Having had my Swift Sport for 6 months now i thought i would do a write up of it after 6200 miles.

I puchased this brand new (65 reg) last September.Its in Galactic Grey and is a 3 door.

This model is fitted with the M16a 1.6vvt engine(last of the Japanese units sadly).135bhp.It has a 42 litre fuel tank.

ENGINE

For the 1st 600 odd miles the engine was very tight,more than any Skodas i,ve previously owned.As the miles piled on it loosened brilliantly and at pressent is very free revving right upto red line.The previous MK2 Swift Sport was always slated for being gutless before the power band but with these later engines its a very different story.They are much more responsive and fuel efficient with 135bhp compared to 122bhp of the MK2.Its a very small lightweight engine.Being a VVT engine you get a great surge in power after 4000rpm that doesn,t drop off until the Red line at 7200rpm.It pulls very hard in this rev range and theres a great induction noise that goes with it too,which is quite addictive haha.

Fuel consumption has improved to with mileage.The onboard fuel readings from the MFD are very optimistic but real world figures are 39 to 49mpg.I have seen a reading of 58 but as said it wouldn,t be that.Best so far calculated is 46mpg with a mixture of driving including a lot of "Spirited" drives.Worst seen is 33mpg stuck in town traffic jams with long bouts of idling.(No start/stop fitted to these).

GEARBOX/CLUTCH

Its fitted with a 6 speed gearbox and the clutch is very light with a midway biting point.The gears are close together on selection and reverse has a collar under the gearknob to lift upon selection.1st gear is quite short and the pregression through the gears is quick whilst making pace.There is quite a difference between 5th and 6th gear ratio wise but the only thing whilst in 6th is when you,re doing motorway speeds of 70mph the rev counter needle is bang on 3000rpm.It doesn,t put you off though as there is no loud engine scream.I would say its about the same level of noise in 6th as a Skoda at 70mph.Gearchange is very slick once warmed up but can be a little notchy when cold (1st to 2nd).

SUSPENSION/STEERING

Suspension is all Monroe on these.The ride is quite firm but not off putting over bumpy surfaces.There is very little body roll and all is nice and tight.The steering is very sharp and precise,too much for my liking compared to Skoda but does have a very electric feel about it.Its also well balanced and not too light with great feedback.The best part of the Swift is its short wheelbase and go kart style handling.Its an involved fun drive like they should be.

Wheels are 17inch fitted with Conti 195/45 tyres.You can go bigger on these rims upto 215/45.I find the Contis noisey but the grip is excellent.

INTERIOR

Very well put together with no exposed metal showing.It has great soundproofing except road noise as mentioned.The plastics are a good quality and well screwed together.The seats are a bucket style with a Red "Sport" insignia stitched into the backrest.Gearshift gater and steering wheel have Red sticthing also.Everything is well layed out and within reach from the drivers position.Comes standard with Climatronic heating and a Garmin Sat Nav Head Unit with DAB/Bluetooth/Aux/USB. Seat height adjustment too which to me doesn,t quite go low enough for me as i,m 6 feet 4 but headroom is more than enough.So far no trim rattles!

The Swift has a keyless system.There is no ignition barrel/switch but is replaced with a start/stop button.I,m getting used to it now and is quite simple to use.To gain entry to the car is a small button press on the drivers door handle.Press twice to unlock all other doors/tailgate.Once inside you simply put your foot on the clutch and a Green symbol show on the dash and is ready to start with the button.Turn off you simply press the same button.Without pressing the clutch pedal down will give you the "ACC" position on the ign and another press will give you ign lights.Door buttons are front windows Auto up/down and Electric folding mirrors.Headlight switch has Auto function which is useful.The Sport model is not fitted with DRL,s.

The Sport doesn,t come with a spare wheel as there is no room for one in the boot which is slightly small.Under the boot floor is a horizontal exhaust silencer hence the limited area.

EXTERIOR

Not as tinny as its previous model was due to more insulation fitted.The Sport comes with a nice bodykit fitted.Deeper aerodynamic front bumper with headlight wash/ fog lights.Side skirts fitted and a deeper rear bumper with twin exhaust outlets and centre foglight.Tailgate has a top spoiler fitted and all is body coloured.Door mirrors are a bit large i think but don,t look out of place.Side indicators are fitted into front wings as opposed to the door mirrors.

PROS

Very comfy and hugging seats

Great responsive engine with addictive VVT and reasonably economical

Go kart handling/pin sharp steering with good feedback

A great involved drive/working for max power

Style and looks

CONS

Small boot

Garmin HU has a Warning upon starting up which you have to agree to with a button press before you can do anything.

Edited 10 March, 201610 yr by Stormchaser

Bit of sad news.

I'm getting rid of the Swift due to it being too much of a harsh ride for me. I've suffered with my back last year and taken a long time off work and the Swift is starting to niggle it. Shame really as it's fun to drive. To someone else it maybe ok (also younger) but I'm not taking the risk.

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Shame you're having to let it go so soon, they're nice cars.

 

What are you planning on replacing it with?

I'm getting a Lexus CT200h. A lot of car for the money.

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