Preview drive: 2024 Suzuki Swift Hybrid road-tested ahead of showroom arrivals

What is it:

This is the first new Suzuki Swift in seven years – since 2017 – and it’s a hybrid!

According to the fuel-rating label, the new Suzuki Swift Hybrid is as economical as a Toyota Prius, which is great news for miserly motoring.

Price:

There are three model grades in the range and all are sharply priced.

• Suzuki Swift manual: $24,490 drive-away
• Suzuki Swift auto: $26,990 drive-away
• Suzuki Swift Plus auto: $28,490 drive-away
• Suzuki Swift GLX auto: $29,490 drive-away
• Metallic paint: $645

Engine:

Under the bonnet is a non-turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine (61kW/112Nm) paired to a 12V mild hybrid system, which functions as a generator and provides an electric boost on take-off.

A 12V lithium-ion battery pack under the front passenger seat is recharged on the move when coasting or slowing down, via regenerative braking.

The mild hybrid system provides a modest boost to the petrol engine on take-off, but also powers the stop-start system, as well as electrical components, gauges, and the audio system when the engine isn’t running.

The result is 17 per cent lower fuel consumption than before (to 4.0L/100km), and a 20 per cent reduction in tailpipe emissions.

Transmission:

Continuously variable automatic transmission on all models (with paddle shifters on the GLX to mimic gear ratios).

A five-speed manual is available on the base model only.

0 to 100km/h (as tested):

As this was a media preview drive we were not able to do precision VBox 0 to 100kmh times. We will revisit this data when we test the car on home turf.

Emergency braking from 100km/h (as tested):

As this was a media preview drive we were not able to do precision VBox braking tests. We will revisit this data when we test the car on home turf.

It’s worth noting though, as before, the new Suzuki Swift has front disc and rear drum brakes (pictured above).

But its feather weight (919kg manual, 957kg auto) should deliver impressive brake distance results.

Good points:

Sharp pricing across the entire line-up.

Japanese build quality inside and out.

Handsome and distinctive looks.

Really nice to drive. Supple over bumps and grippy in corners.

A cinch to park in tight spaces, light and easy steering.

Perky engine, incredible fuel economy (on test we dipped to a real-world 4.2L/100km, other media saw 4.8L/100km but they’re lead-foots).

Great visibility all around thanks to the large window area.

Comfortable seats. LED headlights across all model grades. 

Wireless and wired Apple Car Play, Android Auto and embedded navigation across all model grades.

Large infotainment screen and digital speed display in the instrument cluster.

Speed sign recognition now standard, long list of standard safety equipment.

More boot space than before (265L, up 23L).

The subtle three-cylinder engine ‘thrum’ adds character.

Fun fact: The new model has the same footprint as before (wheelbase is 2450mm) but the body is 15mm longer. It’s still a snack to park.

It’s great to test a budget car that is decent to drive. A lot of Chinese cars in this price range zig-zag all over the place and their engines tend to stutter.

The Suzuki Swift Hybrid makes you smile, and not just because you’re saving money with miserly fuel economy.

Bad points:

The new Suzuki Swift Hybrid demands premium 95-octane unleaded, so you can’t run the cheaper 91-octane regular unleaded .

The rear camera display is fuzzy in low light.

Blind zone warning and rear cross-traffic alert are not available on the cheapest model.

The sun visors are too short to block side glare.

There is no spare (a tyre inflator kit is standard) even though there is a recess in the boot floor for a spare.

Although it has six airbags and most safety boxes ticked, for now it is unclear whether the Suzuki Swift Hybrid will earn a five-star safety rating.

What the haters say:

Didn’t Suzuki Swift hatchbacks used to cost less than $20,000?

What the haters don’t understand:

The Suzuki Swift hasn’t been priced below $20,000 for a long time.

And most cars in this class are now priced close to or more than $30,000 – or no longer exist.

It costs just as much to design, engineer and develop a city car like the Suzuki Swift as it does to create a Toyota Corolla.

But customers are reluctant to pay high prices for city-sized hatchbacks.

So it is quite a challenge to be able to deliver so much technology – including a new engine and hybrid system – in a car that costs $25,000 to $30,000.

Should you buy one?

Absolutely. The new Suzuki Swift Hybrid is a gem to drive and is super economical.

You can see and feel the quality inside and out, which is rare in this price range.

Above from left: Plastic wheel cover for base model Swift, painted finish for Swift Plus alloy wheel, machine finish for Swift GLX wheel.

Also consider:

Toyota Yaris, Kia Picanto, Mazda2.