Suzuki Swift Sport hybrid

By Bill McCarthy

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Suzuki had a remarkably successful year in the UK last year, despite the challenging market conditions. The company sold 27,928 units, which is a 57% increase compared to 2022 and the highest annual volume since 2019. Although Suzuki may not be as prominent as other brands, their vehicles’ quality, reliability, and pricing have created a loyal customer base.

The success of Suzuki’s compact Swift is a testament to its quality, pricing, reliability and customer loyalty. The model has been around since 2004 and has sold over nine million units and the new model, to be released in the spring, will be powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, which provides increased fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

This Swift Sport hybrid model is equally impressive, with feisty performance and great driver engagement.

It features a low centre of gravity, blacked-out pillars, roof spoiler, smart front grille and bumper, front fog lamps, LED running lights, and 17-inch polished alloy wheels.

The interior is designed to reflect the car’s sporty aesthetic, with red accent panels throughout the cockpit and a rev counter with a red dial face. The LCD display shows information about the car’s performance, including turbo boost, engine oil temperature, engine output and torque data, fuel consumption, average speed, acceleration and brake operation, and driving G-force tracking. The sports seats are supportive and comfortable, and the alloy pedals and steering wheel with a dimpled leather design and red stitching complete the look.

The seven-inch touchscreen controls the infotainment, sat nav, and smartphone connectivity with MirrorLink, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. It also includes the rearview camera for reversing.

The 1.4 Boosterjet with 48V Hybrid Powertrain for Swift Sport helps to reduce fuel costs and lower CO2 emissions. The hybrid system’s main components weigh just 15kg, including a 48V lithium-ion battery, Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), and 48V-12V (DC/DC) converter to power components requiring lower voltage.

The ISG acts as a generator and starter motor, is belt-driven, and provides a boost to the petrol engine. The turbocharged unit is gutsy and mated to a six-speed manual box, propelling the car to 60mph in just over eight seconds, delivered with a throaty rasp from the tuned exhaust system. It is also economical, with a claimed 50.4 mpg.

The Swift Sport’s sport suspension keeps the car feeling agile with optimized roll rigidity and improved dynamic response. Safety features include six airbags as standard, stability program, advanced forward detection system, Lane Departure Correction adaptive cruise control, and assisted braking. The front ventilated brake discs offer greater stopping power.

Buyers also benefit from the Service Activated Warranty, which is offered free of charge once the car reaches the end of its manufacturer warranty period and is booked in for its next scheduled service within the Suzuki Dealer network. This warranty stays in place until the next qualifying service and is then renewed again up to a maximum vehicle age of 7 years/100,000 miles – whichever comes first.

In conclusion, the Swift Sport is a compact and sporty five-door hatch flyer that provides excellent value for money and is incredibly fun to drive.

Suzuki Swift Sport Boosterjet Hybrid

• Price: £24,270
• Mechanical: 129bhp, 1342cc, four cylinder petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed  gearbox
• Max speed: 130mph
• 0-62mph: 8.5 seconds
• Combined mpg: 50.4
• Insurance group: 28D
• CO2 emissions: 125g/km
• BiK rating: 30%
• Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles