If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, BMW should accept it graciously from the Suzuki Swift. Bearing more than a passing similarity to BMW’s Mini, the Swift is aimed at the same style-conscious driver.

Unlike BMW’s baby, which has sold in its millions, the Suzuki Swift, however, has shifted relatively low volumes. That’s not necessarily a bad thing – at least it means the Japanese supermini retains exclusivity.

Launched in the UK in August 2005, the latest Swift is the fourth generation to carry the name in a history dating back to the mid1980s. The latest car, though, is a radical departure from the previous models, which merely offered competent engineering together with unremarkable styling.

It comes with a choice of two petrol engines: the 1.3 litre produces 92bhp; the 1.5 litre 102bhp. Both are 16-valve units, and with just 10bhp to separate them, it is hardly surprising that performance and economy are very similar – the 0-60mph dash is accomplished in 11 and 10sec respectively, and the combined economy figures are 46.3mpg and 43.5mpg.

Despite good economy from the petrol engines, Suzuki also provided Swift buyers with a diesel option. The 1.3 litre turbodiesel, the same unit as fitted to the Fiat Panda and Vauxhall Corsa, produces a modest 69bhp. With 125 lb ft of pulling power, however, it feels quicker than its rather pedestrian on-paper time of 14.2sec suggests. Combined fuel economy of 61.4mpg makes it a cracking purchase in these times of ever-rising fuel prices.

Further engine developments mean that the diesel cars produced since April 2008 emit only 119g/km of CO2, down from 124g/km, entitling owners to a reduced annual road tax of just £35 (band B).

While the petrol versions are available as both three and five-door models, the diesel is supplied only as the more practical, but arguably less attractive five-door. Specification and trim levels are also slightly different between the two engines. The petrol is available as a GL, GLX and Sport, but the diesel comes in a solitary DDiS specification.

Levels of equipment are pretty good throughout the range, starting with the entry level 1.3 litre in GL trim, which comes with power steering, single-disc CD player, remote central locking, front, side and curtain airbags, and deadlocks. For about £900 more, a secondhand GLX offers alloy wheels, attractive piano-black trim and air-conditioning.

A range-topping 1.6 litre Sport joined the lineup in 2007, touting 125bhp and a 0-60mph time of 8.9sec. The Sport certainly looks the part as it stands on 17in wheels and has sports seats, stainless-steel pedals and an uprated chassis, but it fails to produce the grin factor of the Mini Cooper or even the Citroën C2 VTR.

The styling department at Suzuki will wax lyrical about the Swift’s beefy wheelarches, wrap-over head and tail-lights and wide stance, but in reality you don’t need to understand any of that to appreciate that this is a good-looking car.

Inside it’s a little disappointing, though, particularly the lower-spec models, as there’s none of the Mini’s funkiness or the Citroën’s avant-garde touches, and it’s all too easy to forget you’re driving such a pretty car.

On the road, the Swift performs well. Although not as refined as its BMW counterpart, it’s a car that enjoys being driven and rewards with predictable, entertaining roadholding and handling. At higher speeds the cabin gets a bit buzzy as the engine revs build, although the diesel’s more relaxed engine makes for quieter cruising.

Rear-seat occupants benefit from the safety net of full-length curtain airbags. Space in the back is acceptable for a supermini but the seats are bench-like and flat, so it’s not really a place in which to spend too much time.

With strong demand and limited supply, secondhand Swifts hold their value well, and although they don’t come cheap, they certainly are distinctive. So, if you are in the market for a stylish supermini and you want the genuine article, my advice is to stick with the BMW Mini.

On the other hand, if standing out from the crowd is more important, the Suzuki Swift is a worthy alternative.

Air-conditioning Standard on GLX and Sport models

Boot space 213 litre boot is bigger than Mini’s

Bumpers Body-colour bumpers prone to scuffs

Clutch High clutch pedal position can be uncomfortable, but height-adjustable seat and steering wheel can help

Insurance Group 4 insurance for 1.3 litre petrol and diesel, group 6 for 1.5, while Sport attracts group 9

Gearbox Five-speed manual is standard; clutchless semi-auto with sequential shift available on petrol 1.3, four-speed full-auto for the 1.5

Keyless entry Standard on GLX and Sport, it is a useful feature that helps with security

Safety Front, side and curtain airbags are standard, helping the Swift achieve four stars for adult occupant safety in Euro NCAP testing

Servicing Due every 12 months or 9,000 miles; check it has been adhered to, especially with low-mileage cars

Sport model Easily distinguished thanks to larger 17in alloys, sports seats and unique design of headlights

Stereo CD player standard on all, with remote controls at steering wheel

Vital statistics

Values

Model Suzuki Swift 1.3 DDiS
Engine 1248cc, four cylinders
Power 69bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 60.1mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0-60mph: 14.2sec
Top speed 102mph
CO2 emissions 124g/km
Road tax band C (£120 for 12 months)
Cost new today £10,515

The one to buy
A Suzuki Swift 1.3 DDiS, 2005 05 with 40,000 miles.
Pay £5,995 at a dealer or £5,250 privately

Mileage
(10,000/20,000/40,000)

2005 05
Trade £5,500 £5,175 £4,575
Retail £6,975 £6,625 £5,995

2006 06
Trade £6,300 £5,925 £5,250
Retail £7,750 £7,375 £6,675

2007 07
Trade £7,025 £6,600 £5,825
Retail £8,475 £8,095 £7,295

Or for similar money
2002 02 Mini One 1.6
2005 55 Hyundai Getz 1.5 CRTD GSi
2005 55 Mazda2 1.4D Antares
2007 56 Chevrolet Matiz 1.4 SX
2007 56 Fiat Panda 1.3 Multijet Dynamic