Suzuki Swift Review | The best small car to lease in 2025?
As more and more manufacturers turn their backs on small, affordable cars, one model as popular as ever: the Suzuki Swift. Compact, frugal and fun, could this be the best small car to lease in 2025?
More and more manufacturers are turning their backs on small, affordable hatchbacks. Cars like the Volkswagen Up, Citroen C1 and even the Ford Fiesta are long gone, while if you want something like the Mini Electric, you’ll have to pay a considerable amount more.
If you’re after an affordable small vehicle, your options really have narrowed in recent years. But we’re happy to say the Suzuki Swift is still very much alive and kicking and, now in its fourth iteration, is one of the best cars in its class. Read our full review to find out why.
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Suzuki Swift styling
The Swift is now in its fourth generation in the UK, and its styling has always been a case of evolution rather than revolution. That remains the case here. Its silhouette really isn’t that different from Swifts of the past, but the latest model introduces fresh styling.
All in all, it’s a contemporary take on the classic Swift look.
The grille is lower, while the bonnet line has been raised. The headlights have changed significantly too, while the rear end has more bulbous proportions than before. There’s a neat spoiler at the top of the boot too – standard on all models.
All in all, it’s a contemporary take on the classic Swift look, and the little tweaks to the design ensure it’s a seriously efficient car from an aerodynamic point of view.
Dimensionally though, things haven’t changed at all, and that’s no bad thing. This really is a small car that’s easy to park. Bloated crossover this is not.
Suzuki Swift interior, spec and practicality
The Swift’s interior has taken a step up in quality. While there’s still a lot of black plastic, everything feels extremely well made and is put together very well. You’ve got to remember that the Swift costs from under £150 per month to lease, so don’t expect too many luxurious materials.
The dashboard features a 9in touchscreen infotainment interface that’s standard on all models.
You’ll find a neat row of easy-to-understand switchgear for the climate control in the centre, although if you’re looking for the heated seat buttons you’ll find those buried down by the handbrake (yes, the Swift still has a pull-up handle rather than an electric set-up!).
The dashboard features a 9in touchscreen infotainment interface that’s standard on all models. It’s responsive and works well, while key functionality for the stereo system and voice command can be operated by buttons on the steering wheel too.
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The satnav system in our car didn’t have the most impressive graphics, but being compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensures most won’t need to use it anyway.
Two trim levels are on offer: Motion and Ultra. Even in entry-level form, it’s a well-equipped car. Standard features on the Motion include adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, parking sensors and a rear-view camera. Safety tech is impressive too, with traffic sign recognition and blind spot monitoring.
The rear bench is very adaptable thanks to a useful 60:40 split.
Ultra models add nice touches such as 16in alloy wheels, electrically folding door mirrors and automatic air conditioning.
Despite those dinky dimensions, the Swift is a practical car that punches above its weight. While you won’t want to regularly carrying five adults, it’s great for carrying the kids with easy-to-access ISOFIX points across the rear bench.
The boot offers 265 litres of space, which is around the same as you’d get in a Mini. However, the rear bench is very adaptable thanks to a 60:40 split and, with both sides down, this space expands to 589 litres.
Suzuki Swift driving and powertrains
Despite having just 81bhp produced from a three-cylinder non-turbo petrol engine, the Swift is a hoot to drive. Its modest power output is made up for by its lightness, ensuring it has a turn of pace that might surprise you.
That lightweight chassis and evolved underpinnings ensuring it rides very well and feels sure-footed in corners.
Compared to some other rivals, the Swift feels light on its feet, and this is helped further by the slick manual gearbox that comes as standard on all models. (An automatic CVT transmission is also available as an optional extra).
It’s clear the Swift is more fun to drive than rivals too, with that lightweight chassis and evolved underpinnings ensuring it rides very well and feels sure-footed in corners. The refinement is helped further by the fact the engine is smooth and hushed, meaning that it’s a car you’d be happy to take on longer motorway journeys too.
The real surprise, however, is that the Swift is available in four-wheel drive form. While most people won’t need the extra traction this provides, the ALLGRIP model is a nice touch in this segment – since the demise of the Fiat Panda 4X4, there are no cars in its class that offer a similar type of drivetrain. This model also features a slightly higher ride-height too, adding to its soft-roader credentials.
If you want a Swift you’ll have to stick to the 1.2-litre mild hybrid model.
One thing that is missing from the revised Swift line-up, is the Sport model. This more potent variation has been discontinued, so if you want a Swift you’ll have to stick to the 1.2-litre mild hybrid model. We found it to be fantastically economical, easily attaining over 50mpg, with 60+ mpg to be expected on longer runs.
Should you lease a Suzuki Swift?
If you’re after an affordable, fun small hatchback, then yes. It’s more economical than models like the Vauxhall Corsa, and more fun than rivals like the Dacia Sandero.
All in all it’s a fantastic package for the money. You can compare lease rates right now by hitting the button below – Leasing.com offers the very best lease deals currently available from the widest range of Suzuki dealers, lease brokers and finance companies.
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*References to lease rates are correct at the time of writing (13/01/2025)