Suzuki is on a mission to shake up the small car market in Australia with the new Swift Hybrid.
All three versions of the new Swift gain 12V mild-hybrid electrification, a fresh look inside and out, as well as equipment updates bringing it into line with the expectations of modern buyers.
What’s more, the range starts at $24,490 drive-away, and tops out at just under $30k. That makes the Swift Hybrid an instant winner among first car and rental buyers alike, right?
In base specification it’s hard to argue, as no other electrified alternative comes close to competing on price. However, the flagship GLX has challengers, specifically the MG 3 Hybrid+ and Toyota Yaris Hybrid.
How much does the Suzuki Swift cost?
On test here is the range-topping Hybrid GLX with a CVT. The cheapest self-shifting variant is the aptly named Swift Hybrid, which retails for $26,990 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 |
To see how the Suzuki Swift lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.
What is the Suzuki Swift like on the inside?
In one word, the interior of the Swift Hybrid is utilitarian.
There’s nothing particularly posh or luxurious about the cabin, but in GLX guise it’s a well-equipped and functional space.
Much like previous generations of Swift, hard plastics have been used liberally throughout the interior, along with dashes of polarising gloss black plastic.
Suzuki has tried to spice things up with some cream-coloured accents, but they don’t disguise the cheap nature of the materials.
With that said the surfaces should wear well over time, and the main touch points are better appointed. Plus and GLX versions get a leather-wrapped steering wheel which feels nice in the hands, while the gear lever is trimmed in rubber for tactility.
The cloth seats are arguably the highlight. They’re on the firm side with snug bolsters and manual adjustability, so not all body types will fit perfectly, but I found them comfortable and supportive.
Single setting front seat heating comes as standard, so it’s easy to stay warm on cold winter mornings. You won’t find that feature on many sub-$30k economy cars.
Suzuki also offers a generous suite of tech considering the price point of the new Swift.
Out goes the small, dated infotainment system of the previous-generation model, replaced by a clean and crisp 9.0-inch touchscreen setup.
It takes pride of place on top of the dashboard, commanding more respect than aftermarket forebears that came across as an afterthought.
The new system is clearly laid out and easy to navigate, with wireless Apple CarPlay capability. You can charge your phone wirelessly if you pay up for the GLX, otherwise there’s the option of USB-A and USB-C outlets.
For the most part the touchscreen hooked up to my iPhone up immediately, and the screen was responsive to my touch inputs.
There’s no punishment for opting to stick with the native infotainment, either. It’s not loaded with features, but that makes it easy to operate and touch-sensitive shortcut buttons simplify things even further. Satellite navigation is on the list of standard equipment across all grades.
The centre screen is all-new, but what about the gauge cluster? Not so much.
The layout is similar to its predecessor, with a narrow central display flanked by a tachometer and speedometer. Minor tweaks have made the screen more user-friendly, headlined by the introduction of a digital speedo.
It’s another example of function over form, which is a theme that also relates to interior storage.
Take the door bins. They’ve been cleverly sculpted to fit a large drink bottle and separate it from other knick knacks.
While there’s no centre console, the Swift comes with a large glovebox and two front cupholders. Just don’t invite storage-hungry passengers along for the ride.
Rear passengers have door-mounted cupholders, but that’s about it. There are no map pockets or centre armrest, which isn’t uncommon in affordable small cars.
Rivals in this segment can also be light on rear seating space, but that’s not the case in the Swift.
Average-sized adults fit back there just fine, and the soft front seat backs are kind on pressing knees. Headroom only becomes an issue for individuals topping 6’2″.
The seats themselves are a bit firm and quite upright. All things considered, it’s a better space to spend time than most competitors. ISOFIX points feature on the outboard rear seats, and there’s a trio of top tether points.
Boot space is up 23L from the old model to 265L. The boot floor sits quite deep, which makes it tricky to load bulky items.
If cargo room takes priority over rear seating, the second row folds with a 60/40 split. When folded, however, there’s a steep step from the boot up to the seats
| Dimensions | Suzuki Swift Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Length | 3860mm |
| Width | 1735mm |
| Height | 1520mm |
| Wheelbase | 2450mm |
| Kerb weight | 957kg |
| Boot capacity | 265L – Rear seats raised 589L – Rear seats folded 980L – Max volume |
To see how the Suzuki Swift lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.
What’s under the bonnet?
All versions of the new-generation Swift in Australia get a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 12V mild-hybrid assistance.
| Technical Specifications | Suzuki Swift Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L 3cyl 12V MHEV |
| Power | 60kW @ 5700rpm |
| Torque | 110Nm @ 4500rpm |
| 12V mild-hybrid assist | 2.3kW 60Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed CVT |
| Driven wheels | Front |
| Fuel consumption – claimed | 4.0L /100km |
| Fuel consumption – as tested | 5.4L/100km |
| CO2 emissions – claimed | 90g /km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 |
| Fuel tank capacity | 37 litres |
| Fuel octane rating | 95 RON |
Our 5.4L/100km fuel economy figure was achieved through a combination of urban, highway and peak-hour city driving.
In previous tests we managed to replicate the manufacturer’s claimed fuel consumption average.
To see how the Suzuki Swift lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.
How does the Suzuki Swift drive?
The Suzuki Swift Hybrid GLX may be a small Japanese city car but it oozes maturity on the road, defying both its size and price point.
Overseas model shown
Consistently lauded as an urban runabout, the Swift continues to deliver on the promise of fun, fuss-free motoring at low speeds.
The combination of supportive seating and a comfortable driving position starts things off on the right note, as does the inclusion of a regular shifter and manual handbrake. The learning curve to drive the Swift is flat, and there’s plenty of visibility front and rear.
