Real Road Test: 2006 Suzuki Swift Sport - Chops Garage track toy! (123bhp not 160...)

[@ChopsGarage]

Sorry did I say 160bhp? It's 125bhp on that model mate, before the Stats Police get you!!

[@HubNut]

I thought I saw 160 online. Research fail!

[@ChopsGarage]

@@HubNut lol I dont envy the 450 comment you are going to get now lol

[@HubNut]

Shame you can't edit once posted!

[@andrewgardner9615]

I think the vast majority of Ian's viewers seem too polite to call him out in the comments.What a nice bunch.Nice car and I remember the seats being rather good.

[@MattBrownbill]

I did think 100 bhp/litre was S2000 territory! 🤔

[@veritasvincit2745]

I like the word "Hotchback". My dad has a 2016 Sport. He's 80. Practical. Good crash protection for its size. Not too big for him to struggle with parking and town. Relatively economical. Peppy enough. Long enough legs on a higher milage trip. Good headlights. High enough seats so him and my mom can board and alight without discomfort. Looks pretty in metallic blue. Good brakes. Has a satnav to help for him. The only things he doesn't like is a lack of rear visibility when parking and he doesn't find it as easy to judge in gaps as his previous car, a 1996 Vectra 1.6.

[@nthnmonkey]

Have owned a 2014 1.2 Swift for the last 6 years. 55 mpg, £30 per Year tax, cheap to maintain, coming up to 100k miles without a snag, by far the most reliable car I have ever owned. (Makes up for my 3.7 Petrol Jeep Cherokee "Sunday Car" 😂)

[@PandaEatsPlanetEarth]

I owned one of these for a few years. I've owned much more powerful stuff than this, and yet I always think back to how much I loved this car. Yeah it's a tad noisy, the ride is a bit jumpy, and it's not exactly fast....but find a twisty road and it is absolutely ludicrous fun. I could tear round corners with no trouble whatsoever. The peddles are really well balanced as well and the steering was heavy and so you got some nice feedback. I really do miss it.

[@ap6584]

Is the 1.6vvt the best one to get?

[@ulysses4989]

@@ap6584 yes

[@ap6584]

@@ulysses4989 thanks

[@alextoft9199]

Awesome review Ian. Reminds me of my Fiesta Zetec. That was slow but just such a blast. Driving from Kendal to Lancaster for work is an awesome driving memory. I miss the raw thrills you get from cars like this. Power isn't everything. It's the noise, feeling of speed and connection to the road that makes it so exciting. 🙂

[@IfInDoubt..]

You're driving this properly! At 7:25, thats what I've been trying to get James to do! Between mother and I, we've had 7 Swifts of various guises (this generation and later) and even the non Sport were revvy and sounded fantastic. The later car mentioned above (ZC32) takes the creature comforts and refinement (same engine, 6 speed 'box and 136 bhp) to the next level, without losing out on the fun. Also, the later cars from around August 2007, they raised the rev limit to 7,100 rpm.

[@plym1969]

As always Ian does a brilliant road test Great fun,very informative and entertaining.

[@nestrac]

Treat it like i did with my Charade. A two person car with a reasonable big luggage compartment if you just fold the rear seats and never use them..

[@vwestlife]

A narrow rear window like that calls for having dual rear wipers!

[@Stevieweevietv]

I always liked these little cars. I've driven both this version and the following generation. Both of them were great little cars to drive. I nearly bought the 2nd version but plumped for an Abarth 595. It was a tricky choice! I really like the current model so maybe one day I'll own one!

[@itsmephil2255]

Miss HubNut waiting patiently in the background 😂

[@thomasfrancis5747]

Possibly wondering if Chops would P/Ex a Charade for a Swift...

[@diabrettic]

i love my 2020 Suzuki Swift, had it 2 years and great little car

[@davidmccready6471]

I have a Swift, not a Sport unfortunately but my 1.2 can shift when pushed and it has go kart like handling. Quite well equipped with sat nav cruise dab radio and it’s worth almost 2 grand more than what I paid for it a year ago.

