117 MOTORING ROAD TESTS BY NICK FLETCHER


ouR MoToRinG coLuMn, By The exPeRienceD AnD AwARD winninG LocAL MoToRinG JouRnALiST NICK FLETCHER HELPS OUR READERS CHOOSE THE BEST OF THE LATEST CARS.


SUZUKI SWIFT SZ5


SALES OF THE SUZUKI SWIFT HAVE TOPPED 6 MILLION ACROSS 158 COUNTRIES, MAKING IT ONE OF THE MOST SucceSSfuL MoDeLS eveR foR The fAMouS JAPAneSe MANUFACTURER. This popular hatchback was revised last year, giving it a


fresh new look, more cabin space and improved perfor- mance and economy. new Swift is priced from £11,999 and while available only


as a 5-door, clever styling gives it a coupé appearance by dis- guising the rear door handles. With cutaway headlights and larger front grille the latest version is 10 per cent lighter, 19 per cent more powerful and eight per cent more economical than its predecessor. There a choice of 1.0 litre 3-cylinder Boosterjet turbo


petrol engine or 1.2 litre 4-cylinder Dualjet engine, and there is a good level of standard kit - all models get features which include DAB radio, Bluetooth, LED running lights and privacy glass. Other versions – including the new Swift


Sport model - add features such as alloy wheels, smartphone links, auto air-con, auto transmission and even all-wheel-drive so to some extent you can tailor models to your specific needs. My test model was a flagship SZ5 with


117


STYLING REVISIONS GIVE THE SWIFT A CHIC AND


a 1.0 litre 110 hp Boosterjet engine and 5-speed manual gearbox, priced at £15,499. This perky yet economical engine has a top speed is 118 mph, the 0-60 mph time is a nippy 10 seconds and fuel economy is up to 62.7 mpg. SZ5 specification includes sat-nav, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, rear parking camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and push-button start. This model also


HONDA CIVIC


HONDA’S CIVIC HATCHBACK HAS A BEEN A STRONG SELLER OVER THE YEARS AND THE LATEST VERSION, WITH A LIGHTER CHASSIS AND A MORE SPORTY LOOK, IS LIKELY TO ATTRACT A LOT OF NEW BUYERS TO THE BRAND. Honda says the new Civic – lower, longer and wider than


its predecessor - has been ‘re-imag- ined’, delivering a more engaging driving position, upgraded tech- nology, a more spacious cabin and introducing two new turbo-petrol engines, alongside a diesel unit. Prices start at £18,895 and there


DOESN’T COMPROMISE


WHEN IT COMES TO EVERYDAY PRACTICALITY


are three main trim levels, Sport, Sport Plus and Prestige. My test model was the mid-range


CHARISMATIC LOOK


features Suzuki’s SVHS ‘mild hybrid’ system which gives sub- 100 g/km emissions for lower road-tax. The system utilises a belt-driven combined generator and starter motor which assists acceleration and stores energy to help save fuel. The Swift has a larger interior thanks to slightly lowered seats boosting headroom and a longer wheelbase creates more rear passenger space. Seating is very comfortable and there is a good driving position with excellent visibility. Boot space is 265 litres (up 54 litres on the previous model) and expandable to 579 litres by dropping the rear seats. On the road, Swift has smooth driving


dynamics with a supple, comfortable ride, and is agile in traffic or when parking. It also has outstanding grip and handling thanks to well-balanced suspension and its lower wider road-stance. Styling revisions give the Swift a chic and charismatic look that help it really stand out in a very competitive small-hatchback sector


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