TEST DRIVE: Suzuki Swift Sport

We are currently living in a world where every motoring relating conversation falls by default into the incessant rise of fuel costs, insurance premiums, road tax, service costs and so on. We are here today to test drive a warm hatch which should make these conversations a little less painful, the Suzuki Swift Sport.  This little Suzuki hatchback which is usually owned by an old lady, has been tweaked to deliver 134bhp. It might not sound like a lot of power but, in a car of this size, it is a lot of fun.

EXTERIOR: The Swift measures around 3.8 metres and it's quite boxy. The style has been enhanced by a rear spoiler, a more aggressive front bumper and side skirts, xenon headlights with dark housing and 16 inches alloy wheels.  The result is a quite sporty looking little car with an impressive street cred, mostly highlighted by the double exhaust pipes and rear diffuser.

INTERIOR: The "Go Faster" styling continues inside with red stiching on the sport seats, leather steering wheel and gearstick gaiter. The rest of the interior is uplifted from the lesser siblings but embellished with loads of standard equipment such as Climate Control, Push Button Start, Cruise Control and Bluetooth connectivity. The Bluetooth pairing process proved to be rather awkward although once paired it worked perfectly via the steering mounted switches.

DRIVING: The Swift Sport is a breath of fresh air amongst the mostly electronically controlled hot hatches. This car is a row, lightweight warm hatch with a tuned engine and a snappy 6 speed gearbox. Hence it's extremely chuckable and the light and responsive steering keeps you always in touch with the road. Along with a great suspension setting, the stability and handling are excellent and makes this car a lot of fun on a twisty B road thrash.

PRICE: The Suzuki Swift Sport is for sale at £13,749 but dealers are keen to knock around a thousand pound off the list price. The insurance is cheaper than the  majority of hot hatches and the fuel consumption on our test was 42mpg on combined cycle which is quite remarkable for a 1.6ltr engine with fireworks on its sleeves.

VERDICT: This Suzuki Swift breaks the reputation of a car for senior citizens and bingo members. It's a hoot to drive and the engine loves to be revved up, although the six gears make it a settled cruiser. The Swift is a very communicative car which brings back memories of '80s hot hatches like the 205 GTI. Considering the generous amount of standard kit, the Swift Sport is a bargain and certainly will keep you smile on every journey. It's a car that you can have fun with without the need to go beyond the legal speed limit. MG