[@nthnmonkey]

Result! A friend of mine has the new shape Suzuki Jimny and is regularly offered way more than what he paid for it. 5k more in one case!

[@catherinewilson3880]

I bought a brand new 15 plate 1.2 Swift and was fairly happy with it for about a year, until by chance I spotted a 62 reg Mini Cooper for sale and fell in love with it on the spot. I swapped the Swift for it and never looked back. The Mini is long gone now too, although I do hanker after it now and again. I currently drive a boring a f Kia 1.25 Picanto, but next year I'm looking to swap it for something a little more exciting. Not a Swift Sport though.

[@nickc4518]

I drove one of these a few years back. I think your assessment of the steering being “a little numb” is spot on. It just didn’t feel as connected as say a Saxo VTR.

[@colinhicks4174]

These are loads of fun to drive. I have the 1.4 turbo. Even now they still only weigh around 1000kg when most other cars have put on weight. I did like it that Ian kept saying modern car, it’s 16 years old, only 6 months newer than the Charade. 🙂

[@johnnorth9355]

Always thought your next car should be bought from Chops - i.e one that works ! Just what i need as I recover from covid. No warranty claim made or implied 🙂.

[@Strike86]

I will always champion these little cars - this generation of Swift onwards are the best small 3-door hatch on the market all things considered. They're a riot to drive, fantastically packaged, pretty, interesting and the 'Sport' trim actually means something unlike 99% of cars. I drove a brand new 1.0 Boosterjet (3 cylinder turbo) Swift recently and I was absolutely blown away by it. I'm certain I will be looking to buy one at some point in the near future.

[@mr_pastry]

Lovely to see a car review again, Ian 👍🏻 If I didn’t have to traipse up and down the country every week I’d definitely have one of these. I’ve always loved them.

[@maxeluy]

I always love that generation of swift but the 90s 1.3 GTi are a thing of beauty!

[@theotherchannel2279]

And do not forget the Ignis, the same thing! So much fun... I told you they were fun to drive!!!

[@duncangrainge]

Nice review. I live about two minutes away from Chops, tea and digestives could of been offered 😁

[@v88dicky32]

Glad you enjoyed the car. I run the model after this one as a daily driver, and it’s been great. The sixth gear really helps, 70mph is 3000rpm. Cruise, climate, sat nav etc. Great little cars ☺️👌

[@Yourenotthatguy]

Which one do you have?

[@v88dicky32]

@@Yourenotthatguy A 2014 ZC32S 3 door

[@phonotd]

The Suzuki Swifts are amazing little cars.

[@nickwarren9673]

Our household runs a 64 plate 1.2 Swift. Great handling car. Not over powered so when you have an appropriate 'Hoon' moment you're not really in trouble speed limit wise but you still get loadsasmiles. Love the video and love to hear as usual the best description of a gearbox... "Snickerty" I know what you mean Ian! 😁

[@nathanselley1109]

The Swift Sport is without doubt a brilliant car for the money. Fill it with 99ron petrol and you will find a noticeable pep in performance, as well as keeping air con off and weight down. You can literally throw it into most bends and it will come back for more.

[@andrewentwistle515]

I do agree that the Swift Sport was always a great little car and a Barrel of Fun. Yet another great Hubnut Test Drive, I look forward to seeing the next episode.

[@edfrost6450]

Great review for a fantastic car. Bought a 2007 sport nearly 6 years ago as a stop gap with 78k on it and it's now done 146k. Love it so much. Keeps passing the MOT. Now pondering electric conversion...

[@madhardcorenick]

You should consider buying one of these for Ms. HubNut

[@irfandin6513]

Brilliant video. We have a Suzuki Swift 12 plate. Done over 100k and still going strong.

