Suzuki entered 2022 with a fresh attitude and big updates to some of their longest-running models. This includes a refreshed Jimny with a new, high-power engine.
Its Boosterjet engine delivers effortless power and feisty feel in small SUV proportions. It’s great on sealed roads and can tackle rough terrain.
Swift Sport
Suzuki’s smallest Swift gained a more sporting version for 2017. The Swift Sport gets the same 1.4-litre K14C Boosterjet engine as before but it makes 140 PS (103 kW; 138 bhp DIN) and 230 Nm (170 lbft) of torque. A new rear spoiler, wider tyres, dual exhaust and red interior accents add to the appeal. Safety kit includes advanced front detection and lane-keeping steering, plus traffic sign recognition.
Its cabin is made from unappealing hard plastics, but the Sport’s rotary heating and air-con controls are attractive, as is the dimpled leather D-shaped steering wheel. It also has a useful colour display between the main analogue instruments that shows engine and braking usage, turbo boost and G-force. The heavily bolstered sports seats are extremely comfortable and give the Swift Sport the feel of being a proper hot hatchback. Even the back seats are a good fit for three, although headroom is tight. Cargo space in the boot is a bit limited though.
Jimny
The Jimny is a small four-wheel drive that can go where most city cars would fear to tread. It is a true off-roader with a rugged ladder frame chassis, 4WD and a robust 1.5L engine.
Originally known as the HopeStar, the first Jimny was a development of a small Japan Kei car that was fitted with a part time four-wheel drive system. This allowed it to run on sealed roads in two-wheel drive and then switch to four-wheel drive when required suzuki jimny.
The suspension was a simple live axle layout with leaf springs front and rear, the same durable design used on full size four wheel drive vehicles like Toyota Land Cruisers. With this and a sturdy, utilitarian interior the Jimny was able to go where other cars could not.
Vitara S
The Vitara S takes the already popular compact SUV and gives it a little more oomph. Its 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine is smooth and responsive with good low down torque. It’s mated to a smooth auto gearbox. It also has AllGrip 4×4 traction which is handy for off road driving. It also has a sport setting which makes the steering feel sharper and more responsive. Company car drivers will pay 20% Benefit-in-Kind tax for this model and it’s a bit more expensive to run than the other petrol or diesel Vitara engines.
The Vitara S is a lot of fun to drive. It’s one of the best handling compact crossovers on the market and it easily keeps up with traffic on the motorway. The steering is really precise so you can tuck neatly into bends. It’s also well appointed inside with sat nav, a reversing camera and DAB radio as standard. The exterior is smart with black alloy wheels and a distinctive five-slotted grille.
Sporty Suzuki cars
Suzuki is one of the few manufacturers to excel at producing both 2-wheel and 4-wheel vehicles. That expertise is reflected in the 2022 line-up which includes a range of sporty models.
The Vitara – Suzuki’s attempt at bringing a Range Rover Evoque-esque look to the supermini segment – has been a big hit for the manufacturer. It’s a car that ticks a lot of boxes, offering style and practicality whilst being affordable to run.
Its 1.4 Boosterjet turbo engine produces enough punch to make it entertaining to drive on paved roads. 0-62 is achieved in 8.1 seconds, but the car feels faster than that figure suggests. Safety is taken care of with standard Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS) and Radar Brake Support (RBS). These systems use a monocular camera and millimetre-wave radar to offer collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, high beam assist and weaving alert. These features can also be used when driving in city centres to help keep you safe around busy junctions.