But what of the drive? Has the quest for more power and more grown-up looks compromised that performance? Mostly no: the Swift Sport is still a hoot to drive, and the 1.4 Boosterjet is definitely more peppy than the outgoing model. The steering is well weighted although slightly lacking in feel and you can chuck it into corners at reasonable speed and still expect it to stick with you, but there's no real adjustability beyond that. The new Swift doesn't feel quite as ready to really have fun and react to all your inputs as you might like, indeed a lift of the foot is barely going to change the little Suzuki's speed mid-corner, let alone bring the back into play. Perhaps this is the result of the Swift's plethora of electric aids, of which only Lane Keeping appears easy to turn off. But it means that the Sport is perfect for a quick schlep across some country lanes and still bags of fun within the speed limits, but not quite ready for an absolute wheel-cocking, wide-eyed hoot when you head out just for the hell of it.
But don't let that put you off, this is still an absolute steal for performance at such a price point. The extras that now come as standard in the Sport have pushed the price up to just a smidge under £18k, but everything is included in that £17,999 price point at a time when a similar Vauxhall Corsa GSi will be pushing into £20k territory, if not over £21,000. Perhaps there will be a version for those who want something to have a bit more fun in in the future, but for now this is almost the perfect first quick car: safe, packed with kit, able to realistically manage 38-40mpg and all for under £18,000. One for the wishlist.
Stat Attack
Engine: 1.4-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel-drive
Power/Torque: 140PS (138bhp) @ 5,500rpm and 230Nm (170lb ft) @ 3,500rpm
0-62mph: 8.1sec
Top speed: 132mph
Price: £17,999