Overall rating:

Suzuki is currently evaluating whether or not to sell the Swift 4x4 in the UK. If it does, then the Fiat Panda 4x4 will no longer have the small four-wheel drive hatchback corner of the market to itself.

Key Facts

Pricing: £12,000 (estimated)
Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder
Transmission: five-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Body style: three-door hatchback
Rivals: Fiat Panda 4x4, Toyota Urban Cruiser
CO₂ emissions: 128g/km
Combined economy: 51.3mpg
Top speed: data not available
0-62mph: data not available
Power: 93bhp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 87lb.ft at 4,800rpm

In the Metal:

You wouldn't notice the difference between the standard Swift and the 4x4 without looking very closely. The giveaways are a 25mm ride height increase and a 4x4 badge on the boot - that's all. Other than that it's still a fine looking little car with a spacious, well built cabin. Click here for our take on the standard Swift.

Driving it:

The Suzuki Swift 4x4 is not a quick car. The weight penalty from the four-wheel drive system is 90kg, which doesn't sound like a huge amount, but on a small car like the Swift, it makes a big difference.

A 1.2-litre 93bhp petrol engine might be sufficient for a front-wheel drive Swift, but it just hasn't got the torque for the four-wheel drive version, and you find yourself egging the little car on and willing it to go faster. That said, it's no worse than the equally lethargic Fiat Panda 4x4.

Lack of power aside, the Swift 4x4 is every bit as agile as the standard car. The steering is light yet responsive and the Suzuki is eminently chuck-able. The ride and handling aren't class-topping, but neither are they far off - and the Swift offers a good mix of both, along with strong brakes.

What you get for your Money:

Suzuki is still evaluating whether or not to sell the Swift 4x4 in the UK, so prices and specifications are a long way off confirmation. Considering that the standard Swift starts at £10,210 and that the Fiat Panda 4x4 costs £11,695 for the petrol model or £13,975 for the diesel, we'd estimate that the Swift 4x4 will be priced at around £12,000 if it makes it to Britain.

Worth Noting

There's no guarantee that the Suzuki Swift 4x4 will make it to the UK, but we reckon it may well do, not least because emissions of 128g/km would render it one of the cleanest 4x4s on sale. The anti 4x4 crowd has quietened a little in the wake of recent harsh winters, so a small, clean hatchback with four-wheel drive has the potential to do very well indeed.

Summary

Ignore the lethargic performance and the Swift 4x4 is a cracking little car. Once it's up to speed, the 4x4 version is just as good to drive as the standard Swift and enjoys the same individual looks and practical cabin. As long as the price is right (with Suzuki's reputation for affordable cars, we don't doubt that it would be) the Swift 4x4 is sure to appeal to UK buyers - if it makes it our shores.