Suzuki’s venerable Swift has been a regular fixture in Australia for more than 30 years. Diminutive in size, both literally and in terms of entry price, this market mainstay now offers further frugality in the form of a mild hybrid drivetrain.
Our subject is the range-topping GLX, so there’s not a single early 90’s hubcap in sight. Instead, there’s striking Frontier Blue panels, complemented by blackouts that stretch to the roof, finished off with bright machine-finished 16-inch alloy wheels.
The combination is a sophisticated evolution in design. Starting with a familiar bug-eyed affair up front, where LED headlights flank the grille, the rounded bonnet line leads to an equally Mini-esque upright windscreen, with a tallish roof and stubby rear.
It’s a cute thing all up, and that roofline translates into a spacious cabin, that offers more room than we would’ve thought. It’s able to house two adults in the rear for short trips, just don’t expect an armrest, air-conditioning vents or charging ports back there.
Storage is a little lacking, with pockets in the doors and a glovebox, but we would’ve liked a centre armrest up-front, rather than a tray with a cup holder. Boot space can go from 265 to 589-litres with the rear seats folded flat, but there’s no spare, just a tyre repair kit.
The interior is well put together and pleasing to the eye. The centrepiece is a white dash detail that contrasts nicely against the sea of dark grey, and extends across the car and into the doors.
It’s interrupted only by the 9.0-inch screen atop the centre stack, which controls wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto and a 6-speaker stereo. The latter quickly became harsh when set any louder than halfway, and there’s no actual volume knob.
In fact, much of the functionality you would require, other than air-conditioning controls are via said screen. While it is well sized, crisp and vibrant, we did experience lag on a couple of occasions.
Cabin surfaces are mostly hard scratchy stuff, as you’d expect at the price point, but it takes away from what is an otherwise pleasing space. It’s perhaps a little nostalgic, but we are a fan of the cloth covering on the seats.
It seems odd given the current crop of vegan-recycled-multi-origin options that are all the rage among with the cool kids, but fake leather can feel terrible. The seats themselves are comfy and heated, with manual adjustability.
The driver takes hold of a well-sized wheel that hides sporty looking but slightly perplexing paddle shifters, while taking in vehicle vitals from a combined dial-and-screen based display in the binnacle.
Hitting the starter button reveals a muted but lively sequence as the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine comes to life. It settles to an imperceptible idle but will also deploy a start/stop function as it sees fit.
This apparently helps the Swift get to a pleasantly surprising 4.3-litres/100km (as tested) in the fuel economy stakes. It’s worth touching on the fact that this is a 12v mild hybrid setup, which sees the battery pack and a starter generator facilitate stop/start functionality.
It’s noted to improve performance, but this was imperceivable to us, and the truth is that if there were no notifications on the instrument cluster around system charging and fuel savings, you simply wouldn’t know its there.
Driving the Swift is simple; it’s supremely manoeuvrable thanks to light steering and a great turning circle. The latter makes parking a breeze. It is a city car after all, and this is where it thrives. The 3-cylinder engine delivers 61kW of power and 112Nm of torque.
Small numbers really, but it gets up to speed with relative ease. It’s aided by the battery pack, which apparently adds 2kW and 60Nm when pushed. It does get a little harsh when asked upon though and this is only exacerbated by the CVT that sits alongside it.
We did find that when attempting a hasty getaway, there was noticeable lag in accelerator response. Compensate for it and the same accelerator will go into a type of “overrun”, adding disproportionate throttle and resulting speed.
They’re all things that one can get used too, but shouldn’t have too. Given the assumed drive-by-wire setup, this should only be a software update away from being rectified. On the move, the suspension is compliant but controlled.
Ultimately, it’s a comfortable and quiet car to ride in around town. Through a familiar bit of twisty road, we even uncovered a playful side. It’s responsive and holds a line, almost like it could handle a stack more power.
Our experience typecasts the Swift as a solid choice for a new driver and given that there should be a heavy emphasis on safety. Thankfully, it has this area covered in spades, including traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise, and autonomous emergency braking.
You’ll also find lane departure technology and rear cross traffic alert. With a 5-year warranty, the only thing left to consider is the price, at $30,635 drive away. That puts it on par with the MG3 Hybrid. The only other thing missing is a GTI.
You can find out more on the Suzuki Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was supplied by Suzuki Australia for independent review purposes.
