There’s just something special about small, light, and simple performance cars, especially in hot hatch form, and the Swift Sport, no matter the generation, is one of the all-time greats.

Here, we’ll be covering the third iteration, the first to be powered by a turbocharged petrol engine, a 1.4-litre BoosterJet four-cylinder, offered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

While some enthusiasts may lament the loss of the previous generation’s naturally aspirated power plants, the switch to forced induction has only made this generation even more engaging, with a broader spread of torque delivering effortless performance in all conditions.

Unlike many other cars in this class, which can suffer from overly complex lineups with various trim levels and drivetrain options, the Swift Sport has kept things refreshingly simple. There are essentially two iterations: the AZ Series 1 (2018-2021) and the AZ Series 2 (2021-2025), with the latter primarily introducing extra tech and updated safety features.

Aside from this, it has stuck to a single trim specification, with the only real exception being the limited-edition Red Devil, which was mechanically identical but distinguished by red and black visual highlights.

Internationally, Suzuki has released a few special and limited-edition models, including a mild hybrid variant, but another significant advantage of the Swift Sport is its sheer lightness. We’re talking just 970 kg—fun fact, that’s only about 200 kg more than just the battery in a Tesla Model Y.

This low weight translates to superb agility and performance while also keeping running costs impressively low. From insurance, registration, and taxes to consumables like fuel, tyres, brakes, and suspension components, the Swift Sport remains an affordable proposition compared to heavier, more demanding performance cars.

The same applies to spare parts, although, thanks to Suzuki’s reputation for reliability, you’re unlikely to need them often.

Speaking of reliability, the Swift Sport has built an excellent reputation in this regard. As you’ll find in our “What Goes Wrong” section, commonly reported issues are rare, which only strengthens its appeal as a performance car that won’t leave you stranded or empty your wallet with expensive repairs.

As the flagship Swift model in Suzuki’s lineup, it also comes with a decent level of standard features and equipment.

However, it’s worth keeping expectations in check, while it’s well-equipped, the Swift Sport is still based on a budget-friendly hatch, meaning the interior materials are functional rather than luxurious, and infotainment issues aren’t unheard of.

On the used market, the Swift Sport has been holding its value surprisingly well, especially when compared to more expensive rivals. While this is great news for owners, it does mean that finding a bargain can be tricky.

What goes wrong with a used Suzuki Swift (3rd-gen)?

Exterior:

The most common complaint from owners is that the paint is both thin and soft, not exactly a recipe for durability.

Many owners strongly recommend getting at least the front end PPF’d to protect it from inevitable stone chips because if left untreated, the chips on the bonnet can eventually lead to rust.

But while you’re at it, maybe consider getting the roof done as well. Some owners have found that even general wear and tear can leave noticeable marks up there.

Interior:

The biggest complaint we came across when it comes to the interior is just how shockingly bad the standard infotainment system is.

This isn’t exactly news, Suzuki’s infotainment systems in the Jimny and Vitara have copped plenty of criticism, and it’s no different here. In fact, one of the first things owners recommend doing is binning this mess of a system and replacing it with an aftermarket unit.

Yes, it has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, which all sound great in theory, but in practice, the system is plagued with dropouts, it can become painfully slow, using it feels clunky and outdated, and the whole thing gives off serious Temu-spec vibes because that’s basically what it is.

However, 2024 models have been delivered with a Pioneer system, and this is a massive improvement. That said, while the head unit is better, the speakers are still the same, and this is another area owners highly recommend upgrading.

Mechanically:

Very little seems to go wrong mechanically. Generally speaking, the rare reports of issues, things like turbo complications or high-pressure fuel pump failures, can often be traced back to abusive driving or a complete lack of maintenance rather than any inherent design flaws.

But being an affordable performance car with a solid reputation, a fair few of these on the used market have been absolutely butchered with poor modifications and dodgy tuning.

It’s critical to find out as much as possible about a car’s history before buying, and we’d highly recommend steering clear of heavily modified examples unless you know exactly what you’re getting into.

Should you buy a used Suzuki Swift (3rd-gen)?

After reading this cheat sheet, it should be pretty obvious that we highly recommend you buy a Swift Sport. In fact, there’s a strong chance we’d suggest you sell whatever car you currently own just to get one.

Of course, like any used car, there are dodgy examples out there that should be avoided, and even the best Swift Sports that pass a pre-purchase inspection with flying colours might still be too small for some or not luxurious enough for others.

But honestly, in those cases, we’d just recommend changing your lifestyle and adjusting your expectations to accommodate owning a Swift Sport, it really is that good.

Should you buy one? Absolutely, yes.