THE new Suzuki Swift gives a glimpse of the design approach the manufacturer is taking with most of its products in the future.

And if this is the case then the signs are good – because this is a great-looking little car.

It’s not a bad drive either. I tested the 1.5 automatic model around a test track set up to replicate city driving and the Swift performed well and was unflappable as it entered and exited bend after bend.

The four-speed automatic gearbox offered smooth gear changes, with no lulls in performance as it battled to select a suitable gear for the task in hand.

On straights it was relaxed and comfortable and, although it won’t win many 0-60mph sprints, performance was brisk enough for this type of car.

This is the sort of cute car that looks great in a funky colour and its engineering and performance make it far superior to its predecessor. It also gets keyless entry which means you only have to have the key on your person to be able to start the engine.

Major cities provide the perfect environment for this supermini so the next time I travel into London I’m expecting to see the odd Swift or two zipping around its streets.

Factfile:

Engine (cc): 1,490cc
Power (bhp/rpm): 102/5,900
Torque (lb-ft/rpm): 98/4,100
Max speed (mph): 116
0-62mph (sec): 11.7
Fuel economy (mpg): 40.9
CO2 emissions (g/km): 170
Price (OTR): £8,999