Suzuki GB has announced that the new Swift Sport which goes on sale on the 16th January has been awarded a ‘Best Buy’ accolade at the 2012 What Car? Magazine awards. The new performance flagship of the Swift model range was comprehensively judged by the editorial team and the final conclusion resulted in it receiving the ‘Best Buy Hot hatch’ for less than £15,000, toppling a close competitor’s hold in this category for the first time since 2010.

The new Swift Sport is available for £13,499 with standard equipment specification which includes auto air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and USB port, rear privacy glass. 17 inch alloy wheels as well as metallic paint finish. HID Projector headlamps for low and high beam are also fitted as standard – a feature often listed as a cost option on much more expensive cars.

Chas Hallet, What Car? editor in chief comments: “The all new Suzuki Swift Sport is a brilliant junior hot hatch which is at home on all kinds of roads thanks to its strong grip, tight body control and accurate steering. Priced at £13,499 and equipped with luxury specification it’s a great hot hatch that is perfect for young drivers.”

Cost of ownership is also lower than with the previous Sport model as emissions and fuel consumption have improved by around 10 per cent and insurance classification has gone down by four groups from 23 to 19 thanks to extensive use of high-tensile steel and computerised structural analysis which keeps the body light while promoting safety.

Included as standard is ESP; seven airbags (including curtain and a driver’s knee airbag), and body pillars incorporating shock-absorbing materials that soften any contact with occupants’ heads.

In line with other models in the Suzuki range, new Swift Sport models are covered by a three-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty; and by Suzuki Assistance, providing 24-hour UK and European roadside assistance, recovery and associated services for 12 months as well as a 12-year perforation warranty. Service intervals are every 9,000 miles.