Best hot hatch money can buy? Suzuki Swift Sport 2019 review

[@Jasontvnd9]

There's an awesome article if your interested regarding the engine reliability. A swift sport racked up 59000km on the nurbergring, 2800 laps. So they dyno tested the engine and it's still putting out 136bhp. Never broken down once either despite its peak rpm hitting 8700rpm by dodgy downshifters in the rent4ring car. The only spare parts required during the two years were a stock Suzuki clutch, an alternator, a new battery, a front left wheel bearing, and a set of wipers , 14 pairs of semi slick racing tyres and 27 sets of brake pads. All stock except a racing cage and slightly smaller 16 inch wheels. Quite incredible.

[@CarMadDad]

Just had a look at this - cheers man x

[@yosharian]

That's amazing

[@freddieparrydrums]

That’s insane

[@Watzmann27]

Can´t find the article. Do you have a Link? Thanks

[@astrostrotch]

Shaun is a great passenger 😂

[@MrrNacho]

I just bought me a 2017 SSS (last yr of 2nd gen sport being made), i traded in my 2010 mk6 VW golf R and let me tell you i could not be happier. I feel so connected to the car every time i drive it, loving it

[@CarMadDad]

That's great to hear dude x

[@dhaneshramdial4873]

Very true .

[@Watzmann27]

What a review! Drive this little beast about four years now and I enjoy it every day! Thank you for the upload!

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers dude ☝️✊🤩

[@tulliopinter7412]

I have it since new, and it is a 2013, so 7 years of ownership and still loving it, great car!

[@CarMadDad]

Sounds like a solid decision 7 years ago - thank you for the comment

[@chevaldodavidson1361]

I'm thinking of getting one, same 2013 sport. Have you ran into any issues with the gearbox or clutch?

[@tulliopinter7412]

@@chevaldodavidson1361 After 40k kms of hard driving it's all fine, no issues at all. I can't recommend it enough, great car!!

[@christopherthuraisingham5083]

I have had this for over 6 years now. It's such a great car to own and it's very reliable too. Its design still looks very easy on the eyes; a future classic for sure.

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers Christopher

[@Stephanie-dl3ry]

Build quality for the majority is all about the superficial materials used in the interior. But for some it's about the quality of the engine, gearbox and running gear. The Swift Sport has this true build quality. In fact, this applies to Suzuki in general. As for the drive, they handle amazingly well and consistently. They can slide on all tyres but you always feel in control, and it doesn't bite back. The rear alone can slide which improves steering angle allowing the nose to turn in at some remarkably tight turns that your head will tell you is impossible. On top of this they are very pleasant to drive when you're not in the mood. Engine is super smooth, controls are light and well placed, road manners are firm but not crashy. Visibility and comfort are top notch. Really is one of the best cars for true quality, dynamics, road manners and fun. Masses of fun! I bought my 32S new in 2016 after a string of 'premium' cars and don't regret it one jot. Like many, I held the illusion that premium badge cars are better - advertising and media tell you so right? But the reality is very different. I'm pleased I looked behind the curtain and found the 'underdog' because it has turned out anything but.

[@MrZekToR]

100% SPOT ON!!!

[@CarMadDad]

Some great points - well made. Completely blown away myself - great to see some people with similar experiences / thoughts.

[@MrZekToR]

I've owned a 2016 NA model like the car reviewed. Now own a 2018 turbo model. Two of the best cars I've ever owned. The quality is in the bulletproof engineering. Suzuki are very conservative with their power / performance figures. They are faster than the book figures suggest. The handling is epic. The stock suspension is brilliant. As someone else commented. The SSS is beautifully composed and will allow you to balance a slide between front and rear axles. Very neutral, roundabout crushing ability. Never underestimate a Swift Sport!

[@CarMadDad]

Complete game changer / eye opener for me. Thank you for your comments

[@michaelmike121]

Do you prefer the turbo or NA values?

[@MrZekToR]

@@michaelmike121 I enjoy the turbo more. Both cars are great fun. But the turbo is the quicker car. Both are great fun to wring out.

