The unassuming Suzuki Swift may not garner the same buzz as its more rugged counterpart, the Jimny, but it stands as a hallmark offering from the renowned Japanese automaker, establishing its own legacy in the realm of compact cars.

Since its contemporary revival, the Swift has captured a loyal following thanks to its robust construction, competitive pricing, and engaging driving experience. However, as the third generation progressed, it gradually diverged from these defining traits; its rising price point in Australia made it increasingly challenging to advocate for.

Enter the fourth generation, represented here, which aims to rectify this misstep. With a starting price just under $25,000 drive-away, it ranks among the most affordable new cars in the marketplace, while the mid-tier variant we’ve assessed here remains below $29,000 drive-away.

While it’s a departure from the days of sub-$20,000 deals, this pricing holds its ground against key competitors.

The new Swift also promises updated interior technology, increased space, and a more effective mild-hybrid powertrain, suggesting a return to the model’s original ethos on paper.

Now, let’s delve into the real-world performance of the Hybrid Plus variant.

Pricing for the Suzuki Swift

The latest iteration of the Suzuki Swift Hybrid begins at $24,490 drive-away.

Model Drive-Away Pricing
2024 Suzuki Swift Hybrid 5MT $24,490
2024 Suzuki Swift Hybrid CVT $26,990
2024 Suzuki Swift Hybrid Plus CVT $28,490
2024 Suzuki Swift Hybrid GLX CVT $29,990

For a thorough appraisal of how the Swift stands up against its rivals, our comparison tool is available for your convenience.

Interior Overview of the Suzuki Swift

Emphasizing simplicity, the interior may not flaunt an abundance of upscale soft-touch materials, but it offers a comfortable atmosphere complemented by a significantly enhanced technology suite.

The cloth-trimmed seating features plush bases and adequately defined bolsters, providing ample support for longer journeys. Tall drivers will find sufficient room without struggle.

Suzuki’s leather-wrapped steering wheel exudes quality, while most surfaces feel solid. However, the doors require a firm tug to secure, a contrast to the effortless closures found in competitors like the Volkswagen Polo or Toyota Yaris.

The new 9.0-inch touchscreen marks a significant improvement over the previous model’s sluggish system. It boots quickly and syncs wirelessly with smartphones, although it may lack a bit of the polish seen in Toyota’s interface. Still, the graphics are satisfactory, and the menu navigation is clear and user-friendly.

Analog gauges remain, but Suzuki has introduced a digital speedometer within its color trip computer, enhancing functionality and reducing the necessity for a fully digital display.

There are three USB ports available: one USB-A for wired smartphone connection and two USB-C ports that enable fast charging. Additional storage options include a dash slot perfect for a phone and wallet, while cupholders accommodate both small coffee cups and larger bottles. Even the door slots can handle a bottle, albeit they feel somewhat flimsy.

The manual handbrake takes up valuable space in the transmission tunnel, and the Hybrid Plus variant doesn’t feature a covered central armrest.

Rear seat accommodations are respectable for the segment. The larger rear doors make entering and exiting easier, and there is sufficient room for average-height adults for short excursions. While this isn’t designed as a family vehicle, it meets class expectations. The inclusion of ISOFIX child seat anchors on the outer rear seats and top tethers adds practicality, although it lacks rear air vents and USB ports typical of its competitors.

Specifications

  • Length: 3860mm
  • Width: 1735mm
  • Height: 1520mm
  • Wheelbase: 2450mm
  • Curb Weight: 957kg
  • Boot Capacity: 265L (seats up) / 589L (seats down) / 980L (maximum volume)

Again, our comparison tool is accessible for a detailed assessment against other vehicles in this category.

Performance of the Suzuki Swift

On the road, the Suzuki Swift is unmistakably true to its lineage.