[@JustTrumpeeh]

I hope you taught James a few lessons on how to mount his in-car cameras! Nice video, as usual.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Great review, looks like someone had a lot of fun driving this and looks like another car I need to add to add to my drive or own list!

[@lm971120]

The later ZC31S from 2008 has got improved engine as well as increased limiter of 7200rpm (up from 6800rpm of the one you drove), should be even more fun

[@smifflarr]

Currently looking at buying a 59 plate one, looks like it might be red on the rev counter at 6800rpm, but what’s the difference between that and the 7200rpm ones? Just that you can rev them higher? Doesn’t seem to be any difference in performance right through the Z31S range

[@davidhocevar8510]

i had it for 11 years, insane reliability

[@HA05GER]

One of my ex's had one of these absolutely brilliant to drive it wasn't the sport but it drove really nice and loved to rev brilliant car.

[@elliotburgess7226]

Owned a 57 plate for 11 days before I wrote it off, great fun to drive and stood up very well in a motorway crash!

[@ben_jam]

😳

[@lesrogers7310]

From now on, all hot hatches will be forever know as 'hotchbacks'.

[@jo05dk]

160BHP? That would surprise me. If i remember correctly they came with 125HP, which must equate to 121-123BHP. Is there a special version i haven't heard of? Another thing: At 60 you say it turns "over 3000rpm", but at 70 you said "getting on for 3800 revs". That's quite the gearing if true. That aside: I've known of people who've owned Suzukis that have been rebuilding gearboxes at 180K kilometers, so i'll believe the box in this one is crap too. ..and because i've seen examples of Suzukis that haven't been built to last, i won't be buying one. But i've always like the Swift Sport, and have seen lots of great reviews on them. Fun little thing :)

[@ferrumignis]

He got that wrong, it's 125bhp as you say. It's a very fun warm hatch, 160bhp in one would be interesting though!

[@jo05dk]

@@ferrumignis Thought so. Thanks 🙂 ..and yeah.. Potential gearbox issues aside, a 160hp version, preferably with independent throttle bodies, would be fantastic. Right up my alley 🙂

[@HubNut]

Yup. My error. Believe it's 123bhp or 125PS.

[@chrisbolton5461]

We have the later Swift Sport with the 1.4 Booster jet engine. That's great too.

[@Shane_Marsh]

Smashing video as usual 👍. There are quite a few 4x4 swifts up on the moors by me. People seem to keep them a long time 🤔

[@fugawiaus]

Another great Suzuki that was available in Australia but I don’t think was available in GB is the Suzuki kisashi. A Camry sized Suzuki.

[@SmallBlogV8]

They sold the Kizashi here but only as a 2.4 petrol with a CVT. It sold terribly. They're rarer than Ferraris around here!

[@fugawiaus]

@@SmallBlogV8 we had the 4wd sport manual. Even in auto they are really nice cars.

[@willotoole4118]

Adorable little swift

[@scrublord_val]

Just bought a 2013 plate as my first car, absolutely loving it. Paid about £5k for it though, prices seem to have been creeping up the last few months. Wish I'd bought one earlier in the year.

[@thomasfrancis5747]

FWIW there is such a thing as a 5 door Swift Sport. Brilliant engines (from the same company as the Hayabusa...) and very reliable - checkout Suzuki's very high rate for MOT passes. No dribble of disappointment there then...

[@whitemoor66]

Nice to see the Chops Swift on your channel Ian! Nice toy for hooning around in and if you're looking for an honest car dealer, Chops place is the one to go to!

[@iantownsend500]

K&N filter brings out a nice noise

[@tony-yp6qk]

Another great video has always Ian and miss hubnut and hublets and hubmutts 👍

[@rhys_thomss7013]

I love small Japanese cars there amazing good review ian

[@ianfrost3529]

I brought a cheap Seat Ibiza 2.0 8v gti Cupra Sport years ago for £600 + fees In the Mk4 VW Golf 2.0 gti this engine wasn’t that good but in the lighter Ibiza it went really well a forgotten gem in my eyes. Not much top end but very torquey responsive and great fun to drive. From what you said the Suzuki swift sport is in that same spirit my as my 1998 Seat Ibiza 2.0 8v Gti Cupra Sport.