[@MrZekToR]

@Johnston Wang I disagree. I owned an NA Swift Sport from new for 2 years. I now own a turbo Swift Sport - for just over 2 years. I did 20k miles in the NA, currently 17k miles in the turbo. Both are great fun cars, but the turbo is more fun in my opinion. The turbo car is considerably more muscular and to be honest feels 90% NA anyway. The benefit of small high pressure turbo's. But, it's not just the performance. The handling and agility is a step up over the old NA model. It's the more confident car. Both cars can be grabbed by the scruff of the neck and thrown into a corner hard. But the turbo variant is considerably more chuckable and confident in the corners. Grip and agility is up in the new car as well. Yes, NA power is missed by many. But trust me, the turbo variant is just as much fun, and to some - more fun. Having owned both, definitely the turbo model is more fun for me.

[@MrZekToR]

@@jbwangxyz Each to their own. I still maintain the 2018 model is the better car. I've owned that same car for 5 years now and have no plans to change it. I've done nearly 35k miles in the ZC33S now... and having explored the limits of it's handling even more since I was at 17k miles in the last post. Its handling is DEFINITELY a step up over the older NA model. The 2016 NA model was a great car - no doubt about that. But, the 2018 turbo model I now have - that gets round corners even better than the older ZC32S. Read up on the work that Suzuki did to the suspension - then you can understand why the cornering speeds are higher in the turbo. The brakes are bigger too - and hence better stopping power. Last of all, the grunt from the turbo motor means it is properly quick in gear. To sum it up - the cornering speeds are higher in the ZC33S... and the chassis balance is more precise than the ZC32S. The ZC32S gets 'messy' in the corners earlier than the ZC33S. Put it this way, there is a fast corner where I live - which I've taken at 80+ in both cars. The ZC32S had me backing off because things got a bit squirrely at that speed... the ZC33S though - I could have my foot jammed into the carpet - and take that corner at an even higher speed - and not feel the car getting wayward at all. THAT is the difference. The ZC33S is properly quick around some corners - even with an open diff. It's the lighter car as well. The 2016 NA car is good - but not this good. I like NA engines too - but this little turbo four is a peach to wring out. I prefer it over the NA engine. In fact one of the reasons I bought the 2018 turbo in the first place, is that the 2016 NA car wasn't quite quick enough for me. But then, I have owned 3x V8 cars in my life. I just prefer some torque under my right foot! Anyway, as mentioned - each to their own. Glad you enjoy your ZC32S - that's all that matters at the end of the day. Cheers.

[@dhaneshramdial4873]

So I have 2015 zc32s , so much of fun in such a small package. A real pocket rocket.

[@markdawson7429]

Bought my szr limited edition in 2013, 92000 miles later it's had quite a few sets of continental sport contacts, discs and pads and front sidelight bulbs, that's it! Suzuki = great reliability

[@CarMadDad]

Seems to be a recurring theme Chappy - Chers for the view and thoughts 👌👌👌👌

[@antj29]

I have one of these as a fun daily, gets 45mpg , makes me less angry when driving, has all the toys and still has enough petrolhead cred if I take it to the ring or to a track day, with a sorted 130i in the garage as my fun car I feel I have for once got a strong garage with two capable cars

[@CarMadDad]

Sounds like a great set up chappy

[@ynasir123]

Excellent Video man. Really good insight and totally different to other reviews. Hoping to get a Swift Sport in the future. Keep it up bud!

[@CarMadDad]

Love this chap - thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. X

[@stustenton8782]

Revs for Days! Cracking review 👍🏻

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers Stu. Know anyone with a nice m140 I could do this with??? ;0)

[@stustenton8782]

Car Mad Dad Anytime mate 👍🏻😁

[@cinematographytrev]

Excellent review... I've always been a fan of the Fiesta ST but this looked really really smart mate. Love watching how your videos are evoling after watching your very first upload. Keep it up mate. Excellent content.

[@CarMadDad]

Glad you enjoyed it - these little SWIFTS really are superb fun

[@Letsplayminecraft1]

Pleaseee can we have more videos on this car. Ever so fun to watch.

