The 2018 Suzuki Swift Sport (1.4L Boosterjet) is an automotive rarity: a modern car that captures the raw, energetic spirit of a 90s hot hatch while offering the sophisticated safety and technology expected of a 21st-century vehicle. It succeeds by following a simple but effective philosophy keeping the weight low and the engagement high.

​While many performance cars rely on massive engines, the Swift Sport relies on its featherweight 970kg body. The 1.4L Boosterjet engine produces 230 Nm of torque at low revs, meaning the car pulls away with surprising urgency. Because it doesn't have much mass to move, it feels significantly faster and more "alive" than its 138 hp figure suggests. The low weight makes the car incredibly "chuckable." It changes direction instantly and maintains speed through corners with a level of playfulness that heavier rivals struggle to match.

​Every mechanical touchpoint in the 2018 model was refined for enthusiast driving without making the car a chore for daily use. Whether you choose the crisp 6-speed manual or the responsive 6-speed automatic (which uses a proper torque converter and paddle shifters rather than a CVT), the connection to the engine is direct and rewarding. Equipped with Monroe shock absorbers and a stiffer chassis than the standard Swift, it offers a "planted" feel that provides high levels of grip and confidence during spirited weekend drives.

​The interior manages to feel like a cockpit without sacrificing the utility of a five-door hatchback. It features deeply bolstered semi-bucket seats with red stitching that hold you firmly in place during cornering but remain comfortable enough for long-distance commutes. Red accents throughout the dashboard, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a dedicated boost gauge in the instrument cluster constantly remind you of the car's performance pedigree. Despite the sporty focus, it remains a practical 5-door car with surprisingly good rear legroom for its size and a straightforward, easy-to-use 7-inch touchscreen.

​Surprisingly for a "budget-friendly" performance car, the 2018 Swift Sport is packed with premium safety and convenience tech. It often includes the Advanced Forward Detection System, which provides autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and high-beam assist. Rare for a manual car of this size, it features Adaptive Cruise Control, making highway stints much less fatiguing. LED projector headlights, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and keyless entry/start ensure it feels like a modern, high-value package.

​The 2018 Suzuki Swift Sport is a brilliant all-rounder for anyone who loves the act of driving. It is a car that is cheap to run, easy to park, and safe for the family, yet it can transform into a genuine performance machine the moment you find a winding road. It offers "grown-up" technology in a package that never forgot how to have fun.