Rather than completely removing the engine and opting solely for a battery pack mated to an electric motor, Suzuki has given its new Swift the hybrid treatment, meaning this supermini can give upwards of 60 mpg. And what’s better is that it costs under £20,000 ($25,711).
It’s worth noting that Suzuki has no plans to enter the Swift into the U.S. market just yet and it’s only sold in Europe and parts of Asia for now.
What’s New?
Quite a lot, but we’ll start with the powerplant. Suzuki has kept things in-house and the four-cylinder has since been dropped in favor of a three-cylinder 1.2-liter mild hybrid. This means it’s just as powerful as the old car but it is now eight percent more efficient and it’s a second quicker to 62 mph.
Likewise, the suspension has undergone some adjustment. The front stabilizer bar has been tweaked to improve rigidity while the rear suspension has been improved, allowing for a more comfortable ride over varying road surfaces.
It’s also undergone some cosmetic changes and has been given new LED headlights, a revised front grille and rear tailgate.
What’s It Like To Drive?
It’s not the fastest hybrid on the market, but you shouldn’t expect it to be. Still, it utilizes all of its 80 bhp rather well.
The Swift’s automatic ‘box takes time registering which gear it should be in after you’ve booted the gas pedal, but once it’s changed down, it effectively builds its speed and allows for swift overtaking (pun intended) when required. You can also switch it to manual mode and use the nifty paddle shifters tucked behind the steering wheel.
It feels agile in the corners and on the right road, it can be heaps of fun due to its 984 kg (2,169 lbs) mass. It’s a reminder that you don’t need 100-plus bhp to conjure a giggle.
Still, this isn’t the point of the Swift. It’s more in its element through towns and cities, where it remains quiet and civilized. During my testing, which consisted of highway, city and back-road driving, the Swift returned 58 mpg.
What’s It Like Inside?
Bear in mind this is a cheap car, but Suzuki has still done a fine job of retaining comfort levels. Sure, there are scratchy plastics but it has opted for artistic design elements which modernize the Swift’s cabin. It doesn’t quite scream artistic flair, but it’s nice.
A 9.0-inch infotainment display sits on the dashboard and it comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Likewise, heated seats are also included as standard.
There’s plenty of headroom and legroom while the seats feel supportive and comfortable. Pop the trunk, and you’ll find a deep 265-liter boot. Fold the rear seats flat, and this increases to 589 liters.
Verdict
If you do lots of city or back-road driving driving, then the Swift’s small dimensions, zippy engine, decent-sized boot and great fuel economy should suffice. For longer commutes, there are quieter and more practical hybrids available.
However, it stands its ground as an affordable, well-equipped hybrid supermini. And there aren’t a lot of cars that offer what it does at such a price point.
