On the road in Laois - test drive of the new Suzuki Swift

This is Suzuki’s fourth generation of the model. Suzuki claims it's a completely new car but it is almost the same size and indeed looks very similar to its predecessor. In fact it is built on the floor pan of the previous model. That said it boasts a new interior, new front and rear styling and most importantly a completely new mild hybrid engine.

Two versions are available both with the same mild hybrid petrol engine, the ‘Motion' and the ‘Ultra’. This week I’m road testing the new Swift hybrid in ‘Motion’ trim.

The Swift model name has been part of the Suzuki stable for some forty years so they do know a thing or two about small cars.

So has it any street cred?
The new Swift is a very smart and compact hatchback. The style is attractive and there are nice detail touches such as alloy wheels and black front and rear pillars which give the roof a floating effect. There are new colours to choose from and personalisation options for both the interior and exterior, so you can design your own Swift! This does not look like a car built to a budget. I like it.

So what’s it like inside?
The interior is functional and well designed with a good driving position and plenty of standard kit. For example both models get six airbags, air conditioning, Bluetooth, wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto, front electric windows and rear privacy glass, keyless entry and start, rear view camera, front fog lights, Blind spot monitor, and alloy wheels, while the Ultra version adds auto air-conditioning, 16 inch polished alloys, electrically folding door mirrors, and adaptive cruise control. The quality of the materials used in the two tone cabin are generally good though one or two items of trim could have had a more quality feel. A centrally mounted touchscreen, hosts the navigation and other menus but I am glad to report that there are a row of buttons for all the heating functions including the heated front seats.
The cabin is surprisingly roomy too and will seat four adults in reasonable comfort while the boot will hold a reasonably sized suitcase and a few small bags.

What is under the bonnet?
The new Swift uses Suzuki’s all new 1.2 litre petrol 3 cylinder engine mated to a five speed manual gearbox. While it could be described as a sedate performer, it sounds great and the new Swift gets down the road pretty well. This new engine really is the best of both worlds offering decent performance but true frugality. I returned an average test consumption of just 5.1 litres per 100km. The hybrid uses an Integrated starter generator (ISG) which acts as both a starter motor and a generator.
I should point out that the hybrid tech does not provide for electric driving, it simply aids starting and electrical power usage so it's mild within capital M!

Will I enjoy driving it?

The new Swift handles really well and is actually good fun to drive. The suspension set up is naturally geared towards comfort. The Swift is surefooted on wet or dry roads, it's easy to park in town due to its compact dimensions and it cruises happily all day at motorway speeds. Noise levels are quite well suppressed making the Swift a pleasant car in which to travel.

What is the final verdict?
I really like the Suzuki Swift Hybrid. It is a compact, well designed small hatchback that has a bit of character. The standard kit is very good. It's a Suzuki so it will be reliable and should offer years of trouble free motoring.
This is one of my favourite small cars! Highly recommended! Prices start at just €21,995 for the ‘Motion’ version on test here.