1.0 SZ5 Boosterjet Auto 5dr Hatchback

The best automatic supermini ever full stop.

We were looking for a torque converter automatic supermini for Mrs Green, it HAD to be an auto! So I ruled out CVTs (too droney), DSGs (too complicated) and automated manuals, (too r******) which left us with a Suzuki Swift, a Mazda2 or something French.

Against the competition(dull and worthy or French) the Swift was in a league of its own and by the end of the 30 minute test drive we were smitten. In Speedy blue with the optional spoiler it looked youthful, smart and sporty. Roomy inside and extremely well equipped, scratchy plastics, yup, who cares - nothing rattled. The ride is good and the handling flat, the road holding assured and spectacular fun, the 1.0 litre boosterjet engine characterful and punchy with phenomenal torque. Wonderful on the back roads and planted and confidence inspiring on the motorway where its power and torque are impressive, 2500rpm at 70mph make for a really hushed cabin for such a small light car.

The dealer was pleasant and not at all pushy, we got some discount, a service package and 0% APR on a PCP lease.

The 6 speed automatic is smooth and quick shifting giving mid to high 40’s in mixed driving. The fuel tank at 8 gallons is a little too small. The paddles give instant downshifts after which the box reverts quickly back to full auto. Performance, size and weight make this new Swift comparable to a 90’s hot hatch. Torque, cabin noise, build quality, insurance costs and fuel economy are very much 21st Century.

The automatic only comes in full fat SZ5 trim and only flat red and white are standard so this car was about as pricey as a Swift gets. Modern cars are unfortunately cursed by the scourge of electrickery, and for me these added extras detract from a near perfect driving experience.

The lane departure warning is pointless, irritating and permanently switched off, the collision avoidance - over zealous around right hand corners with parked cars, annoying but left-on just in case. The auto dip headlights react quickly to oncoming vehicles but also to anything else reflective such as road signs. Radar cruise never used and never will be, why lock yourself onto the numpty in front! Rear Camera, meh - bleeps and peeps are fine. Sat Nav okay - but the smartphones are better these days. Keyless entry, a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist - saves the manufacturer money, makes the car easier to steal and puts up insurance, a win for everyone except the driver.

Okay it does sound like a long list of complaints but these are systems problems not car problems and anyway I’m the reviewer not the owner! Suzuki have absolutely got the car part of the equation right and when I drive it I love it warts and all!

In summary - take away the tech nonsense and you have the perfect little car, so buy the mid range manual unless you must have an auto - in which case it's still the best automatic supermini ever full stop!

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