Suzuki SwiftSeptember 2010

Suzuki's Swift is the most important car in the Japanese manufacturer's range, and is easily the most recognisable on the UK's roads. Perhaps this is the reason that the company has chosen to leave the new car's design much the same as it was for the previous generation of the supermini.

Despite Suzuki's claim that much has changed, old and new are very similar with new lights and a redesigned boot the only eye-catching features. It remains a good-looking car though, and, with its big back end, one that is a pleasantly different to the generally identikit supermini class.

The engines are inevitably where there is the most change with this new model, and they have transformed the Swift from being uncompetitive to one of the better performing models in the class. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is the pick of the bunch at the moment, achieving great economy and emissions levels well under the 120g/km mark. It is not a powerful engine, and it revs noisily when on the motorway, but it is nippy and capable around town and achieves cleanliness on par with many diesels.

The good looks of the outside don't translate entirely to the inside - it is more functional than funky and features swathes of black plastic. It feels like it should be hard wearing though, and any feelings of frugality from the quality of the material are assuaged by the amount of kit on offer. Range topping models can expect toys such as Bluetooth, keyless start and automatic lights, while even the entry-level version offers steering wheel controls and a CD player with a USB input.

Adults will be happier travelling in the front, but there is enough room in the rear for short journeys. What will be of more irritation is the frankly massive boot lip, making putting anything in and out of the rearmost storage space troublesome, especially considering many owners are likely to be on the mature side of the demographic.

That said, the old Swift's main selling point was its entertaining handling, and the precise and responsive steering of the new version means it's just as enjoyable when thrown down a country lane. Frugality and dependability might be more prevalent in the car's line up than high speed, but the supermini's basic good looks mean Suzuki's high-profile model continues to live up to its name.