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Suzuki Swift 4x4 Review
The Suzuki Swift 4x4 has few natural rivals in this range of budget light off-roaders. It delivers low running costs with assured handling for a range of typical road conditions and countryside around the UK.
The Japanese built small and compact 4x4 offers a trendy combination of style and substance, enhancing everything you love about Suzuki Motors.
It may surprise many but Suzuki's Swift lineup now has a 4-wheel drive off road model which is both streetwise fun driving and pleasantly affordable. The car is surprisingly light for its robust frame and certainly displays the typical 'standout' design and safety features of the famous Japanese brand.
We're not suggesting that this 'supermini come hatchback' cross is meant for the most challenging terrain you can find in the UK. Nonetheless, if you hop in and test drive this year's Swift 4x4, when you hit the rough roads we are confident you will be more than surprised how its intelligent all-wheel drive grip capability delivers the best light off-roading experiences you could realistically expect for this modest - and some say rock-bottom - price tag.
The Suzuki Swift 4x4 clearly stands out as one of the top conventional hatchbacks, alongside the Fiat Panda 4x4, which can be summed up as a fine all-rounder, able, and amusing - and yet perhaps not the most refined 4x4 on the roads and highways of Great Britain.
In all honesty the Swift supermini is not a full-on off-roader. But its sharp and responsive handling, rugged body cladding, and raised ride height, undoubtedly shows Suzuki's commitment to keep this sporty-looking 4x4 ahead of the competition.
Suzuki Swift Specifications
The Suzuki Swift 4x4 review took to the challenge of the UK roadways as we headed out for our first testing spin in the 2016 four-wheel drive model.
There is no denying that the supermini car is blessed with lightness, sharp accurate steering, and a robust chassis set-up, responding appropriately to all driver demands.
By comparison, one significant drawback of supermini light underpinnings is a distinct lack of sound deadening.
In those times when the engine needed to be worked hard, for example while driving out of town, the 4x4s tyre roar and general vibration became monotonously tiring and lost some of its earlier gains in the top auto ratings.
Suzuki Swift Interior
Perhaps we're being a little cruel but the Suzuki Swift 4x4 interior trim is not its biggest selling point. Despite being adequate and functional, the Swift’s dark colored driver and rear cabins are somewhat plasticky with a brittle feeling - perhaps best described as hard to the touch.
The overall design of the Suzuki Swift interior gives off a modern feel that is clean and logical. So we can't use the word 'posh' in our Swift 4x4 review, but the best of the in-car goodies seem to be solidly made and hard-wearing.
We should remind ourselves that the Swift is one of the smaller 4x4 cars in this class of supermini hatchbacks.
Nevertheless, in terms of passenger comfort, the rear seating and legroom is cramped and the overall noisiness is at a level that most owners would not tolerate lightly.
Tall passengers are likely to find the headroom a little tight, especially in the back compartment. But there are several useful storage facilities such as the long door bins, a deep center console cubby, and a surprisingly large glove box.
The Suzuki Swift offers you a 40:60 split rear seat option. However, it was noted that they create an intrusive steep step when you want to carry a large item in the rear.
Moving to the back of the car and the boot clearly lacks any real carrying space from its tiny 211-liter capacity. In fact, some suggest that the trunk space is further hindered by the small boot opening. The high load lip can also create a challenge if you are lifting heavy items in and out.
Car Trim and Equipment
The Suzuki Swift car range has some super-hot features depending on which model you choose. The SZ3 comes with fantastic extras like air conditioning and 16" alloy wheels. The SZ4 4x4 model goes one better with keyless entry and engine start button, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and automatic air conditioning.
Suzuki Swift Engine Specs
In simple terms the engines are designed to be efficient and economical. The priority seems to be delivering great fuel economy (58.8mpg for the 4x4 model) and low C02 emissions and the impressive unit has slashed CO2 emissions from 126g/km to 111g/km. The bonus is that the Swift SZ4 and SZ4 4x4 are available with Suzuki's cleaner innovative Dualjet engine (engineered to reduce friction). It uses two injectors per cylinder and comes with engine auto stop/start.
If you factor in the Suzuki Swift’s list price it looks to be a tax efficient choice for business users. Private buyers are likely to pay around £30 a year for road fund licence.
Engine-wise, the Suzuki Swift 4x4 features sharp handling. Its large and lower profile tyres provide the car with more grip and sturdy composure through extreme cornering. You should notice that the body movement is well controlled for a small sized 4x4 and the Suzuki Swift easily handles most bumps and potholes.
You could be slightly unfair and describe the car’s acceleration is leisurely, but there is an enormous amount of fun to be had from the stylish Swift - especially while driving on twistier B-roads and country lanes around the United Kingdom.
The Suzuki Swift 4x4 is noticeably less assured when you leave the predictable tarmac roads behind. It struggles on anything described as more than a slightly muddy track. The permanent four-wheel drive transfers the torque to the rear wheels when it is needed via a viscous coupling. Although this means traction is rarely an issue, the Suzuki’s supermini roots are difficult to overlook when the terrain gets rugged.
| Price Range | Engine and Power | Transmission | Top Speed | Economy | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £9,499 - 14,199 | 1.2-litre 4cyl petrol (93bhp) | Five-speed manual, 4WD | 103mph | 58.8mpg | 111g/km |
Rating the Suzuki Swift 4x4
Plus Points
- Spirited engaging driving for modest money, fun to drive, solidly built and well equipped
- Low cost entry into 4x4 motoring with superior handling and great fuel economy
- Stylish, clean modern design inside and out with accommodating cabin, well made and reliable
- Relatively cheap to maintain and among the best-selling 1.2-litre units currently on offer
Minus Points
- Some would argue there is lack of general cabin refinements (plastics lack polish)
- Lacking in extra versatility and all-weather security to justify the price premium
- Steering too light at speed and 1.2 petrol engine is sole option for 4x4 variant (lacks power or greater off-road credentials)
- Brands like this struggle to hold their second-hand market value
Reviews of Similar Car Models | Fiat Panda 4x4 | Renault Captur | Skoda Yeti 4x4 |
Motability with Suzuki
For those individuals who are eligible for the government’s Motability scheme, Suzuki makes it easy for you to find their perfect car.
You can choose from a range of fantastic models and more than half of them are available with absolutely nothing to pay upfront. You can even lease for less and get cash back from your mobility allowance to cover things like fuel costs.
Use your mobility allowance to choose the Suzuki and package that works best for you. In some cases you do not even need to have a licence. This is because you can nominate friends, family, or carers to drive for you (two named drivers for your car).
Motability Offers You;
- A brand new car every three years with insurance, servicing, and maintenance (including breakdown assistance)
- Annual vehicle tax, replacement tyres, and windscreen repair or replacement
- 60,000 mileage allowance over three years for cars (100,000 miles for WAVs)
Many adaptations at no extra cost and metallic paint is included free of charge with Suzuki
The Motability Contract Hire Scheme is available to the recipients of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or Armed Forces Independence Payment and is administered by Motability Operations, City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB.
Disclaimer: The facilities offered are for the hire of goods. This offer is available on orders placed at participating Dealers and subject to availability (not in conjunction with any other offers). Full written quotations and details, including terms and conditions, are available on request. Payments specifications correct at time of publishing*.