Photo: original image by autoevolution
The Suzuki Swift Sport's engaging drive earned it cult following with European hot hatch fans. Many magazines praise it for its slick shifting gearbox and fun factor. Nonetheless, you might be surprised to learn what you can buy for the same money from a SEAT dealer.
What's cheaper?
A brand new Suzuki Swift Sport starts at €18,990 in Germany as a 3-door or just under €20,000 if you want a 5-door model. For that, you get a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, with the option of a CVT (that's to be avoided).
However, if you want an effervescent 3-door hatchback, the SEAT Leon SC can be yours from €15,000. For that kind of money, you don't get the same level of trim or as powerful an engine, but it's bigger and more practical. Spec up to the Leon SC Style trim level and you gain access to two of the most competent all-rounder engines in the VW Group family, both 1.4-liter turbo units, starting from €20,350.
The 125 hp 1.4-liter turbo engine in the Leon SC might have 11 hp less than the Suzuki, but the output is delivered at 5,000rpm and is accompanied by 25% more torque. As a result, the Spanish coupe needs 9.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h and is far more economical. Its top speed is also higher at 203 km/h (126 mph) and its longer wheelbase makes it more stable at high speed.
For €21,610, SEAT can also sell you a 150 horsepower version of the 1.4-liter turbo, which is even more economical and faster (8.2 seconds). Claimed urban fuel consumption is just 5.8 l/100 km, compared to 8.4 l/100km of the Swift. This is partly due to the VW Group MQB platform and partly to a cylinder deactivation system that stops two of the cylinders from burning fuel under light loads.
It's much the same story when you're looking at the practicality side of things. The Leon coupe boasts 380 liters of boot space, while the Suzuki only has 211 liters. The fuel tank is bigger, there's more legroom and you can order it with full-LED headlights.
Editor's note: Whatever happened to cheap, fun cars? I remember the 2004 Ford Fiesta ST was only about €15,000 with leather seats and racing stripes.
A brand new Suzuki Swift Sport starts at €18,990 in Germany as a 3-door or just under €20,000 if you want a 5-door model. For that, you get a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, with the option of a CVT (that's to be avoided).
However, if you want an effervescent 3-door hatchback, the SEAT Leon SC can be yours from €15,000. For that kind of money, you don't get the same level of trim or as powerful an engine, but it's bigger and more practical. Spec up to the Leon SC Style trim level and you gain access to two of the most competent all-rounder engines in the VW Group family, both 1.4-liter turbo units, starting from €20,350.
Power and Performance
The 1.6-liter engine in the Swift Sport might boast 136 hp, but only once the revs hit 6,900rpm. As a result, the Suzuki hot hatchling needs 8.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h and has a top speed of 195 km/h (121 mph).The 125 hp 1.4-liter turbo engine in the Leon SC might have 11 hp less than the Suzuki, but the output is delivered at 5,000rpm and is accompanied by 25% more torque. As a result, the Spanish coupe needs 9.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h and is far more economical. Its top speed is also higher at 203 km/h (126 mph) and its longer wheelbase makes it more stable at high speed.
For €21,610, SEAT can also sell you a 150 horsepower version of the 1.4-liter turbo, which is even more economical and faster (8.2 seconds). Claimed urban fuel consumption is just 5.8 l/100 km, compared to 8.4 l/100km of the Swift. This is partly due to the VW Group MQB platform and partly to a cylinder deactivation system that stops two of the cylinders from burning fuel under light loads.
It's much the same story when you're looking at the practicality side of things. The Leon coupe boasts 380 liters of boot space, while the Suzuki only has 211 liters. The fuel tank is bigger, there's more legroom and you can order it with full-LED headlights.
Editor's note: Whatever happened to cheap, fun cars? I remember the 2004 Ford Fiesta ST was only about €15,000 with leather seats and racing stripes.
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