Although outputs of 60kW and 110Nm might be a cause for concern, the Swift weighs just 957kg – so it’s always responsive to throttle inputs between standstill and 60km/h. This outperforms expectations in the traffic light grand prix.
It doesn’t make a racket during that process either. The naturally aspirated three-cylinder is audible, but if you drive sensibly this little Suzuki will get up to speed quietly and smoothly.
Unlike the new MG 3 Hybrid+, this is a mild-hybrid, so don’t expect to be able to potter around in complete EV silence.
Instead, the Swift’s integrated starter generator (ISG) assists the petrol engine to boost performance and minimise fuel consumption on takeoff and hard acceleration.
Another advantage of the Swift’s compact dimensions is it’s easy to manoeuvre regardless of whether you’re in busy suburban streets, city laneways, or a crowded carpark. You have a reversing camera and parking sensors at your disposal if a tight space becomes available.
Looking at the specs sheet you’d assume steering such a small car must make for a bumpy ride, but you’d be mistaken. The Swift Hybrid irons out lumps and potholes, without ever feeling busy or crashy.
That’s especially true over speed humps, which was a pleasant surprise.
It’s easy to steer around major obstacles as the Swift has a well-weighted, direct and consistent steering rack.
Stepping up to highway speeds, however, you approach the limits of the Swift’s three-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrain.
Don’t get me wrong, it will happily coast at 100km/h without appearing laboured, but on-ramps and overtaking requires some consideration.
Once cruising, the Swift is settled and gives the impression of a bigger car in all the right ways.
A strong gust of wind won’t blow it over, and passing trucks aren’t a source of fear for unsuspecting occupants.
Road and wind noise occasionally forced me to dial up the volume on the stereo. Unsurprising, given the size of the vehicle. By segment standards, I would say the Swift is well insulated, if not a standard setter.
The adaptive cruise control is easy to operate, with clearly laid out buttons on the steering wheel. It’s doesn’t struggle with regulating speed in traffic and is capable of bringing the car to a complete stop when required.
Likewise, the active safety systems function diligently in the background, only singing out to alert you when genuinely necessary.
Plus and GLX variants gain blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert over the base model.
One small gripe I have with the GLX in particular is the inclusion of paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The CVT in this cars works best when left to its own devices, and you don’t unlock any extra performance by confusing the transmission.
They make sense in the automatic Swift Sport, just not here.
What do you get?
Three variants are currently offered – the Swift Hybrid, Plus and GLX.
Swift Hybrid highlights:
- 5MT or CVT
- 9.0-inch touchscreen navigation system
- Apple CarPlay – wireless
- Android Auto – wired
- DAB radio
- Keyless entry and start
- LED headlights – projector type
- Automatic headlight on, off
- Automatic high-beam
- Rear fog lamp
- Heated side mirrors
- Traffic sign recognition
- Security alarm
- Digital speedometer
- Idle stop-start
Swift Hybrid Plus adds:
- CVT
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Rear privacy glass
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Heated front seats
- Premium fabric upholstery
- Type-A, Type-C USB ports
- Driver seat height adjustment
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Swift Hybrid GLX adds:
- 16-inch polished alloy wheels
- Wireless phone charger
- Power-folding exterior mirrors
- Mirror-mounted indicators
- Paddle shifters
- Auto climate control
- Rear heater duct
Is the Suzuki Swift safe?
The new Suzuki Swift recently earned a three-star Euro NCAP safety rating, but it currently remains unrated by ANCAP.
Standard safety features include:
- Dual Camera Brake Support System – AEB
- Lane departure warning
- Lane departure prevention – lane keep
- Weaving Alert
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
- Security alarm
- Traffic sign recognition
Swift Hybrid Plus adds:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
How much does the Suzuki Swift cost to run?
Suzuki covers its range in Australia with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
| Running costs | Suzuki Swift Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres |
| Service program | 5 years or 100,000 kilometres |
Suzuki Australia has fully detailed the Swift Hybrid’s five-year servicing program.
| Service Interval | Pricing |
|---|---|
| 12 months or 15,000km | $319 |
| 24 months or 30,000km | $429 |
| 36 months or 45,000km | $409 |
| 48 months or 60,000km | $449 |
| 60 months or 75,000km | $349 |
| 60 months or 90,000km | $649 |
| 60 months or 105,000km | $569 |
To see how the Suzuki Swift lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.
CarExpert’s Take on the Suzuki Swift Hybrid
The Suzuki Swift Hybrid GLX is a fun, frugal and well-equipped city hatchback with a smattering of mod-cons that make it easy to live with day-to-day.
The mild-hybrid drivetrain is refined and fuel-efficient, while driving dynamics combined the desirable characteristics of both small and large cars.
Inside there’s new tech, a fresh layout and enough space for a car-full to travel in comfort.
All variants of the new model can be described this way, and at under $30,000 the Swift offers great value in base and Plus form.
It’s a little harder to recommend the GLX on test here. None of the upgrades over the $1500-cheaper Plus scream must-have, aside from the wireless phone charger.
For that reason the Plus is my pick of the range with a $28,490 drive-away price tag, heated front seats, and additional safety features over the base model, among other goodies.
Outside the Swift range, it’s tough to find a rival that can offer the same bang-for-buck. The new MG 3 is a massive upgrade from its predecessor, but commands a premium over the Suzuki.
From a price perspective, the same can be said of the Toyota Yaris and Mazda 2. The latter is also getting a bit long in the tooth.
As such, the Swift is a great buy for those wanting a compact and efficient hatchback with some soul.
Interested in buying a Suzuki Swift? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
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