The third-generation Suzuki Swift (chassis ZC72S / ZD72S / ZC32S) is a versatile city car that capitalizes on the success of its predecessor. 9 cm longer, it offers a stiffened and lightened chassis, ensuring excellent road handling. Although demand for this generation has strongly shifted towards gasoline engines (extremely reliable), Suzuki maintained a diesel offering with the 1.3 DDiS (Fiat-sourced) for high-mileage drivers. A light facelift occurred in 2013 (LED daytime running lights, turn signals in the mirrors). While the Swift excels in driving pleasure, it suffers from a very small trunk volume (211 liters) and interior plastics prone to scratches.
The Suzuki Swift III is an excellent city car, but its overall assessment entirely depends on the chosen engine. If you are looking for the diesel (1.3 DDiS), extreme caution is advised: this Fiat-sourced engine does not tolerate city driving. DPF clogging leads to oil dilution which destroys the timing chain. Only buy a DDiS if the service history is clear (frequent oil changes) and if you drive on the open road. In contrast, the gasoline versions (1.2 and 1.6) are true benchmarks in terms of reliability and represent a 'no-brainer' purchase.