Suzuki Swift Sport hatchback (2011-2017) - Interior & comfort

While the inclusion of a sixth gear improves fuel economy at high speed, it also means the Suzuki Swift Sport's engine doesn’t have to work as hard, so noise inside has been reduced, especially on the motorway.

It also has stiffer suspension than the normal car (for quicker cornering), yet it still manages to provide a comfortable ride for its occupants.

Suzuki Swift Sport dashboard

There’s a price to pay for all that fun in such an affordable package, and that comes when you open the doors and climb inside. The interior design doesn’t come close to that provided by the Ford Fiesta ST, Abarth 500 or Vauxhall Corsa SRI.

20

There are lots of dull grey plastics that are hard to the touch, but the standard-fit sat-nav system lifts the ambiance a bit.

Much better are the seats, which look suitably sporty and provide plenty of support when the car is thrown around bends.

Equipment

Given the Swift Sport’s low purchase price, there’s an impressive amount of standard equipment. Highlights include keyless entry and a start button, air-conditioning, metallic paint, automatically operated bright HID headlights and electrically adjustable folding door mirrors.

Sat nav is also fitted as standard, which is particularly impressive given the car’s price, and other kit includes a DAB digital radio, plus USB and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

Options

The Swift Sport has a long list of optional extras that includes everything from silver-finish dashboard trim, a centre armrest with CD storage and a Pioneer sat nav system – but to be honest, the standard car offers more than most buyers will ever need.

Unusually for a car like this, there isn’t a huge range of customisation options, such as stickers and multi-coloured trim panels. There are additional body styling parts available, but the Swift Sport looks so good in standard trim that anything more makes it look fussy.