Suzuki Swift review – a lively, tech-laden supermini - MPG and running costs

Only the official combined consumption figures of the Sport and the automatic SZ5 Swift drop below 60mpg. At the top of the scoreboard is the entry-level SZ3 and the hybrid-powered 1-litre manual SZ5, both averaging 65.7mpg on a combined cycle, officially.

In reality, even the Sport is easy on the wallet. Driving just for fun, not trying to be at all frugal, it’ll average around 40mpg. That’s 10mpg lower than what Suzuki says it’ll do, admittedly, but with a lighter right foot on long journeys we have seen over 50mpg.

The benefit of the Swift’s sub-ton kerb weight means that, not only will it use less fuel, but tyres and brakes should last relatively well. The front tyres on the Sport, however, what with its inclination to spin its front wheels, might need attention sooner than anything else – the standard 196/45 R17 Continental Sport Contact tyres are around £120 each.

The 175/65 R15 and 185/55 R16 tyres found on the regular car, as they aren’t high-performance tyres, are much cheaper – usually between £45 and £90 for tyres from premium brands.