[@jimmypage1969]

I'm looking to buy a new car and this is one on the list. Couldn't ask for a better review. Cheers

[@HubNut]

I was wrong on the power output though...

[@jimmypage1969]

@HubNut Which you clarified in the title. I've been watching a lot of reviews lately, and this one is top 👌

[@daniellee9015]

Brilliant video Ian 👍 what a lovely car and not boring

[@KylieBeattie]

I've been a few of those I like the suzuki swift

[@seanp3113]

The A399 from South Molton to Brayford and then on to Combe Martin is one of the best roads in the uk IMHO. So varied with lots of challenging technical sections, sections which seem to repeat themselves and some long straight bits. Great in most cars. Best avoided for most of the summer but epic when quiet. Don't shout about it or it will get spoiled with low speed limits. Only willing to share this with Hubnutters 😉

[@johncallaghan4616]

Who‘d have thunk that HubNut would end up at Chop’s， and ragging the Swift Sport to boot ？！ Looks like you had a blast down those Country roads， and quite possibly went as quick as James around the track！ Shame he didn‘t have the Jaaaaag XF on site for a ’play‘

[@bentullett6068]

I did consider one of these when I was 21 but I realised insurance companies would sting me on insurance if I had one, hence why I went for a less bhp SEAT Ibiza FR which only has 110 bhp four cylinder turbo engine but is still relatively sporty and fun to drive plus the design is really interesting.

[@Pfirtzer]

I have a 1.8 estate Baleno/Esteem and many things you say are relatable to this Sport. Brakes are like that in my car too, not that if you brake you end up with a squahes forehead.

[@jonnycando]

They had a version of these in the States, I don’t remember the remember them being all that “swift” But they were a hoot to drive handling wise!

[@Pfirtzer]

Well nice ride, reliable and all Sports are made in Japan, not in Hungary. I used to have a 1.6 GLX saloon Swift as my first car, it was 850 kg, and 92 bhp. quite fast, I had it for about 14 years, it just rusted away I guess sold in in 2009 and it drove around till 2012. I miss it, the saloon is very rare nowadays , they were also in 1.3 liter.

[@tonyworrall5791]

Hi, really enjoy watching your videos and your experiences running cheap cars, I have been doing the same for the last 18 years, I enjoy tidying them up repairing when necessary, using for anything between 3 and 6 months then selling for at least the same money if not a small profit. I have just dug out all the DVLA no longer the keeper slips I had in the draw, 36 of them from 2008 but I know of another 6 cars from 04 when I started the bangernomics, I currently have a Suzuki swift 1.5 vvti which I have been tidying up. thanks, tony.

[@tonyworrall5791]

Revised figure now 47 cars in 18 years, had forgotten a few...😄

[@davidlipski863]

I think you need to get yourself at some time one of these, i never heard you have this enjoyment in the Fiat Ian.

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Nice little car 🚘🚙🚗👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@pw510577w]

It's interesting to see the UK version and compare it to my Australian version.

[@splat668]

What are the differences

[@tonys1636]

A 16 year old hot hatch that has survived intact shows that they were not as popular with the boy racers as a Golf, Fiesta. or a Peugeot.

[@bentullett6068]

It depends on the owner. I have a SEAT Ibiza FR and I had contemplated modifying it but the more I thought about it when driving over pot holes and getting a bad back I thought nah I will keep it stock and well looked after. Had mine nearly 9 years now, I am its first owner and literally the only things that have been majorly replaced so far are two from suspension coils and shocks last year (due to the UK's ultra smooth roads) and two windscreens due to flying debris. I have got a list of little things that require doing next and these are front anti roll bar bushes as they commonly start to squeak after a while on VW made vehicles and there is a faint wheel bearing sound just starting to be heard, but overall the rest of the car touch wood is mechanically sound.

