By contrast, the Renault exudes an almost premium vibe, thanks to its seemingly higher-grade materials and a smart wraparound dash that’s finished with a natty full-width fabric strip. And although its infotainment touchscreen is a little smaller than the Suzuki’s, it’s less fiddly to navigate. Still, both feature Apple and Android connectivity for enhanced ease of use.
The Clio also gives you more cubbies for the numerous odds and ends that families tend to accrue. Yet given its more generous exterior dimensions, the Renault offers no real advantage for boot space or rear-seat occupants. Both contenders here offer around 250 litres of luggage-carrying capacity (although the Renault’s load area is hampered by a high lip) and they are able to house three adults in the rear at a pinch. The Clio’s larger windows mean passengers won’t feel as hemmed in as they will in the Swift, though.
Either way, all those on board will appreciate the Suzuki’s new-found refinement. The use of extra soundproofing, thicker carpets and hydraulic engine mounts allows it to rival the grown-up Clio for hushed progress.
Each car suffers from some wind noise on the motorway, but both are surprisingly relaxed long-distance cruisers, featuring a long-striding top gear (fifth in the Suzuki, sixth in the Renault) and just about enough torque to avoid the need for frequent downshifts when hauling up hills. So neither of our dinky duo feels out of its depth away from the urban jungle.
The Renault scores extra points here for its typically French ride, its softer and longer-travel suspension dealing more adeptly with long-wave undulations and sharp ridges and potholes. It’s more comfortable at low speeds too. If anything, the Swift’s enhanced refinement makes it quieter over the bumps but it follows more of the road’s topography and becomes fidgety around town.
Suzuki Swift vs Renault Clio: Driving dynamics
The upshot of the Suzuki’s stiffer set-up is greater small car handiness when slicing through suburbia or out on the open road, threading a few corners together.
