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46 Phonebox Magazine | October 2024It was early 1985 when British drivers got their fi rst proper look at a town run-around from Japan%u2019s Suzuki called the Swift. Originally called the Cultus (which means %u2018adoration%u2019 in Latin) the name was changed to something more suitable for European drivers. Its fi rst reveal, at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show had proved a success and enthusiasts were looking forward to the Swift%u2019s forthcoming battle against rival Japanese bigshots like the Toyota Starlet and Nissan Micra.Fast forward 40 years and once again a Swift is making the news as a concept design vehicle being shown at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo in October 2023. In April this year the new fourthgeneration model landed on UK shores with increased style, technology and safety features and the continuing desire to be a car that is easy and enjoyable to drive.Suzuki%u2019s goal was to create a new model that was packaged into a small 3.8 metre body, but which off ered a spacious cabin, good boot size and excellent visibility all round. And I think they have achieved that %u2013 I enjoyed my week with the company%u2019s test car.It%u2019s still undeniably a Suzuki but the Japanese company has done a major reworking of the look and feel of the new Swift. Now there%u2019s a smarter and bolder appearance with a new front grille, large LED headlamps featuring an %u2018L%u2019 appearance and blacked out roof pillars which make the roof %u2018fl oat%u2019, giving an extra sense of lightness. At the back you%u2019ll fi nd a new distinctive tailgate design with a big, wide bumper, bold tail lamps and a roof spoiler to add a touch of sportiness. All round it%u2019s a nice package which looks neat and balanced.Designers have been hard at work on the interior too %u2013 dual-tone patterning has been incorporated into the inside while a centre console, angled towards the driver, has a large 9-inch infotainment display added as standard.Front seats are firm and comfortable %u2013 a redesigned look includes new-shaped cushioning between the side and shoulder bolsters. Front seat head restraints have been increased in height by 10 mm to improve support and safety.More safety features appear liberally across the car%u2019s standard specifi cation: there%u2019s a rear view camera, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, rear cross traffi c alert, blind spot monitoring and traffi c sign recognition.The higher grade %u2018Ultra%u2019 model that we tested also features polished alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning and electric folding side mirrors that incorporate turn indicators.This new Swift uses Suzuki%u2019s %u2018HEARTECT%u2019 platform which allowed designers to reduce the size of the engine compartment and therefore increase available space in the rest of the car. For passengers and luggage. It means that, although it%u2019s a compact city car, the Swift feels roomy and Swift by name but not swift by nature. Suzuki%u2019s little city hatchback has been on sale in the UK for nearly 40 years, so it%u2019s hardly %u2018here today, gone tomorrow%u2019. And judging by this new model, it will remain that way for some time yet.Phonebox Motoringwith Tom JohnstonTIME FOR A SWIFT ONE?