Suzuki Swift Goodwood: Autocar Japan Editor’s View

by drbyos

Goodwood Encounters: From Swift to Supercars


A hectic Week in the Automotive World

The world of automotive journalism is rarely dull, and a recent week exemplified this perfectly, featuring everything from the unveiling of new electric SUVs to test drives of high-performance vehicles. This account details a whirlwind few days,starting with a last-minute dash in a Suzuki Swift and culminating in experiences with some of the most desirable cars on the market.

The Unexpected Journey: A suzuki Swift to an MG Launch

A forgotten event triggered a frantic race against time. the destination: Goodwood, for the unveiling of MG’s latest electric SUV, the “S5 EV,” a Nissan Qashqai competitor. The vehicle of choice, dictated by immediacy: a suzuki Swift 1.2 Mild Hybrid Motion, a long-term test car. The journey involved a high-speed (but legal!) drive down the A3 to Chichester, showcasing the Swift’s surprising suitability for the task.

MG's new SUV S5 EV (UK version)
MG’s new SUV “S5 EV” (UK version)

First Impressions of the MG S5 EV

Despite personal preferences leaning towards larger vehicles, the MG S5 EV made a positive impression, especially in three key areas:

  • Improved Interior Quality: A notable upgrade from previous MG models, addressing past criticisms.
  • Intuitive Controls: The inclusion of physical buttons beneath the central touchscreen allows for quick and easy operation while driving.
  • Competitive Pricing: The S5 EV boasts a considerably lower price point than its rivals, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

While some attribute MG’s affordability to its Chinese ownership, the S5 EV’s merits extend beyond its price tag, presenting a compelling package nonetheless of its origin. The electric SUV market is booming, with global sales expected to reach over 4 million units this year, according to a recent report by Canalys, making competitive pricing and features crucial for success.

Media Driving Day: A Taste of Automotive Excellence

The annual Media Driving Day at goodwood offers journalists the opportunity to test drive a range of remarkable vehicles on both public roads and the circuit.This year’s lineup included models from Ferrari,Maserati,McLaren,BMW,Lotus,Porsche,Bentley,Rolls-Royce,Ford and Renault.

Highlights from the Test Drives

Mini john Cooper Works
Mini John Cooper Works

The day began with the latest Mini John Cooper Works, praised for its blend of speed, refinement, and suitability for UK roads.

MG Cyberstar GT
MG Cyberstar GT

Next was the MG Cyberstar GT, a dual-motor roadster lauded for its performance and aesthetics, tho considered slightly large and softly sprung.

<a href=Lotus Emeya“>
Lotus emeya

the Lotus Emeya saloon impressed with its size, quietness, steering feel, brakes, and throttle sensitivity, showcasing the brand’s evolution.

A selection of Ford models also proved impressive, even though a Mustang test drive was regrettably missed due to long queues. A brief experience with a right-hand drive Renault 5 left a desire for more time behind the wheel. despite current challenges in the UK automotive market, the quality of vehicles available to consumers remains exceptionally high.

Final Thoughts

From the practical Suzuki Swift to the luxurious offerings at Goodwood’s Media Driving Day, the week provided a diverse and engaging snapshot of the automotive landscape. The MG S5 EV’s blend of affordability and improved quality is particularly noteworthy in the burgeoning electric SUV segment,while the experiences with high-performance vehicles served as a reminder of the passion and innovation driving the industry forward.

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