[@ruglund]

my dad had a 1,5 vvt from 2005 - bought it new, and drove it to 330.000 kms, with absolutely the bare minimum of servicing, the only thing it was bad on it were the front wishbones, the bushings died after 60k kms at the most. oh and a radiator that packed up which he thought was a headgasket, new headgasket fitted at 160k kms - the bores looked like new...

[@mclouj]

You should try and get your hands on a modern Swift sport, the 1.4 turbo engine is a ripper. Also love the fact you went to the trouble of importing an AU falcon to the UK - never thought I would see that on youtube. I just sold my FG XR6 and miss it already.

[@Mouse2113]

That does make a nice noise!

[@ChopsGarage]

Oh I did not tell you, the wiper jet is off the Acadiane lol!!! It was missing one so I borrowed it lol. Had to get some citroen in there

[@the.internet]

First car I ever bought was a 1 litre 90s Swift 'Sky' for a few hundred £s off eBay. They shared the same platform as the Subaru Justy which was the same car but 4 wheel drive. It was great for what I needed and came in the most awesome colour - cobalt blue, best colour car I've owned! Very basic and tiny 3 cylinder engine but my 'limited edition' Sky came with Oz alloys, a spoiler, blue dials and nice bucket seats. I took it everywhere, up and down the country, then when it developed a gear box whine and the underside rusted through I took it on a trip to Belgium as a final drive. It was the second Suzuki I owned (first was inherited) and it concreted the reliability of Japanese cars for me. It's a shame that era Suzuki was terrible for rust as it's killed almost all of them. Always liked the new shaped Swifts and considered buying one but it never happened. These when they came out in 2005 (after a 2 year break, the last gen Swift stopped in 03) were a big step up for Suzuki and pushed them to the forefront of the hatchback lineup, competing with models they never could do previously.

[@samuraifool912]

Great Video. I did wonder if you had encountered 'Chops Garage' and James. 'Hubnut' and 'Chops' are my two favorite sites. So thx for the Entertainment guys. I like the little Suzuki swift. Having test driven one a few years ago. Much to my Disappointment I bought a Holden. 😢 Mainly because my Son being 6ft 7in. Just struggled to get in the front Passenger seat, let alone the Back. And my other halfs knees made it all just, Not Practical at all..! As a foot note, I hate the Holden. The other half drives that now. I now Drive an Australian Ford Capri XR2 Turbo. That my son has to fold himself into too..!! A 'Win Win in my book..!!' Great video Ian and James. Cheers kim in Oz 😎

[@barryhumphries4514]

Perfect for Ms Hubnut! 👍👀

[@mastercylinder1939]

They stopped selling Suzuki cars in North America. You can still find them second hand, but I’ve yet to see one for sale not suffering from rust.

[@EdgyNumber1]

This is the version I like. 4WD version is my favourite.

[@Everything_Evan]

160bhp sounds a bit optimistic

[@johnclarke2997]

Suzuki quoted 134 bhp. ECU might be chipped, but I doubt it. Even then the power gain will be so much.

[@stippolyte]

It's 123 out the box unless it's modded.

[@ferrumignis]

@@johnclarke2997 That's for the later generation (2012-2017 ZC32S) model, this generation (ZC31S) had around 125bhp.

[@joespittle1]

I much prefer having something like this where you can actually find the limit within safe speeds and all of the power can be enjoyed over something much more powerful

[@mrlover4310]

So what up with the gearbox how do you know if it's failing or not on these models what is it I'm looking out for.

[@micheltebraake7915]

Ring4Rent has a whole fleet of these Suzukis for rent to drive on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and for good reason!

[@mastercylinder1939]

Possibly a nice car for Miss Hubnut.

[@ianrush374]

Small cars are the best for little rally cars

[@robbrady4649]

Good review Ian. I took a Swift Sport for a test drive on Anglesey about 10 years ago. I felt the driving position was a little too high for a sporty car and it needed a sixth gear, which I think the Swift got later in its life.

