Suzuki Swift Sport 1.6 7 gear Review: Sport-ing decision

What we like:

Hyundai: Distinctive looks

the vanity factor to those doors

well-equipped. Suzuki: Pesky nature

agile dynamics

superb steering

practical five-door body style

lively engine

it’s a hot Swift

What we dislike:

Hyundai: Doesn’t drive as sporty as its looks or character

some overtly racy styling details on the outside

engine can sound gruff when revved hard. Suzuki: A manual transmission makes it even more fun

can do with more poke

looks too much like the old car

The Swift Sport might be the more compact car here but its “regular” hatchback body style means it offers a more practical and spacious interior, especially for rear passengers. Legroom is surprisingly adequate despite the large front seats and headroom is never a problem, even for taller adults. The Suzuki isn’t as spacious when it comes to the luggage area though – the boot lacks depth and width but at least the rear seat backs can be folded down to extend the load area when required.

Obviously, the Veloster’s rear passenger compartment can be accessed from either side of the car but it’s a no-brainer to enter via the driver’s side if there’s an extra door for easier access on the passenger side. Despite the convenience of the rear door, ingress and egress requires some gymnastics as the drooping roof line and hence the shape of the doors mean you’d have to bend your neck quite a bit to get into the rear compartment. Once inside, headroom is again limited by the sloping roof while legroom is just about average for a compact coupe. The panoramic sunroof adds a sense of airiness in the cabin, which in turn helps rear passengers from feeling too claustrophobic. The boot area is better packaged and more useable than the Swift’s.

Up front in the Veloster, the dashboard shares its basic flowing architecture with the Elantra’s and i45’s, and together with the door trims, once again shows off Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design themes and lines. The triangular door handles mimic the Scirocco’s while the grab handle like sides of the gear lever console harks back to the first generation TT’s. The sizable engine start button sits on the lower part of the centre console while a 7-inch LCD colour touchscreen infotainment system takes centre stage higher up.

The Swift Sport’s interior has been kitted out with go-faster bits to differentiate it lesser Swift models as well as to give it a sportier ambience. These sporty elements include a pair of comfortable and supportive sports bucket seats for the driver and the front passenger. They are also positioned much lower than those in the old model for a sportier driving position. A red-on-black colour scheme for the interior lifts the cabin atmosphere a tad. The dash architecture is same as a standard Swift’s, which is not really a bad thing. The Sport has its dials recessed within chrome rings and a three-spoke leather steering wheel.

The Veloster and Swift Sport are both relatively affordable hatchback models that appeal to the young and those who want more than just a car to get them from A to B. As to which car is better though, largely depends on your concept of fun. If you’d prefer something that offers a fun and funky character and style then the Veloster trumps the more conventional looking Swift Sport here but if your idea of fun involves getting behind the wheel then there’s simply no other car that is better at or anywhere near the Swift Sport’s price point.

Credits: Story and Photos by Mark Yeo