It looks like our long term Mazda2 Sport has got some competition on its hands.

The Suzuki Swift is the second supermini on the AM fleet and it’s already proving popular with the team.

Named CAR magazine’s Car of the Year in 2005, the Swift is a surprisingly good little package that’s equipped to the hilt.

All Swifts feature front, side and curtain airbags, radio/CD player, remote central locking and immobiliser, electric front windows, electric and heated door mirrors, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and tinted glass as standard.

AM’s GLX model also gets air- conditioning, alloy wheels, front fog lamps and even keyless entry and start too.

While not quite as nippy as the Mazda2 Sport, the Swift is great fun to drive around corners with minimal body roll.

Suzuki hasn’t overdone it with the electric power steering either, allowing drivers to feel connected to the road.

The Swift has quite a high roof which leaves sufficient headroom.

Passenger legroom isn’t bad. The dash is simple but still good looking and the stereo unit doesn’t manage to look like an aftermarket afterthought.

One of the Swift’s early shortcomings is its modest boot space.

There’s just enough room for the shopping, but anyone planning a weekend away will have to choose between taking the suitcases or the children.

Specification

Price: £9,199
Engine: 1.5-litre VVT petrol: 100bhp @5,900rpm; 133lbs/ft@4,100rpm
Performance: 0-62mph: 10sec; top speed: 112mph
Transmission: 5sp man
Efficiency: 46.3mpg (37.1mpg actual); 150g/km CO2.
Test period: June – August.
Start mileage: 1,950
Current mileage: 2,255
CAP RV 3yr/30k: 39%; 60k: 34%.
Likes: Nimble handling
Dislikes: Modest boot space