• Dualjet Hybrid your only engine choice
• All Swifts sip petrol economically
• Suzuki servicing and maintenance is highly competitive

How much does it cost to run?

With low insurance ratings and a frugal low-emissions engine, competitive running costs are its forte, particularly those regarding servicing and maintenance, with Suzuki's dealer network offering competitive packages to keep you in-house rather than going to a good independent mechanic.

It's also fair to expect consumables such as tyres and brakes should be inexpensive and need replacing less frequently due to the Swift's inherent lightness. Temper that with the understanding that the Swift is an enjoyable car to drive enthusiastically, which might bode less well for the longevity of your tyres.

While Suzuki may continue to push its driving appeal, the truth is that the big attraction of this car is the low-cost motoring that it provides.

MPG and CO2

Figures for fuel economy and CO2 emissions are as follows under the latest WLTP regime:

• 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid manual: 59.7mpg, 106g/km
• 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid CVT (auto): 55.3mpg, 115g/km
• 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid Allgrip: 52.3mpg, 121g/km
• 1.4 Boosterjet manual: 50.4mpg, 125g/km

Fuel economy peaks at 59.7mpg for the 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid manual under the latest WLTP testing system that's better-designed to replicate real-world conditions. In our long-term test of the Swift, with the now defunct non-hybrid 1.2-litre engine, we averaged 50mpg, including a fair bit of motorway driving. So we reckon 55mpg would be easily achievable for some drivers.

Despite its extra performance the Swift Sport doesn't raid your wallet much more than the standard car.

How reliable is it?

• Swift offers excellent peace of mind
• Don’t let cheap-feeling materials put you off
• Brand has a reputation for longevity

While the Japanese marque has a strong reliability reputation, the previous-generation Suzuki Swift was subjected to four recalls by the vehicle inspectorate, the DVSA.

So far, it's a similar story with the current-generation car - it has chalked-up three recalls to its name.

Remember, these recalls aren't to say something will definitely happen, more that there's a chance that they might and the work is undertaken to stop it - prevention being better than cure and all that.

Of the ones affecting the Swift, the three are limited to a tension belt on the mild-hybrid system potentially failing, the battery not charging properly and side airbags possibly being inflated if a rear door is slammed too hard. If you're buying a used Swift, ensure this remedial work has been undertaken. New models aren't affected.

Build quality feels first-rate, although admittedly some of the plastics feel harder to the touch than you’ll find in some rivals, but it should prove durable.

It’s a similar situation with switchgear: all of the buttons and controls feel as though they’re built to last but they do so without the satisfying damping action you find in other superminis.

Mechanically there’s nothing all-new for the Swift with all the engines, transmissions and AllGrip all-wheel drive systems already seeing service elsewhere in Suzuki’s range.

We ran a Suzuki Swift Attitude for six-months, and not a single thing went wrong.