While “other” forms of car have been swept aside in the great ute and SUV deluge, there are still a handful of plucky survivors left in traditional categories like sedan and hatch. Without a doubt the pluckiest of them all is the remarkably popular Suzuki Swift, which has just entered its fourth generation and 20th year of production (or the 6th gen in its 40th year if you count the Cultus that was badged as a Swift in export markets… which Suzuki doesn’t).
Suzuki captured lightning in a bottle with the first-generation global Swift in 2004 and its evolution since then has been a masterclass in how to update a car, yet retain the essential features that sees buyers love it so much. And, more importantly, coming back for more.
As such, the newest Swift is still a budget small car that is seriously practical, while also being hugely fun to drive and live with. It also possesses an even more frugal nature thanks to the combination of a small (and fantastic) three-cylinder engine, a (very) mild hybrid system and featherweight mass that sees it return fuel consumption numbers more in line with complex full-hybrid cars.
Frugal, fun and still as cute as a button, the 2024 Suzuki Swift keeps the Swift love alive and well by being a convincingly excellent package at a budget price.
Runners up: MG4 and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.
AA DRIVEN CAR OF THE YEAR CLASS WINNERS FOR 2024
City SUV
Family SUV
Large SUV
Hybrid/EV
Luxury
Sports/Performance
Lifestyle/Adventure
Safest
People's Choice
And the overall winner is...!