The Suzuki Swift Hybrid is the company’s first electrified passenger vehicle sold in Australia, and coincides with the sixth-generation of the long-lived supermini series since 1983.
Slightly longer and taller than before, it boasts an all-new body and interior, sat upon a carryover but modified platform.
Under the stubby bonnet of the Hybrid is a chain-driven, 1.2-litre mild hybrid three-cylinder petrol engine, making 61kW of power at 5700rpm and 112Nm of torque at 4500rpm.
It is mated to an integrated starter generator (ISG) that Suzuki claims works like an electric motor, adding an extra 2.3kW and 60Nm, as well as a 12-volt lithium-ion battery that is charged via kinetic energy through regenerative braking.
Driving the front wheels is a choice of two transmissions – a five-speed manual or (10 per cent more expensive – ouch!) Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) auto.
The former returns just 3.8 litres per 100km, against 4.0L/100km for the latter, resulting in carbon dioxide emissions ratings of 78 and 80 grams per kilometre, respectively. Note, though, 95 RON premium unleaded is required.
On the safety front, it includes LED headlights, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, a driver-drowsiness warning, traffic-sign recognition, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control and an alarm.
You’ll also find keyless entry and start, a 9.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, digital radio, heated mirrors, power windows and air-conditioning.
However, the base Hybrid is missing a few items you might expect to be fitted, including a driver’s seat-height adjuster, alloy wheels and multiple (rather than just one) USB port on the dash.
You’ll need to step up to the mid-grade Hybrid Plus for those and more. And, as with all Swift models nowadays, you’ll need to pay extra for a spare wheel, as only a tyre-inflation kit is provided.
Pricing Guides
Range and Specs
| Vehicle | Specs | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| GLX (qld) | 1.0L, 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $29,790 |
| GLX Shadow | 1.0L, 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $32,490 |
| GLX Turbo | 1.0L, 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $29,790 |
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