THE neighbours are confused. They’re an amiable lot, more than happy to pass the time of day and occasionally pass comment on whatever car is sitting on my driveway.

They are used to seeing a procession of most of what’s new in the showrooms and the even occasional supercar or limousine.

But last week was different. They were perplexed. Alongside the Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLX that is owned by me and my partner there appeared on the driveway... another Suzuki Swift.

Now I would not blame them for wondering why I would want to road test another Swift, which I happen to think is the most fun supermini you can buy for under £10,000.

But a more than cursory glance would have revealed the reason.

Following a resounding success in 2007, the special edition three-door Swift Attitude model is back on sale in the UK, limited to only 500 units and equipped with a higher specification.

Based on the 1.3 GL model, which sells for £8,700, including metallic paint, the new Attitude has air conditioning, and driver and passenger sports seats, which until now, have only been available in the high-performance flagship Swift Sport model.

Keyless start also makes a debut, with electric windows and heated door mirrors included as standard. The stylish interior follows a silver effect theme, which is complemented by a silver-stitched leather-covered steering wheel.

Other head-turning features which give the Swift Attitude a pronounced presence on the road include body-coloured bumpers and rear roof spoiler, tinted windows, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome-covered tailpipe, and halogen headlamps. It is available in three metallic colours – Sunlight Copper, Galactic Grey and Kashmir Blue.

And the cost of the three-door Swift Attitude is a little over £1,000 more than the 1.3 GL at £9,788, with metallic paint included. Plus, it remains in the same 4A insurance group.

Now I reckon that makes the Attitude something of a bargain for someone looking for a three-door supermini with added pizzazz.

Power comes from the same 16-valve 1.3-litre engine used in the 1.3 GL, delivering performance which is excellent for city driving and reasonable for longer journeys. You will still need to step up to the 1.5 GLX for extra fizz.

The 1.3-litre petrol unit delivers 91bhp and a 0-60 time of 11 seconds, which is on par with similar cars, but out on the road it needs judicious use of the accelerator to make progress.

Around town, the Swift is much better, with the light but direct steering making short work of switching lanes and negotiating traffic.

In all other respects, the Swift has the right ingredients of a fine supermini. Accommodation is generous for a car of this size and it is suitably refined, only becoming a little noisy at higher speeds.

A wide stance, minimal front and rear overhangs, a snub-nosed bonnet and bulging wheel arches suggest a pugnacious, snappy little beast.

And it can only be good news that the car to which it bears the strongest resemblance is BMW’s seemingly invincible MINI. There’s the same high waistline, narrow glazed area and abrupt boot.

Among its peers, the Swift is one of the more enjoyable cars to drive. The Attitude adds not only to the choice but also to the fun.


Fact file

Model: Suzuki Swift Attitude

Price: £9,788 (metallic paint included)

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Engine: 1.3-litre, producing 91 bhp

Performance: maximum speed 109mph, 0-62mph 11 seconds

CO2 emissions: 143g/km

Economy: 46.3mpg combined.