What is it?
It’s a Swift, with Attitude. Given the Swift supermini’s cheeky, confident nature, it’s questionable whether the range needed embellishing with a limited-edition character model such as this. But, at the risk of over-egging a likeable pudding, Suzuki has done it anyway.
The Swift Attitude is based on the upper-mid-level Swift SZ3. That means it gets a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 93bhp and 87lb ft, returns 56.5mpg combined with 116g/km of CO2.
Over and above the SZ3’s spec, the Attitude gets a carbonfibre-look roof, carbonfibre-look door mirrors, a neat rear spoiler, front fog lamps, rear privacy glass, black wheels (16-inch, like the SZ3’s) and white paint. Production will be limited to just 500 units, split between three and five-door versions. We’re driving the three-door.
What is it like?
A lot of fun. The lack of mechanical changes over the SZ3 means that the Swift Attitude feels absolutely no different to drive. So it’s an entertaining steer, then, with fine grip and body control married to an impressively compliant ride, and all serenaded by a revvy and willing petrol engine that gets pleasingly vocal at full chat.
The cosmetic enhancements work well and suit the car a treat, especially in three-door form. It’s all entirely in keeping with the Swift’s fun, youthful nature; even the faux carbonfibre finish on the mirrors and roof has a certain cheeky, cut-price appeal.
Should I buy one?
Possibly, yes. Surprisingly, for a limited-run, cosmetically tricked-up special edition, the Swift Attitude is considerably cheaper – by £935 – than the Swift SZ3. Except for the time being it isn’t, thanks to Suzuki’s current VAT-free offer on the rest of the Swift range, including the SZ3, but not the Attitude. So the Attitude might be cheaper, in theory at least, if there are any left to buy when the VAT-free offer on the other Swifts expires. We hope that’s clear.
The Attitude’s enhancements do nothing to detract from the Swift experience and, aesthetically at least, go some way to improving on it. The model is designed to appeal younger buyers, and we can’t see any reason why it shouldn’t.
Suzuki Swift Attitude
Price: £10,750 0-62mph: 12.3sec Price: £10,750 0-62mph: 12.3sec Top speed: 103mph Economy: 56.5mpg CO2: 116g/km Kerb weight: 1005kg Engine type: 4 cyls, petrol, 1242cc Power: 93bhp at 4000rpm Torque: 87lb ft at 4800rpm Gearbox: 5-spd manual
