MOTORING AUGUST: Suzuki plus Lotus

TNU’s Guild of Motoring Writers car tester George Loveridge has been taking a look at the latest from a Japanese car manufacturer, perhaps more noted for championship winning motor bikes.  Suzuki, hitherto an engineering company, produced a prototype car in 1937, its first motorcycle in 1953 and production cars in 1959.

However, let’s start with a reminder that at the end of August something occurs that is diametrically the opposite of the well-named Swift.  Major Lotus news follows at the end after the road test.Salon Privé 2023 takes place 30 August – 2 September at its now traditional home, the Duke of Marlborough’s Blenheim Palace.  On view will be some of the most exotic cars ever built, but the gathering just outside Oxford is also very much a social occasion supporting four days of unparalleled entertainment. Last year the event sold out.
www.salonpriveconcours.com

GEORGE LOVERIDGE AND SUZUKI

The hot hatch has been the go-to choice for those wanting high performance, with a low price, for over 30 years. Suzuki’s new Swift Sport has both, and a hybrid system. What’s it like then?

Twin exhaust tips and carbon fibre splitters. Yes, we’ve got some good ingredients already!

Visually, we can see that it is purposeful and aggressive. A serious-looking face has been achieved with deeper bumpers and that carbon fibre front splitter. This carbon theme continues across the side skirts and rear bumper. Admittedly, it’s plastic-dressed to look like carbon fibre, but I don’t really mind. Again, meaningful looks are provided with a twin rear exit exhaust, whereas the standard car doesn’t even have a diffuser of any kind.

Other than these subtle upgrades, the Sport model is hard to detect on the road. Thankfully, additional features don’t affect the weight. In 2023, you can still purchase a lightweight car. Forget your Aston Martin Superleggeras, the Swift weighs in at 1025kgs! Just over a tonne. If you were to own one, you’d easily be able to strip out the back seats and have yourself an ultra-lightweight sports hatch.

A lighter car results in better performance. Naturally, being the Sport, you need sporting credentials at least.  A K14D 1.4-litre turbocharged booster jet engine provides 129bhp to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox. Other than the transmission, it doesn’t sound very driver-focused yet, does it? However, with the assistance of a 48-volt hybrid system, the total torque output is 235-newton metres!

This pocket rocket will hit 60mph from a standstill in less than 8 seconds. All this torque is available from 2000rpm, and it feels as though it runs out of ‘effort’ at around 3500rpm. Somewhat annoying as there is a redline of 6500rpm, but you can learn to live with the narrow powerband. A manual gearbox was so refreshing to see. Thanks to a short shifter, 10mm better off, each gear change was accurate and rewarding helping to propel you into the distance. Again, a lightweight steel body and stiff suspension results in a car with fantastic handling. The balance is incredible and is extremely confidence inspiring, occasionally lifting a wheel on tighter corners. A truly exhilarating, and quick, thing to drive. Importantly, when you want it to be, it will be a sedate city cruiser.

Inside, you’ll find bucket seats with contrasting red script ‘sport’ seats in the front. For corners, they really hug you tight, although on a longer journey they don’t let you relax. Accompanied by gloss red dash inserts, and a flat-bottomed, leather steering wheel, the driver is made to feel as though they are in something sporty. At this price range, the rest of the interior is exactly as you’d expect. Not necessarily cheap, but there are plenty of plastic surfaces which don’t look or feel great, but in fairness are easier to clean.

You can get five adults in the little Swift, thanks to it being 50mm longer than its previous guise.

There’s an infotainment screen that houses a very slow and dated Suzuki system with GPS, DAB radio and phone connectivity. Thankfully, via a USB port, you can connect your phone with Apple CarPlay and Android auto. Three climate control dials live underneath the screen; they’re easy to use and are well-situated for both driver and passenger. Rear passengers don’t get air vents, sockets, USB ports, etc. Again, something you’d come to expect at this price point. Overall, interior refinements are acceptable! With deep storage bins in the doors, you can fit a lot of items. A central armrest would be nice for when you’re not racing at the lights.

The George Loveridge Verdict

Its name really does fit the bill here. Swift by name, Swift by nature. The power unit is ideal in such a light car, and with such good balance through the corners, you can carry an incredible amount of momentum when you need to. The brushed aluminium pedals are perfectly positioned for rev matching and give you great feedback, especially the brake pedal. I’m 6-foot tall and I was extremely comfortable in the Swift as were passengers. You get adaptive cruise with lane keep and blind spot assist. Importantly, these can be turned off totally if you need to.

As much as I loved the Swift, it can be easy for the negatives to add up. Unfortunately, the glass rattles about in the window frame.  Maybe this was a one-off manufacturing fault. Moreover, the reversing camera is mounted very low to the ground which results in a dirty camera and is rendered useless in bad weather.

The 17-inch wheels do look quite good and provide a lot of side wall, but the arches could house something larger.

It’s the cheapest and lightest in its class. You should really consider the Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid if you’re after something for the weekend. It’s fine value.


Price as tested: £23,670
Lead in price: £17,349
Average fuel consumption: 53mpg
Range (fuel): 310 miles
Engine size: 1.4 litres
0-60: 8 seconds

Performance 9
Handling 10
Transmission 8
Noise 6
Economy 10
Ride and Comfort 8
Accommodation 6
Styling 8
Brakes 10
Finish 8

TOTAL = 83%

https://cars.suzuki.co.uk/new-cars/swift-sport


AND LOTUS NEWS

The new Lotus Eletre was at Goodwood in conjunction with the Festival of Speed for actual customers to drive but no firm news yet of first deliveries. TNU had to turn down the drive opportunity but those waiting to take delivery were very enthusiastic typified by this unnamed soul waiting for his car.

“The luxury interior is astounding; the whole cabin is incredible. The driving experience is so light and responsive with brilliant visibility, it really clings to the road. Instant acceleration, super luxury, enjoyment personified. I can’t wait for my Eletre R to arrive.”

The new Lotus London showroom has opened at 73 Piccadilly, opposite The Ritz on the corner of Berkeley Street. See Eletre & Emira plus the daunting Evija.

www.lotuscars.com

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