Reviewed – Suzuki Swift Attitude 2019

In Car Reviews, Suzuki by Tim Barnes-Clay

The Suzuki Swift is a massive seller for the Japanese carmaker. And now it anticipates the up-to-the-minute Swift Attitude will lift sales further.


The special-edition model is predicted to account for 40 per cent of all Swift sales in the United Kingdom during the rest of 2019 and beyond.

The £14,599 Swift Attitude is modelled around the mid-specification SZ-T grade, but it incorporates 16-inch alloys, a marginally sportier body kit, a new-for-2019 spoiler, and a mesh grille.

Yet, where the regular Swift SZ-T trim carries a 1.0-litre turbo petrol power unit, propulsion in the Swift Attitude comes from a non-turbocharged 1.2 Dualjet engine. This has been garnered from the rudimentary SZ-3, propelling the wheels through a five-speed manual ‘box.

The Attitude’s powerplant may sound a bit of a wet lettuce in comparison with a turbo supported one, but it’s still a pleasurable, lively hatchback to drive. This is because the Swift only weighs in at 980kg and has a very short wheelbase.

The Suzuki is tolerant, too. You can toss the little rascal into bends at the last minute without any apprehension that the Attitude might have a fit. Indeed, the Suzuki almost relishes being thrashed. 

The Swift Attitude is far from being a hot-hatch, but it’s a truly fetching supermini – if zipping along winding lanes is your thing. Mind you; its off-the-bat performance isn’t quite so stirring. The zero to 62mph time of 11.9 seconds isn’t going to mean you’ll be changing your undies any time soon.

The Suzuki Swift Attitude isn’t excessively underpowered, though – its manageable weight helps with this aspect; you simply need to move the gears briskly and keep your right foot planted to feel the hustle. The car is also cost-conscious, giving more than 50mpg on average.

When it comes to the ride, you’ll find the Attitude comfy for four adults. And even though the Suzuki’s interior is inundated with plastics and the steering column lacks reach adjustment, the car is brilliant value for a mere £14,599. 

Unquestionably, for this amount, the Swift Attitude is a rational second car, or it could even serve as the principal car for a small family.

Car reviewed: Suzuki Swift 1.2 Attitude Dualjet MT on the road price £14,099 0-62mph 11.5secs Top speed 111mph Engine 1.2-litre 4cyl petrol Euro 6.2 Fuel Economy Combined 55.4mpg CO2 emissions 124g/km Max Power 89hp Torque 120Nm Transmission 5-speed manual front wheel drive

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Tim Barnes-Clay

Motoring Journalist

Tim Barnes-Clay qualified as a journalist in 1994 and is a member of the Midland Group of Motoring Writers. He initially trained in broadcast journalism and has worked as a reporter and news reader at various radio stations in East Anglia and the Midlands. He has also been a motoring journalist for the Mirror Group’s L!ve TV cable network and a presenter, reporter and producer at ITV Central in Birmingham. Tim is now an automotive writer, focusing on car reviews. He has media accreditation with all motor manufacturers’ press offices, and this enables him to test drive the latest cars. He also attends new vehicle press launches at home and abroad.

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