I usually drive my Swift Sport (manual) around town with my three kids—ages eight, five, and two—in tow, running errands and doing school pickups.

But the other day, for the first time, I took a drive with all five of us on board and the trunk packed to the brim with large, heavy suitcases and other luggage. The car felt very different from the way it normally does, so I wanted to share my impressions.

How It Felt Compared with a Normal Drive

What I love about driving the Swift Sport is its light-footed feel, eager acceleration, and sheer fun behind the wheel.

On paper, it has a 1.4-liter engine producing 140 horsepower, but it feels more powerful than those figures suggest. Even a routine drive through town, stopping at one traffic light after another, is fun. It pulls strongly from just about any speed, and on the highway, even in sixth gear, a press of the accelerator brings a smooth, eager surge. I’m always impressed by how well it goes.

With all five of us aboard and the trunk crammed with heavy luggage, though, the car lost some of its light-footedness, acceleration felt more labored, and its nimble responses faded—taking some of the fun out of driving, too. (Well, I suppose that’s what happens when you load it up that much!)

The weight wasn’t especially noticeable when pulling away from a stop, but acceleration became sluggish once I was up to speed. Merging onto the highway, I could clearly feel the extra weight at the rear.

Ride comfort changed as well. The suspension seemed to pick up every dip and bump in the road, making the ride feel noticeably more unsettled and firm.

Normally, highway joints give the car a straightforward “thump,” but with the extra load, each impact felt bigger. I also got the sense that the tires weren’t quite as firmly planted.

I can usually keep a livelier pace on the highway, but that day I found myself driving a little more cautiously. I came away thinking, “Keeping to the passing lane for long stretches might be a bit much today…”

It was a good reminder that the Swift Sport’s appeal comes from making the most of its low curb weight—under one tonne.

For Highway Driving, I Have a Soft Spot for German Cars

When it comes to everyday usability, compact size, reliability, fuel economy, and safety features, Japanese cars are exceptionally well thought out, and many offer excellent value for money.

The Swift Sport also has great handling and a reassuring feel on the road, making it a joy to drive. I love it, and for my needs right now, it’s more than enough.

Still, whenever I drive on the highway, I find myself missing the solid feel and reassuring suspension of a German car.

With all that heavy luggage on board the other day, the Swift Sport felt less planted on the highway and, at times, a little less reassuring. It prompted this thought:

“In a Volkswagen Golf, I’d feel more at ease on the highway, even with suitcases and other luggage in the trunk. (Of course, the price is in a different league, and things like the wheelbase and tires probably make a difference, too.)”

It’s not that I’m particularly attached to German car brands. But cars designed with high-speed, long-distance Autobahn driving in mind do inspire confidence—and I can’t help thinking that’s a pretty appealing quality.

For now, I’m happy with the fun Swift Sport. But these days, I sometimes find myself thinking that when the kids are older and I have time to take a longer trip on my own, it would be nice to own a German car.