Diesel Suzuki Swift DDiS

Suzuki has added a diesel to its Swift range. The DDiS, which is only available as a five-door with SZ3 trim, features a 1.3 litre engine that produces 73 bhp (55 kW / 75 PS) and 190 Nm (140 lb/ft) of torque.

Although down on power compared to the existing 1.2 litre petrol Swift, the DDiS version has very similar performance. It’ll accelerate from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a fairly respectable 12.7 seconds, before going on to achieve a top speed of 103 mph (165 km/h).

But of course efficiency is where diesel outscores petrol. Combined cycle fuel consumption for the DDiS is 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km), and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km mean annual Vehicle Excise Duty of £20 in the UK. Not bad figures at all, and on a par for the class.

The only way to get significantly better economy from a diesel supermini is to go for a special ‘eco’ model, such as the Skoda Fabia 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II or the closely related Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TDI 75PS BlueMotion.

Both emit just 89 g/km of CO2 and manage an impressive 83.1 mpg (3.4 l/100km), although buyers have to pay for the privilege.

While the Suzuki Swift SZ3 DDiS has a UK on the road price of £12,890, the Skoda costs £13,685 and the Volkswagen is a whopping £15,480.