REVIEW

As the entry point for a hot hatch in the Fiesta class now seems to be 200bhp, and with that size car no smaller than the Mk1 Ford Focus, an opening has been created for a smaller hot hatch. Being smaller they’re lighter too, so don’t need that level of power and that lightness brings a more delicate handling balance too. Suzuki entered this market in 2005 with the Swift Sport and now we have the third generation of that model. With more dynamic styling it looks sporty and classy, and as always with the Swift, there is a range of funky colours to make it a fun car to be in and drive. That drive is one of the big surprises of the year too, with really playful handling and a comfy ride, helped along by the zingy 1.4-litre turbocharged engine putting out 138bhp. It won’t set the world alight performance-wise, but it never feels slow. Small, fun, and chuckable – this Swift Sport is the new generation of hot hatch.