In recent weeks we’ve seen some hefty price rises in the latest generation light cars as safety and environmental requirements and technology additions have forced up prices at the bottom end of the market. Several car companies now suggest they will vacate the light car class as a result while some customers complain they will be forced to buy used models. Suzuki this week released its series 11 Swift five-door hatch – the entry 1.2-litre four-cylinder GL Navigator manual rising $2,000 to $18,990 drive-away, $19,990 in automatic. A perennial favourite the Japanese-built Suzuki Swift is currently one of our most popular light cars especially the performance skewed 1.4-litre Sport, now $3,500 dearer from 29,990 drive-away – but featuring adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking  – features, once only the reserve of prestige and luxury models. The face-lifted Swift gaining a fresh bumper and grille and new 16-inch alloy wheels.

I’m David Berthon

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