The Swiftest Swift

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The Suzuki Swift is one of our favourite small hatchback. They are affordable, cheap to run and fun to drive. And the Sport version may be the last old school hot hatch. Whether you have $5000 or $15000 you can get yourself one of the most rewarding lightweight hot hatches on the market with a manual gearbox. There is always plenty to chose from, too. Here are two at Turners right now. Read on...

There’s no denying that modern cars have grown bigger and more complicated, and most have done away with the manual gearbox. If you want something sporty, manual, affordable and light you pretty much have the 4^th generation Mazda MX5 or the Suzuki Swift Sport.

Back in the olden days of the 1990s and early 2000s Suzuki sold the Swift Gti and Ignis Sport. These were fun cars, but it was the introduction of the new Swift in 2004 that saw it become a sales hit in NZ. And then, a year later, came the Sport model, with it’s bigger 1.6L engine that liked to rev, had stiffer suspension and a slick 5 speed manual transmission (an auto was also available). It was quick enough, loads of fun, easy to maintain and well priced. We loved them.

Today, used Swift Sport models from the early days are widely available and won’t break the bank. But even the later models are still relatively simple, light and huge fun.

The two pictured here are a 2010 5 speed model with an auction estimate of $3000- $4000. It’s more than a cheap and reliable commuter, it’s also a great weekend sports car on some twisty back roads. The other is a 2018 model with the 1.4L turbocharged engine and 6 speed manual box that’s available to buy today for $15k. It’s got a few more fruity extras and safety features but is still a fun daily that’ll give you a laugh along some country lanes. In between these two models is the 2^nd generation which many think is the sweet spot for the Swift Sport. These are also widely available and usually in stock at Turners.

Cars don’t have to be fun, I guess, as long as they get you to your destination and home again. But it really helps if they bring a smile to your face while doing so. The Suzuki Swift Sport is one of those cars that can be measured in smiles as well as the boring but important stuff like safety and efficiency.

More details here and here