Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLX – on sale now

The Swift was the car that hauled Suzuki, a company known for its somewhat lumpy, poorly-designed cars and 4x4s, into the modern age of motoring. 

So fundamental was its impact on the motor industry that Car magazine named it its car of the year in 2005.

And it was a well deserved accolade – it raised the game for competitively priced superminis.

The Swift has immense appeal both in looks – with its funky, squat design – and performance – thanks to a perky 1.5-litre engine, firm chassis and nimble, well weighted handling.

It might be three years old, but it still gives newer rivals a run for their money.

Interior trim quality is passable – still too many cheap switches – and boot space isn’t over-generous. But there’s plenty of head and legroom in the back 

and the supportive front seats make long distance driving a breeze.

And it is well equipped, with air-con, alloys, electric front windows and wing mirrors. The USP might be the keyless entry and start-up.

Although we had the Swift for only three months, each member of the AM team had a chance to give it a good drive – and everyone raved about it afterwards.

For the money – this model is £9,515 – it offers a high value option for buyers, underlined by the impressive 42% three-year/30,000-mile residual value.