First launched in the UK in May 2005, Suzuki has confirmed global sales of its Swift have now passed the five million mark.

Only eighteen months after the celebration of four million units, more than 118,000 Swifts have been sold becoming the most popular model in the range, accounting for 36 per cent of the UK sales mix.

In the UK, the Swift is available in three and five door versions; it has a 1.2-litre petrol engine which emits 116g/km CO2 as well as a Dualjet engine equipped with twin fuel injectors that records 99g/km of CO2 offering 'even stronger' fuel economy.

Across the globe, 11 per cent of Swift sales are in Japan, around 50 per cent in India and 19 per cent across Europe. On sale in 140 countries it is available in five specification grades which are SZ2, SZ3, SZ-L, SZ4. These come with a 1.2-litre petrol engine and in the Swift Sport with a 1.6-litre unit. All models offer seven airbags and ESP as standard, front passenger airbag deactivation facility, electric windows, remote central door locking with deadlocks, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, MP3 / WMA compatible CD tuner with USB port and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

It can also be specified with four wheel drive which offers added safety during the winter months - the 4x4 is available as a five door 1.2 Dualjet petrol model with manual transmission and available in either an SZ3 or SZ4 grade. Using small and lightweight components the Swift 4x4 is 65kg heavier than an equivalent 2WD petrol model.

First built in Japan in 2004, Swift production bases expanded the year after to Hungary, India and China. Production then commenced in Malaysia (2007), Pakistan (2009), Thailand (2012) and Vietnam in 2014. All European Swifts are made at Suzuki’s established Magyar plant in Hungary.