Here's whatTop Gear's site has to say about the new Swift:
"Think Suzuki Swift and you'll either come up with a blank or thoughts bedeviled with ropey build and driving standards. Well, kiss all of that goodbye and take a look at the latest Swift. It looks great, modern and cohesive, slick and bold. This is a small that has the looks to take on the Mini at its own game.
It's also up the challenge of tempting buyers away from the Mini with the way it drives. There's decent grip, a well-controlled body and ride that soaks up most obstacles, although it bigger potholes can be felt through the cabin.
Where the Swift easily outdoes the Mini is interior space. Four adults will fit inside comfortably and there's a five-door model to make rear access even easier than it is in three-door version. Better still, the five-door does not compromise the good looks.
Two petrol engines, a 1.3 and 1.5, do a solid job of powering the Swift. The 1.5 is the better bet for its greater refinement, while a 1.3 turbodiesel is on the way for economy-minded buyers.
With good build quality and prices that undercut the Mini by a significant margin, the Swift should be on you radar in the small car sector."
Hardly seems like they are making fun of the car, and if you saw the show you'd realize they were actually having fun WITh the car Being a British car show they are obviously biased towards British and European cars. But i have seen good reviews of atleast some American and Japanese makes as well.