This wasn't an especially professional second. There isn't any time for indulgences like this to the press day of the sprawling German display, even though you do happen to enjoy the auto. I glanced across the cottage and noted the brand new dashboard, the stitching plus a general, gratifying lack of bling.
I enjoyed the old version, a giantkilling action of some aplomb. Although it could not fit the sheer brio and fire-power of today's Renaultsport Clios, it turned into a great warm, rather than hot, hatchback.
I'd wondered what might happen to vehicles such as the Swift when Volkswagen, which possesses a fifth of Suzuki, began throwing its weight about. The Germans needed the Japanese to do because they were informed, mop up Volkswagen's excess capacity in engines and suspensions and give Volkswagen the key to Asian markets for example India, where Maruti Suzuki is the top manufacturer. It was all oneway traffic and Volkswagen sniffily dismissed any proposition that it might learn something from Suzuki about making small autos. Finally, at this season's Frankfurt show japan signalled they had had enough of the patronising - the offer is now being unwound. Which leaves Suzuki impartial, together with the world's most diverse version variety and also the Swift Activity unmolested by Germany's best.

The brand new automobile is somewhat bigger and heavier compared to the old, but keeps the Nautilusstyle wraparound windscreen and Giugiaro-inspired window line.
Climb inside and it is difficult to prevent a rush as you consider the oldschool plastic trim and simple twodial binnacle. Just the piano-black center console pumping Metronomy as opposed to Duran Duran reminds you this is not the Eighties and this is not a Peugeot 205 GTi. Even the seats are such tightfitting pails which make you feel as a rally star but harm your back after 30 minutes.
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No, you're not likely to be quite comfortable within the back seats and also the trunk is modest, but that is not what this vehicle is all about.
Fire this up and it is difficult to not blip the accelerator as it heats, except at my age individuals might presume I have stolen my son's auto. The small factory fizzes through the framework and also the revcounter bounces about like a demented space hopper. The brand new gearbox does not possess the mechanical-feeling change of the old one which is a disgrace, but it slots cleanly and quickly, which is the thing you should keep this engine to the boiling point.
Take away and the dearth of lowdown torque is not as bad as you expect, well nearly. Variable-valve timing and a complex twostage intake system provide a boost for the midrange, yet this engine is actually about revs.
That removes some the delight, but not substantially. This small automobile is an ideal hoot. Nicely planted, but it is a smashing action to generate quickly, using a great ride quality and precise steering. The body does roll a small, but that can be a part of the pleasure, once the inside front-wheel begins to lose grip and also you feather the accelerator, holding a huge screaming slide from the corner. There's an electronic stability setup, however it is as unobtrusive as Jeeves.

To help you dance round the pedals pushing the vehicle along like a football within the yard, with a smile as broad as the goalposts the brakes are powerful and linear.
At?14, 250, that is automotive pleasure of the kind that must be parked in a huge glass case and pushed to the V & A Museum. Nip down there after Xmas and I ensure that New Year won't have appeared as great.
THE FACTS
Suzuki Swift Sport
Tested: Three-door hatchback with 1,586cc, four-cylinder petrol engine, six-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive
Price/on sale: about ?14,250/January
Power/torque: 136bhp @ 7,000rpm/118lb/ft @ 4,400rpm
Top speed: 121mph
Acceleration: 0-62mph in 8.7sec

Fuel economy: 33.6mpg/44.1mpg (EU Urban/Combined)
CO2 emissions: 147g/km
VED band: F (?130)
Verdict: A lovely little car, with fizzing performance, a good ride and fine build quality. Chassis not quite as agile as some rivals but it's still great fun.
Telegraph rating: Four out of five stars