Suzuki Swift 4x4

A stock Suzuki Swift hatchback with four-wheel drive. A car of this size with four driven wheels might seem strange, but it's not unheard of. The Fiat Panda 4x4 has been around since 2004 and, though sluggish, it's tough and very competent off-road.
Aside from four-wheel drive, a 25mm higher ride height and a subtle 4x4 badge on the boot, there's nothing to differentiate this model from the standard Swift. It's not on sale in the UK as yet, but Suzuki could bring it to market here if demand is strong enough.
Is it any good?
As we mentioned, the differences between the 4x4 and the standard Swift are minimal, so it's still the same tidy little car in every other respect. It's good looking with a spacious and well built cabin.
The Swift has consistently been praised for its entertaining handling, which has remained with the 4x4. The steering is light and responsive, though it could do with a little more feedback. The Suzuki's agility is it's best asset - it feels very willing and nimble, thanks largely to a good suspension and chassis set up.
Where the 4x4 version falls down is with its woeful lack of power. It uses Suzuki's 93bhp 1.3-litre petrol engine, which is enough to make the standard car seem nippy, but with the four-wheel drive version's 90kg weight penalty, the Swift is quite lethargic. It's no worse than its biggest rival, the equally tardy Fiat Panda 4x4, but you'll find yourself willing the Swift to go faster on anything more than a mild slope.
Should I call the bank manager?
Suzuki has yet to confirm whether or not the Swift 4x4 will go on sale in the UK, so prices and specifications are a long way off confirmation. A figure of around £12,000 is likely, given the cost of the existing Swift and the price of the rival Fiat Panda 4x4.
There's every chance we'll see it in UK showrooms, though, as emissions of 128g/km would render it one of the cleanest 4x4s on sale. Average fuel economy of 51.3mpg is pretty good, too.
Summary
If you can turn a blind eye to the slothful performance then the Swift 4x4 is great little car. It's a fine alternative to larger, thirstier four-wheel drive models, but it still offers the reassurance and extra grip for particularly slippery days - ideal for the harsh winters that we're now becoming used to. As long as Suzuki can keep the price tag modest, there's no reason why the Swift 4x4 wouldn't go down a storm with UK buyers.