Latest Skoda Scala deals
Suzuki Swift
- Price new: £19,699
- Price now: From £10,000
- Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol
- Gearbox: Five-speed manual
- Power/torque: 81bhp/112Nm
- 0-60mph: 12.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 103mph
Author: Alex Ingram
At a time when cars grow ever larger, ever heavier and increasingly complex, the Suzuki Swift feels like it’s politely sitting in the corner asking, “does it really need to be this way?” The Japanese supermini really deserves to have its voice heard a little louder, because it’s a really likeable thing.
There aren’t many cars that weigh less than a tonne these days, and the Swift is one of the few that sways to the better side of that figure. For everyday drivers, that helps it sip the bare minimum of fuel – while running a Swift on our long-term fleet, it averaged a fantastic 56.8mpg – but it also works out well for keen drivers, too. Sure, with a mild-hybrid three-cylinder engine with 81bhp it’s not going to win any drag races, but that minimal mass means the Swift is a whole heap of fun through the corners, while a sweet gearchange allows you to make the most of that modest power.
There’s even a four-wheel drive version for those who want go-anywhere ability without the SUV baggage. Are there more luxurious cars on the market? Absolutely. But are there many which are as honest and as underappreciated? Well, that’s a much shorter list.
Latest Suzuki Swift deals
Toyota Prius
- Price new: £36,395
- Price now: From £21,000
- Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, 1x e-motor
- Gearbox: CVT automatic
- Power: 220bhp
- 0-60mph: 6.8 seconds
- Top Speed: 116mph
Author: Alastair Crooks
In its latest guise, the Toyota Prius has actually become a likeable and dare we say even desirable car.
When it was first revealed in 2022, Toyota’s decision to initially refrain from launching the fifth-generation Prius in the UK was met with surprise to say the least, given it had become a staple of taxi ranks and Uber fleets up and down the country.
The reason for the brand’s decision was that the mild-hybrid Toyota Corolla had stolen the Prius’ position, especially with the new one going plug-in hybrid-only. Fast forward to 2025 and Toyota reversed its decision and has brought the Prius to the UK – we think that’s great news, because not only is it a well built and efficient family hatch, the Prius drives surprisingly decently and looks very cool.
Latest Toyota Prius deals
Did you know you can sell your car through Auto Express? We’ll help you get a great price and find a great deal on a new car, too.