Powering the new Swift+ is a 1.6-liter, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder engine producing 103 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. Its specific output is in the same range as the Toyota Echo Hatchback (108 hp) and Hyundai Accent (104 hp), and identical to its mirror clone Chevrolet Aveo (103 hp). My test car was equipped with the optional 4-speed automatic transmission, not optimal to my tastes. I found it needed to be revved high to get going, to be fair a character trait that can be attributed to all automatic cars with low horsepower ratings. But despite accelerating and braking, I didn't mind the auto tranny too much because, as I mentioned before, I was caught up in a lot of rush hour traffic.

Powering the new Swift+ is a 1.6-liter, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder engine producing 103 horsepower. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

Some notable Swift+ standard features are the digital clock, cupholders, daytime running lights (DRL), dual front airbags, front door pockets, halogen headlights, power steering, sunglass holder, side impact beams, and remote fuel door release. Power windows, doors, fog lights, rear spoiler, and keyless entry remote are not options on the base model I tested, but are standard on the Swift+ "S" model.

No trunk release button made loading the rear hatch a hassel when the Swift was running. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

There were a few things; however that did not tickle my fancy. First, there is no trunk release button on the driver's side. This was a little irritating when I needed to load something in the hatch and the car was already running, as it can only be opened with the key.

I also found its gated gearshift lever to be a hassle. Although it's more sophisticated compared to the straight line system, it wasn't particularly smooth. When I tried to gear down from 'Drive' to second while descending a hill, it was a struggle. In order to put it in gear I had to take my eyes off the road and look down. One might attribute my toil to gearing down at a higher speed; this was not the case. It was stiff and fussy at all speeds. Sometimes when I tried, it often slipped into first. If you can't tell, I am not a fan.