[@CarMadDad]

You’ll see it April next year all being well chap 🤞

[@Letsplayminecraft1]

@@CarMadDad Nicee

[@ollie42]

Got the 1.2 32 swift an I'm lookin to upgrade to the sport.. Feckin crackin lil motors 👌🏼

[@CarMadDad]

You wont be disappointed Ollie

[@00lor]

Excellent, really enjoyed that... something to think about....after I watch it again 👌😀

[@CarMadDad]

Amazing comment dude... Thank you very much 🙏🏻 😊

[@amhawk8742]

The last naturally aspirated japanese hot hatch 🔥 a manual zc32s with a catback, air intake, stage 1 tune (a wellknown place here in nz says they can get 150bhp & 180nm out of them) and maybe an engine oil cooler/new radiator to manage the extra stress/heat along with a lightweight flywheel & exedy clutch, rear sway bar and 205 tires, and I'll be living my dream... NA hothatch sleeper build costing less than 2/3 the price of the next gen hybrid swift sport 😂

[@CarMadDad]

👌

[@vww1l]

Enjoyed that. What a cool little motor.

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers buddy - appreciate the comment and positive vibes x

[@Ladybirdsin16mm]

Any chance we can see more of Shaun's Scotland car cam? Looks great!!

[@CarMadDad]

You’d have to ask him - not sure now 🤔

[@Ladybirdsin16mm]

@@CarMadDad Oh I found some "PetrolHead Tours Scotland". Thanks!!

[@rory787]

Getting one as my first car! Cant wait. I really want to nod the exhaust and maybe put in a cold air intake but not declaring ito to my insurance I feel is really risky. I could declare the mods but my insurance would go up a lot.

[@CarMadDad]

Rory - if ive learnt anything over the last 13 years of driving its that you ALWAYS declare any mods to your insurance provider. DON'T CUT CORNERS here - if the worst was to happen - they will use any excuse possible to to avoid paying out on a claim. I know that cost is an issue - but can you afford for the insurance to not pay out??? Sounds like a great first car purchase - well done

[@rory787]

@@CarMadDad so how much would my insurance go up by if I got say a rez delete and a cold air intake. My annual insurance for it is 1.5k without any mods and with a black box.

[@CarMadDad]

@@rory787 Rory buddy I have no idea! I do know however that you call your insurers you can advise them of what you are THINKING of doing and they will provide the additional cost if any - so always worth a phone call.

[@freddieparrydrums]

So am I! :)

[@brensterUK]

I bought one new in 2017 and so had it for 3 years now. Lots of fun and very reliable. But ultimately the lack of power and performance makes you want something better.

[@CarMadDad]

Thank you for your comment and thoughts Brendan - cana you think of a better alternative for the money??

[@brensterUK]

@@CarMadDad the Colt Raliart springs to mind. Depends on what definitions you are looking at for an alternative. I bought mine for 14K with just 2.5% APR on PCP. The Sport had no options as everything was included with a lot of kit. So the ZC32 model was extremely cheap and good value for money. The latest Swift Sport has rocketed up in price. The Panda 100HP (also owned one) and Twingo GT and also in this category of warmish hatches.

[@CarMadDad]

@@brensterUK Cheers dude

[@hugocahill7514]

I'm getting one for my first car. It should be pretty interesting to see how it goes

[@CarMadDad]

Hope all goes well Hugo

[@harvester_of_sorrow96]

Still driving the Swift? :)

[@Nurwin1]

We have two of these now. My wife drives one in white and myself in blue. Her's is an upgrade from a KA and on paper mine is a downgrade from a VW GTD but I feel it's an upgrade. It's one of the few cars that makes me want to take the longest route home. Refined around town but if you want a blast keep it in 2nd and Rev it all the way. Handling is superb, full of mod cons and great ride and visibility. It does like to be warned up and at temperarure though. Great review and a great car. Thanks 👍

[@CarMadDad]

Really appreciate the view and comments / thoughts Nic. Have a good one chappy

[@luqmanmessi6662]

Is it possible to mod it to 2000 cc? Or around 1800 like adding a turbo and an air intake flow with a better exhaust system to make it stand out to the stock produce. Though I don't want to spend much on body works

[@CarMadDad]

Not too sure buddy - anyone else out there know the answer???