[@Mark-and-Jane]

I don't know which is worse - Triangle of Doom or Dribble of Disappointment 🤔

[@delukxy]

Don't go there, this is a family channel.

[@ferrumignis]

A Brazilian and the GUM clinic should sort those two out.

[@mattw8332]

Hotchback is how I'd describe an FSO Polonez/Caro. Remember those?

[@robertmackenzie5850]

Sounds a good car for miss hubnut

[@nigelrudd670]

Very nice car 🤓👍

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

Still a nice looking hatch.

[@danieltaylor3755]

I think we need a 2021 Citroen C3 review!

[@Phiyedough]

Not sure where they made these, I think the earlier shape Swift was made in Hungary and there are loads of them still in use there.

[@welshman64]

Roads nearly as bad as our Welsh roads🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🚙

[@HubNut]

The roads in this bit of Wales are mostly lovely!

[@stippolyte]

Really glad you enjoyed it Ian, may not be the hottest of hatches but I find they're a really chuckable thing. What mods has it had done to get 160bhp? One thing I find odd is the Sport doesn't have split rear seats, the rest do. There is a great curry hook in the boot and it should also have a removable false floor to make it a level boot with the back seat folded. Those nets are not standard, I got mine for £5 from an online auction site. 👍🏼

[@HubNut]

My error. 123bhp.

[@stippolyte]

@@HubNut ok thanks Ian, was looking fwd to some advice on extra ponies, pity na engines not cheap to mod to decent % gains ☺.

[@chrisrumble2665]

I'd probably stick with my 172 Clio for what I use it - sitting unused in my garage in Tassie...Interesting about the gearing, my 1972 Fiat Sport Coupe (also sitting unused in a garage but in Melbourne) is at 4000 rpm at 70 mph. Mind you that only has 110hp so whilst it is magic to drive, it wouldn't qualify as a "hot" anything in these days of 300+he hatchbacks.

[@user-ih7gc7dt9l]

Sold my 172 and miss that delightful little car. So much fun on back country roads. Hope you get a chance to start enjoying yours.

[@chrisrumble2665]

@@user-ih7gc7dt9l So do I. I did bring it up here to Alice Springs for a while but the desert is pretty harsh and it would have ruined it. Besides, the roads don't have enough bends!

[@tonyb5884]

One can purrrrr chase a bolt on supercharger for these from a British tuning company

[@smoothmicra]

The Swift Sport is definitely on my radar as a spicier replacement for my old Fabia 1.2. Sensible prices, what more do you want?

[@Spheredalai]

now try out the first gen honda jazz sporty (trim) will ya?

[@toadinthehole8085]

140bhp the new swift I believe

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Give it a revin Kevin.

[@breakneckburns]

They’re only 124bhp, not 160bhp.

[@televisionandcheese]

I believe this one has had the ECU mapped ?

[@breakneckburns]

@@televisionandcheese Wouldn’t make that much difference. I have one that’s cammed and mapped and it’s still only 145bhp

[@jusb1066]

@@televisionandcheese you can't do much unless there's a turbo,. You can add a little bit of fuelling but it doesn't add too much

[@BAGGIES6677]

Bit of an own goal not giving it a 6 speed box by the sounds of it, 3800rpm at 70ncould grate a bit I reckon long term

[@91drunkenmonkey]

ITS 125 BHP !!!

[@tinniswood2577]

Can't complain for that money!

[@paulbennell3313]

Looks a right laugh without being too muscular.

[@VSTV1993]

Have you drove a 2009 Citroen C4 1.6Hdi? Iv got the auto and the brakes on it are tooooo over assisted

[@JakobusVdL]

Does it qualify as a HutNut car? They are very popluar here in NZ, and available as manuals (Kiwi's love auto's, which is a pain if you're an import and still like manuals) Just lack a bit of interior space to be a replacement for a Jazz.