Suzuki Swift Pt 2 – cabin fever

SIX weeks down the line and our Suzuki Swift is fast becoming one of the family.

That’s the sort of car the Swift is – one you can take to quickly and feel welcome and comfortable in its company.

Given that this model is the top spec SZ5 it is still fairly basic in the cabin, majoring on the essentials rather than being awash with trendy-looking kit.

And if we’re being honest, you soon become so accustomed to the particular interior of a car that after the first few journeys you don’t even notice it anyway.

Just as well because the cabin is dominated by brittle black plastic that could do with more of a soft-touch, though the white inserts below the dash and on the steering wheel go a long way towards brightening things up.

But the Swift is certainly a comfortable conveyance, with front seats that are easy to adjust plus fore and aft adjustment for the steering wheel.

The principal controls are all accessible – in part due to a centre console turned five degrees towards the driver – robust and simple to operate.

All Swift models come with a DAB radio plus Bluetooth, LED daytime running lights and electric front windows but the SZ5 adds a seven-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink for smartphone integration along with the real boon of a reversing camera.

You also get air-con, 16-inch polished alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, electric rear windows, LED headlamps, six speakers and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Visibility, both front and back, is excellent too, as is the driving position while sat-nav is also a welcome inclusion to this flagship model.

Slight improvements in both width and length compared to the previous Swift ensure more than adequate interior space, though it can be tight for three across the back.

And stowage is well catered for, with a door bins capable of carrying a 500ml bottle, a shelf for cards and change, a pair of cupholders, a well behind the handbrake and a good sized glovebox.

As for flexibility, the rear seats split and fold 60/40 while the boot is on the small side, though 25 per cent bigger than before – fine for shopping, less so for golf.

NEXT TIME: Driving and dynamics.