Despite its tiny displacement, it’s a muscular engine. Its 147lb ft arrives at a lowly 2000rpm courtesy of its turbocharger, so there’s plenty of low-down shove. From a standstill, it’ll get to 62mph in 8.8sec and hita claimed top speed of 122mph, so it’s certainly not the fastest car in the world, but it’s the manner in which the Up’s diminutive footprint helps provides the illusion of speed that is one of its most enjoyable traits.
Regardless of how fast you’re travelling, the Up never feels anything less than entertaining.
By contrast, the Suzuki has a far more sober demeanour, arguably the product of a powerplant that seemingly has more in common with a blender than an effervescent, hot-hatch four-pot. Still, despite itsuninspiring soundtrack, the Swift is faster than the Up by a noticeable margin, and because its peak torque is available higher up the rev band, at 2500rpm, it also encourages a greater level of interaction with its precise, if a little forgettable, six- speed manual gearbox.

Through the bends, both cars feel as though they suffer slightly from their taller statures and relatively slab-sided shapes. Their inherent top-heaviness leads to a noticeable amount of lateral roll through faster corners, causing them to hunker down on their outside wheels. That said, neither feels particularly wayward or short on grip, and the adjustability and responsiveness of their respective chassis makes both of them plenty entertaining at speeds that won’t get you into trouble with local law enforcement.
Despite the playful nature of the way each car goes about tackling a challenging section of road, though, neither has particularly memorable steering. The Swift’s rack feels artificially heavy yet lacks feel, and although the Up’s is weighted more naturally, it’s equally as tight-lipped about what the front wheels are doing as the Swift’s.
It’s also worth touching on practicality. The Swift is the larger of the two, so it understandably offers more space in the rear, as well as a larger boot. Don’t write off the Up as grossly claustrophobic, though. Two adults will fit in the back reasonably comfortably – over short distances, anyway – and its 251-litre boot is only 14 litres less capacious than the Swift’s. But which of the two is the one to go for? Well, a brief summary goes like this: the Swift is the quicker but it lacks the Volkswagen’s up-and-at- ’em zestiness.
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Peter Cavellini
Ta da!!!
The Swift is no looker especially in Canary Yellow, the Up’ is too petite, out of the two I’d take the Swift, because it has more room more power and in the right color it would be fine, the Up’ is almost an accessory like having a Lap Dog a Dog that gets carried everywhere, pretty to look at but really doesn’t fulfil its potential.....
JJ BLADE
I disagree
My son has a Citigo, same car as standard Up really, it is Tardis like inside, I'm 6'3 and have no problem sitting in the front or back, I'd take the UP as it has more character and is actually very practical, Suzuki have taken themselves out of the fight by asking several thousand pounds too much for the Swift, Fiesta ST anyday.
A34
Horses for courses
The Up/ Citigo/ Mii is reminiscent of the Austin 7 - pretty much all you need in the real world. The Swift is the Japanese take on the same minimalist vehicle with slightly less minimalism - including price. I'd go for a cheaper Skoda version of the Up as a vRS!
Scotbybarron
Ignore the list price
I wonder which of these 2 the journalists would prefer if the cars were the same price?
In reality these 2 would work out the same price, post negotiated discount, and paid for on a personal contract plan.
I know this because I ordered the Gti back in February. With most of the options boxes ticked, and a £1800 pound discount, the Up! Is going to cost me £150 per month with a £4000 deposit over 48 months.
I still have no build date for the Up! So I enquired with an online broker and they found me a swift sport in my choice of colour for immediate delivery, and after a £4K deposit it’s going to cost pretty much the same each month over 48 months and 10000 miles pa.
Having now driven both cars, I’m going to wait it out leave my deposit with the VW dealer. I just found it more fun and characterful. The size, and performance difference is negliable. And I can firm that an iPhone 7+ does fit into the Up!’s cradle.
230SL
Would be nice if you could
Would be nice if you could get the GTI gearbox and suspension in the regular UP, don't fancy the low profile tyres on UK roads but I prefer the stiffer suspension, also the GTi look is a bit looking like you are trying too hard to have fun.
catnip
The review says the Up has
The review says the Up has sports seats ... aren't they just the standard seats with a check fabric? This is one of my main gripes with the Up. A Gti should have proper sports seats, not just for the extra comfort and location, but they change the whole ambience of the interior of a car like this.
abkq
Comment not specific to the
Comment not specific to the GTi - Not to have proper wind-down rear windows is penny pinching of the most bizarre kind (same problem with the Cactus)
eseaton
Sexually Transmitted
Citytiger
The UP may be a few
grand cheaper, but once you try and match the spec, there isnt actually that much difference in price, and the Up still has a cheap and nasty interior, quality it isnt. At least the swift look the part inside.
Deputy
Stupid Suzuki Door Handles
It may not matter to the reviewer, but if your kids are aged 4 - 9 years old in most cars they can just let themselves in. Not in a Swift with those stupid high handles! So ordered an Up GTi for now - otherwise in the Suzuki you'll be forever walking around the car sorting out the kids doors!!! Stupid design.
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