New Suzuki Swace Hybrid Estate offers Dynamic Efficiency.
New Suzuki Swace Hybrid offers Dynamic Efficiency.
The new Suzuki Swace may look very familiar to readers, and there is a very good reason for that. The Swace is supplied to Suzuki by Toyota Motor Corporation under a collaborative business agreement between the two companies. Based on the Toyota Corolla Hybrid Estate platform with signature design changes, and is manufactured in the UK with exports to Europe. Whereas the Corolla is available as an estate, saloon and hatchback, the Swace is only available as an estate.
Designed To Stand Out.
Designed with a low centre of gravity, the Swace stands out with its wide stance and powerful rearward-flowing body lines, matched to a sporty front face with parabola LED projector headlamps. The large grille opening, and strong fog lamp bezels are inherited from Suzuki’s signature sporty design, which together with the front bumper positioned low to the ground creates an overall impression of stability. The grille mesh and fog lamp garnish both feature a honeycomb pattern with a painted black finish to further accentuate its sporty feel. Further exterior features include integrated roof rails for simple roof carrier mounting, a sculpted tailgate door that is constructed in lightweight resin to enhance fuel efficiency, and sporty 16-inch alloy wheels.
Proven Hybrid Technology.
Powering the Suzuki Swace is Toyota’s 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid system. This combines a 102bhp four-cylinder petrol engine with a 53bhp electric motor, which feeds power to the front wheels through a CVT automatic transmission, although the Swace can also drive on EV power alone for short distances. Available only in SZ-T trim, the Swace gets a high level of standard specification as standard. Key features include seven airbags, dual-zone climate control, a seven-inch LCD colour information screen, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto device connectivity, rear parking camera, and an eight-inch centre-dash touchscreen. The Swace is also equipped with three drive modes – Normal, Eco or Sport – so drivers can select a drive mode to suit their individual driving style or mood. In terms of safety, the Swace is equipped with numerous advanced safety features for complete peace of mind for both the driver and passengers on every journey. Advanced driver assist functions include Brake Hold, Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Automatic High-Beam (AHB) and eCall to alert the emergency services in the event of a traffic accident.
Spacious Cabin & Boot.
The cabin in the Swace is very similar in its design and layout to that found in the Toyota Corolla Hybrid Estate, and it certainly feels like it has been built with long-lasting solidity in mind. Interior space is admirable, with lots of head, elbow and leg room on offer for all but the tallest of passengers. With 596-litres of cargo space available behind the rear seats, there should be ample space for a wide array of family belongings, leisure equipment or work-related items, but this space can be more than doubled to 1,232-litres when the rear seats are folded flat. Additionally, you can store the rear parcel shelf under the false boot floor and a mountain bike fits easily once you fold the seats. The luggage compartment is equipped with auto-illuminating lights and a DC 12V accessory socket for added convenience.
Diesel-Rivalling Fuel Efficiency.
Producing a combined output of 122bhp and 142Nm of torque, the hybrid system in the Suzuki Swace provides instant shove from the electric motor assisting the engine, and it feels sprightly enough from a standing start, and when overtaking too. The system charges itself, balancing between petrol and electric to give the maximum possible efficiency. Official fuel consumption figures are quoted as 4.4l/100km (64.2mpg) on a WLTP combined driving cycle, and I achieved 4.7l/100km on a combination of urban and rural roads, along with some motorway journeys too. That is a match for an equivalent diesel engine, which is very good indeed. Leveraging its high output motor and large battery capacity, the Swace is equipped with an EV drive mode function. In EV drive mode, the vehicle is driven solely by its electric motor with power supplied from the battery. This mode can be used for driving short distances without having to worry about noise or emissions, especially in residential areas early in the morning and late at night, or in garages and indoor parking lots.
Verdict & Pricing.
Overall, the new Suzuki Swace is a very commendable car in every respect. It is comfortable and refined in equal measure, and it feels very well constructed throughout. The smooth and efficient hybrid powertrain in the new Swace is a major good news story too. The new Suzuki Swace is priced at just €30,995 and is on sale now at Suzuki dealerships nationwide.
Visit www.suzuki.ie for further information.
Review by DG/MotoringMatters.ie
