Suzuki Swift review: little hatch gets the basics right

This small car has been a popular choice for Australian buyers for almost three decades and the new model doesn’t stray from its traditional formula.

The Suzuki Swift is a pleasant reminder of days gone by.

In a world of hulking four-wheel-drive utes and three-tonne SUVs, this lightweight hatchback is delightfully simple, with a few modern touches to keep it relevant in the modern era.

The big change for this new Swift is under the bonnet, where the old car’s four-cylinder engine makes way for a new three-cylinder unit with mild hybrid assistance. Peak outputs of 61kW and 110Nm are modest, but so are the fuel consumption figures – just 4.0L/100km for the CVT automatic model, and 3.8L/100km for a rare five-speed manual.

Those fuel-sipping figures are made possible by compact dimensions and a seriously trim figure – every variant weighs less than one tonne.

And the basic Suzuki Swift Hybrid GL is particularly lean at 919 kilos.

But so is its features list.

The Swift comes with a mild hybrid set-up to reduce fuel use. Picture: Supplied

Priced from $24,490 drive-away in manual form (or $26,990 as an auto), the Swift shapes up as Australia’s cheapest hybrid.

It has LED headlights and a 9-inch infotainment system with sat nav, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay as standard.

But entry-level cars also come with plastic hubcaps over basic steel wheels, a driver’s seat with no height adjustment and a simple moulded plastic steering wheel.

They have auto emergency braking, active cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, but blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert is only available on more expensive models.

The mid-grade Swift Hybrid Auto + adds alloy wheels, heated seats and a leather steering wheel for $28,490 drive-away.

The cabin is basic and a little old-fashioned. Picture: Supplied.

The top-grade Swift Hybrid GLX adds paddle shifters, polished alloys, climate control and a wireless charging pad for a further $1000.

Every variant has drum brakes on the back axle and no new Swift has a front centre airbag, driver monitoring system or reverse auto braking.

Those omissions are likely to cost it a five-star ANCAP rating.

Then again, those are the sort of features that push the cheapest Toyota Yaris beyond $30,000 drive-away – and every Swift limbos in under that mark.

Touchscreen aside, the Swift’s cabin isn’t particularly modern. The analog dials are a rare sight in an all-new model.

High-grade versions use tone and texture to make the cabin feel bigger than it really is, a sensation amplified by the Swift’s high roof, thin pillars and large windows.

It has a large centre screen but the driver’s instruments are analog. Picture: Supplied

Visibility is not a concern here and there’s enough space to carry five average-sized adults at a pinch.

The big hybrid badge on the boot is an oversell, as the Swift cannot propel itself without the petrol engine humming away.

While it won’t creep around a car park in stealth mode, the Swift does return impressive fuel economy thanks to a 12-volt mild hybrid with an integrated starter generator that takes a load off the motor. The downside is that it requires premium unleaded, which limits potential savings at the fuel pump.

And it doesn’t feel as spritely as rival hybrids – full throttle acceleration is met with a loud thrum from triple cylinders that feel as though they have little in the way of electric assistance.

Performance from the three-cylinder is modest. Picture: Supplied

Overtaking requires planning and patience – this is a car that needs 12 seconds to reach 100km/h, not the quarter mile.

That said, the Swift is great to drive.

Quick, well-weighted steering makes it easy to fling around corners, reinforcing initial impressions of a lightweight and easygoing hatch.

The low mass works with retuned suspension to return minimal body roll in the bends, helping the Swift stay reasonably flat when cornering.

Sensibly judged throttle and brake responses flatter drivers by smoothing out inputs, and there’s a lovely rounded edge to the way it handles sharp bumps in the road.

There’s plenty of grip from its little tyres, and minimal nagging from driver assistance systems that can make modern vehicles a chore.

VERDICT

Four stars

Simple, affordable and easy to get along with, the Suzuki Swift Hybrid is a pleasant throwback to simpler times.

SUZUKI SWIFT HYBRID

PRICE From $24,490 drive-away

ENGINE 1.2-litre 3-cyl hybrid, 61kW and 112Nm

SAFETY Six airbags, auto emergency braking, auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist

WARRANTY/SERVICE 5-yr/u’ltd km, $1955 for five years

CARGO 265 litres

SPARE Repair kit

Originally published as Suzuki Swift review: little hatch gets the basics right