Looks and dynamics still appeal, but price and engine let it down

What is it?

This is a special edition of the ageing Suzuki Swift hatchback. Only 500 will be made and they'll be equipped to a high specification, including keyless entry and start, air-con, sports seats, leather steering wheel and 17-inch alloys.

What’s it like?

The Suzuki Swift has held on to a certain charm since it was introduced in 2005. It’s still good to look at, which the Attitude exploits with its 17-inch alloys and spoiler. It’s also got responsive steering and a chassis that encourages spirited driving.

But the Suzuki Swift's 91bhp 1.3-litre engine is beginning to feel its age, especially when compared to the more refined units of its competitiors.

Accelerating above 60mph is a struggle, and this together with the deafening engine noise and the Swift’s lack of stability in cross winds makes it a poor motorway vehicle.

Around town it’s much more bearable, but the engine noise will still be intrusive at any time and the 17in alloys fitted to the Attitude give it a jarring ride quality and are also perilously easy to kerb. Not ideal given the car’s city-dwelling target audience.

However, for anyone hooked on the Swift’s cute looks, the Attitude’s high spec is impressive and the sports seats are an excellent addition, as they're both more comfortable and supportive than the standard car’s seats.

Should I buy one?

The Suzuki Swift Attitude might be well specced, but it’s handicapped by the breathless 1.3 engine and high price.

That you can get the much more appealing 1.5-litre engine in the Swift GLX for hundreds less than the Attitude should be the final decision maker for anyone looking for a Swift.

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AAndrews20 8 May 2013

I have only ever driven the

I have only ever driven the Suzuki Swift Attitude. It is the perfect car for someone who has just passed their test, as it has the looks of a sports car without the overpriced insurance cost. I am 20 now, been driving for 2.5 years and I still enjoy every trip I make in the car.

Furthermore, my 17 yr brother who has just passed, is driving it to 6th form and it looks superb parked next to all the other 6th formers cars, like MK 2 Vauxhall Corsa's and MK 5 & 6 Ford Fiesta's. 

And in terms of motorway driving, I had nightmares of the fact that stability is not excellant and it is very top heavy, but I drove from near Manchester to York on M60, M62 and M1 and not only did it feel suprisingly comfotable, but managed to do the 96 mile trip in 2 hours exactly - the same time it takes my dad in his 4.4 litre Volvo XC90 R-design.

Overall, if your looking for a great first car, with good looks and safety, without the huge insurance premiums, then the Swift Attitude is a fantastic choice, and still not all that expensive to buy!

roxaan89 16 October 2012

 First of all the look of

thanks

Zeddy 5 November 2008

Re: Suzuki Swift 1.3 Attitude

I agree about it feeling like an old car.

When my other half bought one new 3 years ago coming from a Honda Jazz there was something inherently old fashioned in its feel and I didn't like the view from the driver's seat. That windscreen was somehow giving a claustrophobic feel to the view.

Maybe it was the way it felt built to cost rather than like the Jazz being greater than the sum of its parts that gave me this impression.

Cracking looking little car mind you.