Suzuki Swift

Suzuki's Swift supermini has reinvented itself - but you wouldn't know it from a quick glance.

Check out this fourth generation model, as I did recently, and you might be forgiven for thinking that you were looking at the previous MK3 model version.

Get familiar with the car though, and it becomes easy to see where improvements had been made.

As with the old Swift, this one's certainly very shapely, familiar cues including the wraparound windscreen, the upright headlamps and the smiley lower air intake.

This five-door-only MK4 model is 40mm wider than its predecessor, but also 10mm shorter and 15mm lower.

More significantly, thanks to its new platform, it's also significantly lighter, tipping the scales at a mere 890kgs in entry-level trim.

Even the hybrid version is just 925kg. Cabin space is improved but the designers couldn't work miracles, so this is still one of the less generous superminis with regard to rear-seat occupant space.

The cabin design has been edged upmarket but the sturdy simplicity that helped the old Swift stand out has been lost in favour of a design that apes other supermini products.

The quality remains strong but many of the plastics feel less upmarket than they look.

One bugbear of mine is the need to be constantly manipulating tiny, fiddly audio and climate buttons and Suzuki at least have made some attempt to get away from this irritating design practice, opting instead opted for big, easy to reach dial-type controls.

The audio system can also be operated from a set of optional wheel-mounted switches. One thing you notice, particularly sitting in the back, is that the Swift is wide - wider in fact than most other cars in the supermini class.

Coupled with a long wheelbase and compact engines, this frees up plenty of room in the cabin and allows for a decently sized 265-litre luggage area.

The plush model I tried featured keyless entry for simple door unlocking, engine start-up and locking.

With this system, there's no fumbling, and no need to insert a key or press a remote.

Instead, as long as you're carrying the key, or it's in a pocket or bag, the system detects its presence and unlocks the car.

The doors are opened simply by pressing a button on either front door handle, while the engine is started by twisting the ignition key housing.

As soon as you walk away from the car, the system detects the key's absence and the car is locked and immobilised.

Neat.