IT certainly won't set the motoring world on fire, but the all-new Suzuki Swift has been designed to appeal worldwide.

However, Suzuki's marketing gurus may well have scored an own goal in their attempt to capture the hearts and minds of many, particularly the football fans.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-dancing Portuguese and Manchester United winger, appears in their planned UK television advertisement, and is seen driving the likewise nimble Swift into a street where kids are kicking a football about. The car screeches to a halt and out leaps Ronaldo and, with foot on ball, mouths the words: "Wanna Play?"

Well, knowing of the intense hatred anything Man-U can whisk up, Suzuki could well be waving goodbye to sales in London, Manchester and Liverpool, to name but a few Premiership locations.

Nonetheless, Suzuki argues that its whole selling ethos is based on a sport that is enjoyed throughout the world, and that is the way they see the Swift, a supermini to be enjoyed by everyone, anywhere. Although final prices have still to be ironed out, the entry-level model is expected to be around £7,000-£7,800.

Granted, it is an eye-catching car. In fact there is a little of the MINI in its rear-end design. In contrast to the monoform styling adopted for many models in the supermini category, the new Swift has what is called a box style, enabling the car to adopt a bold, sporty look.

The front face incorporates clear headlamps and a wide air dam, and the large-diameter wheels sit close to each corner, under flared arches (smaller 15-inch, five-spoke aluminium wheels are an option). What is described as "a wraparound glasshouse" design gives the top half of the car an airy look, with the car's side pillars finished in black for added smartness.

At the back, the substantial looking powered tailgate meets a large, wide rear bumper, while the roof's trailing edge is shaped as a weight-saving spoiler.

Inside the Swift, sporty features include a three-spoke steering wheel, a spherical gearshift knob, and an illuminated ring around the speedo.

To ensure the driver gets a clear view ahead, the top of the instrument panel is positioned below the sightline, and carries a clear triple-gauge instrument cluster, including a centrally placed information display, showing time, fuel consumption and outside temperature.

There are also large dial-type audio and climate control wheels, with the entertainment system also controlled from steering wheel buttons.

The downside to the car, like most superminis, is interior room for the family of young six-footers. A long-legged driver does dramatically cut down the knee-room behind.

The seating is supportive all round, and both front seats can be adjusted backwards and forwards by 240mm, while the driver's seat has a height adjuster.

Power for the car is available via three upgraded engines, the 1.3-litre petrol, 1.5-litre petrol (with variable valve timing) and a 1.3-litre diesel, matched to a choice of transmissions, either a five-speed manual, a five-speed manual with clutchless automatic gearshift, and a four-speed automatic (matched to the 1.5-litre unit).

Each engine has been tuned with an emphasis on performance at low and mid-range speeds, particularly useful in city driving and also on winding country roads. However, on the hilly and windy test roads of southern France, the petrol units laboured a bit, while the diesel was immediately responsive. Gear selection was also a bit lumpy, but by the time these cars reach the UK in April or May, such minor problems will have been sorted out.

Ride and drive is comfortable, helped by the new design front and rear suspension, sitting beneath the newly developed platform that gives the Swift its wide treads, and overall width of 1,690mm and long wheelbase of 2,380mm.

Suzuki has used high-tensile steel for lightness and strength in the body, while in the cabin provided a collapsible steering wheel column, collapsible brake and clutch pedals, crash energy absorbing trim and front airbags. There is also a four-wheel antilock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution and a brake-assist function.

With a full load of passengers, the luggage area is still able to provide 213-litres of packing space (a suitcase can be loaded vertically); in higher spec cars, the back seat can be split and tumble-folded to add more boot room, while there are several storage spaces dotted around, including front and back bottle holders and a tray under the front passenger seat.

There are going to be two specification levels, the GL and GLX, with very little between them, the GLX having keyless entry, air conditioning, alloy wheels and front fog lamps.

Dealer: Glen Garage, Hawthorne Grove, Heworth, York (01904 425800).

Updated: 11:31 Friday, March 18, 2005