Your Life
A little bigger, a little swifter
BRUCE McMAHON says the new Suzuki Swift is as cheerful as ever with the compact car now featuring a mild hybrid power system.
Suzuki’s latest Swift has arrived with a mild hybrid power system, further improving fuel economy goals without sacrificing the compact car’s cheerful nature.
In the best of conditions, the factory reckons both manual and automatic Swifts for 2024 will run under five litres per 100 kilometres – most handy running economy these days and thanks to a new three-cylinder engine with electric helper.
Along with the revised powerplant is a fresh look for this fifth-generation Swift, perhaps not quite as chic as last time around, but still stylish for city and suburbs. That’s where by and large, this Suzuki model has been well-appreciated for its can-do character, economy and utility for more than 40 years.
This time, the front-wheel drive Swift hatchback, a tad longer but with the same wheelbase as before, is again honest transport for four.
There’s a little more luggage space, some updated safety features and driver aids to keep the Swift as useful as ever.
The major news is this 1.2-litre petrol engine and its electric assistant – an integrated starter generator. This ISG is both an engine starter and generator for a lithium-ion battery and designed specifically for small machines like the Swift.
It allows the engine to switch off at stops, then re-start and power away with aid from the ISG and battery, lessening the need for petrol. The electric motor and battery also chip in with supplementary power for up to 30 seconds under hard acceleration.
Under deceleration, the ISG harvests kinetic energy to charge both the car’s lead acid and lithium battery.
It’s a mild hybrid system, but that’s about all the lightweight Swift needs to help keep fuel consumption – and emission figures – on the down low.
Add to this retail prices starting at $24,490 for a base manual, running through to $27,990 for a GLX version, and the Swift is a ready, fit-for-purpose town car for all manner of folk, from first car owners to empty nesters.
It is practical, economical, plus a little bit of fun with engaging road manners, including quick and smart steering backed by a well-sorted chassis.
There’s good room up front, especially headroom. The seats are good and the cabin hosts all the mod-cons, safety, information and entertainment systems expected these days, although an old-fashioned volume knob for the centre screen would be appreciated.
The back seat is okay for two adults. Cargo space is limited, while visibility all round is fine and aided by excellent camera work when parking.
The Swift can look very smart too, with upmarket body colour options, but, despite the style and substance, remember this is value compact motoring – a certain amount of road noise creeps into the cabin and the ride can be a tad compromised over rougher surfaces.
The stop-start system can be a little hesitant and there’s no left armrest for the driver. Yet, treat the Suzuki Swift as cheerful, competent urban transport and no-one should be disappointed by this latest addition to a long line of fine compact cars.