From the light steering to its ride quality and surprisingly lively three-cylinder hybrid engine, this compact vehicle excels in urban settings. While the Swift is classified as a hybrid, its mild-hybrid system offers subtle enhancements rather than the full electric experience of other hybrids. The engine operates smoothly, cutting out efficiently when coasting, and provides a modest performance boost upon acceleration.

Though a manual option is available, most buyers are likely to choose the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while it can feel a bit elastic at times, effectively caters to everyday driving needs. The steering is ideally calibrated for city driving, allowing the Swift to weave through narrow lanes with ease, although the subpar quality of the reversing camera is a notable drawback.

Drivers can enjoy a spirited experience behind the wheel, as the Swift’s agility remains commendable in corners. Weighing in comfortably under a tonne, including its hybrid components and CVT, the Swift is remarkably nimble, offering an enjoyable driving experience for enthusiasts.

Ride comfort holds up well on rough urban roads, and the Swift maintains stability at higher speeds, although its lightness becomes evident in windy conditions. While not engineered for family road trips, the model’s improvements in refinement and reduced noise levels in transit are commendable.

Despite obtaining a one-star ANCAP safety rating, the Swift features an array of active driver assist systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and an enhanced autonomous emergency braking system less prone to false triggers.

Standard Features of the Suzuki Swift Hybrid

The tested mid-range Swift Hybrid Plus is equipped exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and boasts an impressive list of standard features:

Swift Hybrid Standard Equipment:

  • Choice of five-speed manual or CVT transmission
  • 9.0-inch touchscreen navigation system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto
  • DAB+ digital radio
  • Keyless entry and start
  • LED projector headlights
  • Automatic headlight functionality
  • Adaptive high-beam
  • Rear fog light
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Digital speedometer
  • Idle stop/start technology

Added Features in the Swift Hybrid Plus:

  • CVT as standard
  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Heated front seats
  • Premium fabric upholstery
  • Multiple USB ports
  • Adjustable driver’s seat height
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alert

Safety Ratings for the Suzuki Swift

The new Suzuki Swift has received a three-star rating from Euro NCAP and a surprising one-star evaluation from ANCAP, due to varying safety standards across regions.

ANCAP’s scoring highlighted discrepancies in performance between Australian and European models during crash testing.

ANCAP Ratings Breakdown:

  • Adult Occupant Protection: 47%
  • Child Occupant Protection: 59%
  • Vulnerable Road User Protection: 76%
  • Safety Assist: 54%

Standard Safety Features:

  • Dual Camera Brake Support System (AEB)
  • Lane Departure Warning and Prevention
  • Weaving Alert
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Reversing camera
  • Security alarm
  • Traffic sign recognition

Additional Features in Swift Hybrid Plus:

  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alert

To evaluate how the Swift measures against competitors, our comparison tool is available.

Cost of Ownership for the Suzuki Swift

Suzuki offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty for its vehicles in Australia.

Service and Warranty Overview:

  • Warranty: 5 years, unlimited kilometers
  • Roadside Assistance: 5 years
  • Capped Price Servicing: 5 years or 100,000 kilometers
  • Service Intervals: 12 months or 15,000 kilometers
  • Total Capped Price Service Cost: $1,955

For comparisons against rival vehicles, our tool can provide insights.

Final Thoughts on the Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift excels as a model of affordability and efficiency. Instead of losing sight of its core identity, Suzuki has refined the Swift with a new powertrain, a more modern interior, and increased dimensions.

Opting for the mid-range Swift Plus delivers a wealth of features, competitive efficiency similar to higher-end hybrids, and a genuinely enjoyable driving experience.

This evolution marks a resurgence for the Swift name, addressing the shortcomings that plagued earlier iterations. The base variant does not lack equipment, but the enhanced safety features in the Plus are invaluable, particularly for first-time and last-time buyers who have gravitated toward the Swift since its recent revival.

For those considering a purchase, tap into our network of trusted dealers for further assistance.

Explore our gallery by clicking on the images.

For more information, discover all things Suzuki Swift through our extensive coverage.

Source:www.carexpert.com.au