The Swift has been around for the best part of 20 years but it has spent most of that time in the motoring equivalent of the fourth division.

It's always been a capable enough car but it has been overshadowed by others which are better and frankly more stylish.

That all changed just over a year ago when the new Swift came out. It had a difficult job, competing against a raft of new superminis such as Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1, but it has proved a more than capable contender.

Suzuki boldly pitched it as a premium hatch, designed to be almost as chic as the MINI but thousands of pounds cheaper. Swift owners will tell you it's a neat and solid car with, possibly, one minor gripe - it lacks a little energy.

Well, here's the answer: the Swift Sport. Like the conventional Swift, it has plenty of mini but muscular rivals, but again it proves a match.

It is, maybe, a little more mature than I expected. I expected it to be younger and cheekier but it has quite a refined air about it.

The Sport version, available only as a three-door, is a spirited model but if sheer performance is a priority there are better alternatives. But if you want a versatile little hatchback with a hint of punch, than this is worth a look.

It's a 1.6 litre model which zips to 60mph in just under nine seconds. Okay, Peugeot and Renault hot-hatch fans might not be impressed, but this isn't aimed at the super hot-hatch market. The 123bhp engine is impressive, though, especially overtaking where the conventional Swift runs out of steam.

It has a slicker gearchange, too, and a slightly more impressive interior. I say slightly because the Swift's is neat and well-presented in any form.

Economy-wise, it's impressive, too, with almost 40mpg on a run which compares well with its rivals.

The Swift Sport is set apart from the 1.3 and 1.5 litre models with lower bumper and a sporty grille, a roof spoiler, modified rear bumper and lights, and some neat 17in alloy wheels.

Suzuki has added a radio and CD with MP3 compatibility and steering-wheel controls, automatic air conditioning, remote locking with keyless ignition, electric, heated, door mirrors, outside temperature display, and some 40 or more other comfort and safety items to complete the extensive Sport package.

So, is the Swift Sport good value? In short, yes. The MINI Cooper costs £800 more, and the Swift matches it in most departments. In fact, while the Cooper is becoming almost common, the Swift Sport might just have a slightly greater air of exclusivity.

PRICE: £11,499. Swift starts at £7,699.

ENGINE: A 1,586cc, 123bhp four-cylinder engine.

PERFORMANCE: Top 124mph, 0 to 62mph in 8.9 secs.

COSTS: Urban (city) 31.4mpg; extra-urban (country) 45.6mpg; combined 39.2mpg.

EMISSIONS: 175g/km.

WARRANTY: Three years/60,000 miles.

INSURANCE: Group 9.

All T&A road test vehicles are independently selected and assessments are carried out impartially by members of our own staff who base their opinions only on the vehicle supplied for these purposes by the manufacturer.