New Suzuki Swift Hybrid puts the ‘Super’ in Supermini.
New Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid puts the Super ‘Supermini’.
The first generation Suzuki Swift made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2004, and its design and driving characteristics focused on the European market, with its chassis refined through a road-testing programme across Europe. It went on to win many awards during its life span, including the prestigious title of 2006 Semperit Irish Car of the Year. Now in its fourth generation, the new Swift is still a force to be reckoned with in the competitive supermini market segment.
Old-School Charm.
The new Swift captures some of the ‘old school’ charm from its predecessors in some ways, but it is thoroughly modern in others. The new Swift is only available with a choice of two versions; Mild Hybrid ‘Motion’ and Mild Hybrid ‘Ultra’. Key standard features in Motion trim includes a rear upper spoiler, adaptive cruise control, rear-view camera, parking sensors, heated front seats, wireless smartphone link, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitor (a God-send when negotiating lane changes, entering a motorway via a slip road, or when crossing a number of traffic lanes), and keyless entry and start. The range-topping ‘Ultra’ trim also benefits from 16-inch alloy wheels, rear assist grips x 2, automatic air-conditioning, rear heater outlet, electrically folding door mirrors, indicator integrated in door mirror, painted door trim, and front seat belts with shoulder height adjuster. Despite having a similar exterior design as the previous generation model, the refreshed design is claimed to be 4.6% more aerodynamic, and the hidden door handle on the rear door frame is also reverted to the original position, thereby bringing back the older Swift’s design identity.
Self-Charging Hybrid Tech.
The new Swift’s responsive 1.2-litre petrol engine features Suzuki’s self-charging mild hybrid technology, and this results in impressive real-world fuel economy and low Co2 emissions. Suzuki’s hybrid systems are light and compact, and when combined with a lightweight chassis and dynamic petrol engine, they reward the driver with nimble performance for a dynamic driving experience. The hybrid system uses an electric motor called an integrated starter generator (ISG) that works alongside the car’s petrol engine to help improve its adeptness. The ISG is powered by an extra battery that is charged as the car decelerates and brakes. The extra battery has several other benefits, as it helps power all the additional electrical systems like safety features, air conditioning, Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity, along with all the electrical components that help the car to move. This extra battery, therefore, helps power the car and relieves some of the load on the standard 12-volt battery. When compared with previous non-hybrid Suzuki petrol models, and based on official WLTP combined fuel consumption figures, cars powered by Suzuki’s advanced hybrid systems benefit from a boost in fuel economy of up to 15%, along with a 25% reduction in Co2 emissions.
Impressive Safety Tech.
Irrespective of the model chosen, standard safety features include Dual Sensor Brake Support (Automatic Emergency Braking), Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Monitoring System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Weaving Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, High Beam Assist, and eCall.
My Test Car.
My test car was a new Swift Mild Hybrid in entry-level ‘Motion’ specification, which was finished in Cool Yellow metallic paintwork (a €475 cost option).The 3-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine produces 82hp and 112 Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-100km/h sprint in 12.5-seconds, on its way to a limited top speed of 165km/h (where permitted). Power is sent to the car’s front wheel via a 5-speed manual transmission that adds an element of fun to the proceedings. Although many new cars with a manual transmission will feature a sixth gear, the new Swift happily makes do without the extra gear and, even at motorway speeds, its absence is never an issue. Gear changes are slick and precise, making city driving an enjoyable task, and this is greatly helped by the nicely-weighted steering set-up. The new Swift is an enjoyable car to drive due to its low weight, inherent agility and compact dimensions, and it can be manoeuvred in and out of tight car park spaces with the greatest of ease. The relatively tall stance of the new Swift means that all occupants benefit from excellent head, leg and shoulder room, and the 265-litres of space in the boot can expanded easily by dropping the rear seatbacks. As with its predecessor, the simple and ergonomically-designed cabin in the new Swift feels solidly made, and should prove itself to be very durable over time. All central controls are intentionally angled towards the driver for enhanced convenience, allowing the driver to focus on the road. The flat-bottom steering wheel adds a sporty element to the new Swift, and the entire dashboard design is intuitive. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and the presence of toggle switches for the temperature and fan speed at the bottom of the touchscreen are a welcome bonus. As a result, I found that I could operate the heating and ventilation within the car without having to take my eyes off the road. Over the last few decades, the Swift earned a reputation for being spectacularly frugal, and the new model proudly carries on that tradition, with fuel consumption as low as 4.4l/100km achievable on a WLTP combined driving cycle. This equates to an impressive 64.2mpg in old fuel consumption terminology, and achieving this official figure in real-world driving should be an easy exercise.
Verdict, Price & Warranty.
The new Swift’s light weight and simplicity make it fun to drive and cheap to run, and it certainly is a car that has the likeability factor in abundance. It may look relatively similar to its predecessor, but it has improved in virtually every area. The Suzuki brand has an enviable reputation for proven reliability and outstanding value for money, and the new Swift is no exception in that regard. The new Swift Mild Hybrid Motion and Ultra models are priced from just €21,995 and €23,195 respectively and, with a Co2 emissions figure of 99g/km, annual road tax is just €190. Buyers can get up to 7-years warranty cover on any new Suzuki passenger car. After the standard Suzuki 3-year warranty expires, the Service Activated Warranty kicks in and covers the car for up to 7-years or 160,000km, whichever comes first. Simply have a qualifying service carried out at a Suzuki dealership and your car will be covered (terms and conditions apply).
Visit www.suzuki.ie for further information.
