2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid GLX review
In an increasingly complex world, this Aussie icon, and our cheapest hybrid, defies expectations by delivering simple. old-school charm.
The Suzuki Swift is proof you don’t need the fanciest things in life to enjoy it.
For a car that starts from around $27,490, the Swift isn’t trying to be the tech-obsessed trendsetter, but rather a reliable mate always ready for an adventure.
It’s undergone a significant refresh, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t lost its plucky personality.
This is still the small, zippy hatch that Aussie drivers have come to know and love – only now it’s a touch smarter.
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Under the bonnet is Suzuki’s new three-cylinder engine that tells a bit of a fib.
Suzuki labels the Swift as a hybrid, which is further emphasised with a big badge on the boot.
In reality, it’s only a mild-hybrid system that can’t drive on electric power alone.
Instead, the 12-volt mild hybrid system uses an integrated starter generator that provides a modest boost to the petrol engine, primarily during acceleration, to improve fuel efficiency.
The three-cylinder unit pushes out a modest 61kW and 110Nm. It’s not much, but in a lightweight hatch that sips 4.0L per 100km (3.8L/100km for manuals), it’s enough for city life.
Inside, there’s a decent-sized 9-inch touchscreen with wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, LED headlights and proper buttons for the climate control.
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The manual handbrake, analog dials, and simple layout are the perfect reminder that not every car needs to over think its interior.
This is definitely an element I can appreciate about Suzuki.
In a time when SUVs and utes are dominating the market with overwhelming and complicated tech, it’s refreshing to know the Swift still champions a more traditional approach.
For safety, the Swift includes emergency braking, active cruise control, and lane-keep assist with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert reserved for mid and top-tier models.
This pricier grade throws in heated seats, alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and the option for wireless charging for an extra grand.
Recently, the Swift had its ANCAP safety score upgraded from a worrying one star to a healthier three thanks to added front-end reinforcement bars.
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So, how does it drive?
Simple. It’s a ripper thing to operate.
The Swift is one of those cars that makes a grocery run a playful adventure.
The steering is light and quick, making it ridiculously easy to dart through city streets or tackle those tight side streets. And because of its size, parking is a dream.
The low centre of gravity and the tweaked suspension give minimal body roll in corners, offering a perfect balance of stability and agility.
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It soaks up bumps nicely too, keeping things comfy without feeling sloppy.
Visibility is exceptional, and despite its compact size, the cabin fits four adults surprisingly comfortably.
And on the motorway, the Swift holds its own at 110km/h, though road noise does creep in a little bit.
But for a car that’s all about value and personality, it’s a small price that you’d expect to pay.
Verdict
4 Stars
The 2025 Suzuki Swift proves that affordable doesn’t have to mean boring.
It’s a light, lively, cheap-to-run, and still has that cheeky charm that’s made it a favourite for decades. However, while the Swift does return impressive fuel economy, the Suzuki Swift Hybrid requires premium unleaded.
It’s still currently Australia’s cheapest hybrid with a drive-away price of around $27,490, beating its competitors like the MG 3 Hybrid+ (starting at around $28,990) and the Toyota Yaris Hybrid (starting at around $32,000).
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