With the fourth generation version of their Swift supermini, Suzuki have stayed true to the design principles that have long served them in the small car sector, low running costs, high quality and a spacious cabin being the highlights. The car is now lighter and more spacious, plus there’s the option of mild hybrid technology.

When it comes to the looks, this is still recognisably a Swift, familiar cues including the wraparound windscreen, the upright headlamps and the smiley lower air intake. This five-door-only MK4 model is 40mm wider than its predecessor, but also 10mm shorter and 15mm lower. More significantly, thanks to its new platform, it’s also significantly lighter, tipping the scales at a mere 890kgs in entry-level trim. Even the hybrid version is just 925kg.

As for the roadgoing experience, well you can expect the same kind of entertaining drive the Swift has always specialised in delivering. And engine-wise? Well these days, there are no diesel options, Suzuki limiting Swift buying choices to two main petrol engines. There’s an 90bhp 1.2-litre four cylinder Dualjet unit mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Or a 1.0-litre three cylinder turbocharged ‘Boosterjet’ powerplant which offers 111bhp and can be ordered with auto transmission.

The ‘Bosterjet’ powerplant can be had with the option of mild hybrid assistance. Suzuki calls it ‘SHVS’ or ‘Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki’ technology and it’s based around the use of what’s called an ‘Integrated Starter Generator’ powered by a tiny 0.2 kWh lithium-ion battery that sits under the driver’s seat. This set-up harvests kinetic energy when you brake and converts it into electrical energy. Not the kind that could take you short distances on electric power alone - the battery isn’t big enough to allow for that. Instead, the regenerated energy is used to power the standard engine stop/start system and also to provide a mild extra power boost as you accelerate - around 50Nm of extra torque for up to 30 seconds.

The Swift has always been known as the thinking person’s supermini selection - and very little has changed in that regard with this fourth generation version. You come away from looking at one thinking that Suzuki deserves a higher profile than it currently enjoys in the UK - but maybe that’s the way Swift owners like it.

Here’s an affordable car that doesn’t feel like one. And a well kept secret that doesn’t deserve to remain that way.