[@Deehawkeye77]

Only a turbo will get you that power on these. When I was into Suzuki's this model still wasn't working well with any turbo mods. The zc31(model before it) is a lot easier and many run around 200bhp. Great fun but then it's all lost money and your insurance will rocket. After price to do it you might as well buy a mk7.5 Fiesta ST. Even a ecoboost Fiesta remapped with minor mods can get close to 200bhp.

[@AnglingAdict]

Can you please clarify what was done to the exhaust as I’m looking for ideas on getting my exhaust modified.

[@CarMadDad]

Think it was Remus back box of some kind.

[@Scala598]

It's a remus non res centre section and a custom rear section. All 2" pipe

[@MrFussyEater]

Swift is Life! ❤

[@CarMadDad]

I’m a big fan 👍

[@jamesle-surf1292]

How was the acceleration in the car from standstill? Really looking at one of these but have always had Turbo cars. Does it seem slow until up to speed and can drop a gear or two. Thanks

[@CarMadDad]

From memory I thought it was pretty great from the blocks chap 👌

[@JaneDoe-ft7ln]

They feel pretty sluggish until you hit around 4000rpm. They're a hoot once you're there though.

[@mohammedsalimahmed5230]

Price has gone up quite a bit unfortunately due to a combination of inflation and the decline of the New car market (which subsequently increases price in the used car market)

[@CarMadDad]

new to me chap - interesting!

[@mohammedsalimahmed5230]

@@CarMadDad Also, what do you think of a 2019 Suzuki swift sport at 5k miles at the price of £13k? Found it on Autotrader. On the fence due to the fact that I can buy a used Fiesta ST for the same price.

[@CarMadDad]

@@mohammedsalimahmed5230 Dude i don't feel qualified to answer this question... I have heard good things about both however more good has been said of the Ford. My advice is get out there and test drive both. Only you know which car is right for you.

[@TheChris030775]

just bought a white 15 plate on he back of this vid!

[@CarMadDad]

Chris Firstly - congratulations. What a great little car this is. I hope the ownership experience is an enjoyable one! Secondly - thank you for taking the time to let us know... Genuinely always amazing to get good feedback.

[@Stallzyx]

yeah this isn't the 2019 version of the Swift Sport, but the older ones are better as they have the naturally aspirated revvy 1.6 engine. The plate is now on a Honda CRV with quite the interesting recent MOT at end of november. lots of advisories and failed

[@CarMadDad]

Agree with this chap - loved the engine - lots of fun - cheers

[@Stallzyx]

@@CarMadDad yeah I need to come back and watch it because I was doing a few things at once and just skimmed through the video edit: nice! I liked it

[@bisterousmusic2738]

Concerning one and possibly supercharging it

[@CarMadDad]

Sounds like a plan

[@bisterousmusic2738]

@@CarMadDad would it ruin the power delivery you think?

[@CarMadDad]

@@bisterousmusic2738 For me PERSONALLY i depending on the boost applied (size of supercharger) it could be too much. Part of the enjoyment for me was being able to use all of the power all of the power, all of the time. I think Shaun demonstrated time and time again that the car is not underpowered. I couldn't outrun him in an M2 on the twistys due to his immense cornering speeds! Depending what you have done so far, i'd be inclined to head for brakes and wheels first. ONLY MY OPINION HOWEVER

[@CallMeSpoon]

I know I'm abit late to the party, but what year is this SSS?

[@CarMadDad]

Not too sure dude - 2013 maybe?

[@CallMeSpoon]

@@CarMadDad Not to worry, 100% my next car, just going to get my 2 full years of no claims, then I'll be on the hunt for one!

