For the price of a small new city car you can have fun with a used sports car, still valiant. Focus on the third model in our selection with the 3rd generation Suzuki Swift Sport (2011 – 2017) available on the second-hand market from €9,000.
Compact (3.89 m) and light (1,040 kg), this small sports car, 3 or 5 doors (from the end of 2013), is a worthy successor to the GTi of yesteryear. Unlike the current generation, which is more GT than sporty, it does not usurp its surname.
In addition to a 136 hp (100 kW) naturally aspirated 1.6-litre 16-valve engine with variable valve timing, as available at low revs as it is furious in the revs, served by a 6-speed gearbox that is judiciously staged, and what is more sober, it has a sharp chassis as well as excellent braking.
Incisive front axle and precise steering allow you to take advantage of a mobile rear axle when you get up. Added to this is firm, ultra-efficient damping, but never uncomfortable, and accomplished ergonomics with sports seats and aluminum pedals.
Despite one of the most competitive new prices at the time, the equipment was generous with, in addition to specific fittings (17” aluminum rims, diffuser and rear spoiler, dual exhaust), bi-xenon headlights, 7 airbags, cruise control and an air conditioning.
Reliability rating: 5 stars
Excellent reliability, even better than other versions.
The most recurring problems
- Brakes
- rare cases of leaks (rear calipers to be replaced – recall summer 2016).
- Shock absorber bellows
- risks of flight (reminder autumn 2014).
- Plastics sensitive to scratches and quite fragile
- Paint quite flimsy
