts make it a doddle to spend time in this car such as on this morning’s traffic-jam delayed run into Edinburgh. This journey also showed the Swift’s seats are surprisingly comfy and supportive.

Friday

Taking the kids swimming this evening was easy work with the Swift. My teenage son opted for the front seat as he reckoned knee room was a bit tight in the back, but that was the only minor complaint. The boot managed all the kit and clobber, plus a quick supermarket pitstop for pizza on the way home. As practical small cars go, the Swift is up there with the best.

Saturday

There was something about the Suzuki Swift that made me really enjoy it and I was wondering what it was until it dawned that it has a five-speed manual gearbox. Compared to the six-speed manuals or autos in so many superminis, the Swift’s just feels so easy and flexible. It could perhaps benefit from a longer fifth gear on the motorway, but otherwise this light, accurate gearbox is ideal for this type of car.

Sunday

In Ultra trim, the Suzuki Swift is not lacking in equipment, and nor does it come with a penalty at the fuel pump. Even with some keen drives on wending country roads to make the most of the Swift’s agility, it has returned 61.1mpg (compared to an official 64.2mpg). It’s not quite as refined as a Volkswagen Polo, but the Swift is cost-effective, fun and makes a resoundingly good case for picking a supermini over the phalanx of small crossovers.