[@CallMeSpoon]

@@CarMadDad Appriciate the response also :) ty

[@CarMadDad]

More than welcome dude and great choice - love these things

[@James-dn1hu]

Is the older one 2010 still a good car?

[@CarMadDad]

No idea chap! I’ve only been on this one 😂

[@fanyang2553]

has this been tuned? or stock...?

[@CarMadDad]

Believe the engine is completely stock mate. Work went no brakes and handling and it certainly shows

[@freddieparrydrums]

Gonna be my first car :D

[@CarMadDad]

Good choice chappy

[@lewisfry8285]

What wheels are they

[@CarMadDad]

Not sure chap but know they are BBS

[@COMA69BAND]

2019?

[@CarMadDad]

Not sure chap 🤔

[@PalaminoHills]

Enjoy?

[@CarMadDad]

I did indeed

[@freddieparrydrums]

Sucks they’ve gone up on value

[@CarMadDad]

Give it time matey - market will calm down

[@freddieparrydrums]

@@CarMadDad I really hope so :)

[@gavinivers8941]

Always makes me smile when people say the engine has a chain so no cam belt. Cam chains also stretch. You also need to replace the water pump....

[@Scala598]

chains do last much longer though, generally twice that of a cambelt 👍🏻

[@mohammedsalimahmed5230]

@@Scala598 My chain is 15 years old with 164k miles on it.

[@nolemonscars8438]

Very good but I wish you use better camera Keep it up

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers

[@kristianspencer1978]

The problem with the car is it hasn’t got any torque, you have to Rev the nuts out of it all the time. My 208 gt has a 1.2 turbo, 145 bhp and 200 ibft, it would leave that swift for dead. Effortless performance. Buy a 208 gt-line instead. Plus 53 mpg.👍

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers for the view and comment Kristian. Personally (subjective opinion incoming) I don’t find the lack of torque an issue and quite enjoy it. You have to work the car harder and inevitably - that’s where I find enjoyment in driving hot hatches. I don’t want to talk out of turn but due to the mods on this one ☝️ I think you’d struggle to shake it on ANY B road... I couldn’t lose him in a 400bhp M2 and I watched him chase down Porsche products for fun... epic driver owner also tbf but the car is special and capable also... Keep your mpg - buy a Tesla! 😜

[@nathanselley1109]

Small Turbo cars run out of power and torque quickly after the midrange. Fine for daily driving but breathless at higher revs, just where the Swift will come into its stride. I'm not sure the 208 would corner half as good as a standard swift either, but each to their own.

[@kristianspencer1978]

@@nathanselley1109 with 160 bhp and 220 ibft , u don’t need to push her past 4000 rpm buy then your swift is screaming and me I’m gone. Your probably right about the handling though il give you that, I’m gonna fit a koni setup when I’ve got the readys that should sort the handling out.

[@neilbezuidenhout9284]

Revving it out is part of the appeal.......also gona outlast the 1.2t by a long shot.

[@reinier660]

I owned one for a while and all I can say is this. Yes, it corners remarkably well. And yes, it revs nicely. But other than that it's a very cheap feeling car and as a sleeping classic or secret hot hatch it's extremely overestimated. It's honestly not as good as many people say it is. The seeting position is horrible, the suspension is very average, the build quality is poor, the interior is ugly and they're not as cheap as you think. So no. Don't buy one. Many other cars that are better for the money. But the way it corners is excellent, that's for sure.

[@CarMadDad]

Each to their own chappy - thank you for your thoughts

[@jazzip2989]

Awesome piece of Japanese toy.....

[@CarMadDad]

Agreed 👌👌👌

[@JH-qg4sz]

F*ck I have been looking at this video like 10 times purely for the wheels. If you ever sell em, hit me up. I got the same model, year and color SSS and these wheels are perfect.

[@CarMadDad]

I’ll pass the message on chappy 👍

[@nathanselley1109]

@@CarMadDad Can you ask him what wheels they are? Thanks :)

[@Scala598]

@@nathanselley1109 BBS SR 17x7.5

[@MikeDike-bb1wr]

i bought the new one

[@CarMadDad]

How are you getting on with it?