What is it?

The mk2 Suzuki Swift Sport, the new-for-2012 version of one of our favourite small hot hatches.

Technical highlights?

The world isn’t being set on fire – but there was little wrong with the way the previous Swift Sport did its thing. There’s a new six-speed gearbox (replacing the old car’s five-speed) with a lighter action. The engine also produces 13bhp more but is 4.3mpg more frugal on the combined cycle and pumps out 18 fewer g/km of CO2.

What’s it like to drive?

Perhaps the biggest improvement in the new Swift Sport is actually in its refinement. The sixth gear makes it a lot more pleasant on the motorway for a start and the sound deadening should make it seem like a more pleasant everyday proposition.

The essence of the old Swift Sport is still very evident in the new one, with an engine that you really have to rev and a chassis that is at its best being flung around in true small hot hatch style. Its increased roll stiffness makes the new Swift feel more composed in direction changes, but it has also taken away a little bit of the adjustability. The ride was tricky to judge on pristine Spanish roads, but my suspicion from the few bumps I could find is that it will be well suited to British roads.

How does it compare?

Its nearest rival is the 131bhp Renaultsport Twingo 133 Cup. The French car is cheaper, but also less well equipped than the Japanese hatch.

Anything else I should know?

The sports seats are excellent, but could still do with being mounted lower. Amongst the list of things you get as standard are: HID headlamps, automatic air conditioning, Bluetooth, rear privacy glass, seven airbags and cruise control.