Read Caroline’s Suzuki Swift review for everything you need to know about buying Suzuki’s classic supermini in Ireland.
The Suzuki Swift is a perennial of the supermini class. It’s been around for years, offering a simple and efficient way of getting around. With some considerable style.
And it’s not even trying to be a crossover or SUV, leaving that remit to the likes of the Suzuki Vitara, Ignis and S-Cross.
Now in its third generation, the Swift has been updated with revised front-end styling, more standard equipment, and even further emphasis on safety equipment levels across the range.
All models are now also fitted with Suzuki’s enhanced 12V Hybrid system for improved efficiency.
It goes on sale in Ireland from €17,775, making it now one of Ireland’s most affordable small cars.
What’s new for the Suzuki Swift?
Not much has changed in terms of design. The Swift still looks great, with a squat and sporty look to it. While most of the rivals appear to be getting bigger, the Swift is not trying to masquerade as anything other than a small car.
The front grille and headlamps have been gently restyled for the latest version. There’s also a new colour – Flame Orange Pearl Metallic – which can be combined with a Super Black roof on SZ-T and SZ5 models. All models now have LED headlamps and rear combination lamps as standard equipment.
Suzuki expects the new high specification SZ-L grade to become the volume selling model for the Swift range. That’s good news; it’s the entry into the range at €17,775.
For that you get Radar Brake Support (automated emergency braking), Adaptive Cruise Control, LED headlights, air conditioning, DAB radio, privacy glass, 16-inch polished alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone link fitted as standard. Under the bonnet there’s a 1.2-litre petrol engine, matched to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
There’s also the SZ-T from €19,180, and the SZ5 from €21,320.
Inside the latest Swift
Inside, the Swift has a straightforward interior that hasn’t changed much over the years. For this reason it is starting to look a little old-fashioned in its design.
But all the key equipment is here, including a touchscreen that connects easily to smartphones, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There’s lots of hard plastic but it’s a solidly built car interior, still with robust Suzuki character.
The car feels roomier inside than what you might expect in the front and the rear. By lowering the seat positions in the original, the Suzuki Swift has a surprising amount of headroom.
Rear legroom is also good for a compact car, though two will be more comfortable than three.
While the cabin is roomier than what you might expect from the Swift’s compact stance, the boot is not. It’s on the small side at 265 litres, though still practical in everyday use.
Is the Suzuki Swift Hybrid good?
Suzuki first introduced its 1.2-litre Dualjet technology (K12C) in 2014. Initially in the Swift, and then in the Baleno and Ignis.
This engine is now replaced by the new K12D Dualjet unit which offers greater fuel economy and even lower CO2 emissions.
The maximum power output for this engine is 83 hp with a torque figure of 107 Nm at 2,800 rpm. The engine has a new dual injection system for more responsiveness and more fuel efficiency.
The self-charging hybrid system is powered by a new lithium-ion battery with capacity upgraded from 3Ah to 10Ah to improve energy recovery efficiency. The upgraded 12V Hybrid system incorporates an Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG), which acts as both a generator and starter motor. The ISG is belt driven and assists the engine during vehicle take off and acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking.
The Swift is built on a platform that is light and highly rigid. In fact, this car weighs just 911 kg in front wheel drive manual versions, contributing to lower fuel consumption.
Did you like it?
In combination with the latest K12D 1.2-litre Dualjet Hybrid four-cylinder engine, the Swift is one of the most efficient small cars on the road. Over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was just 5.3 litres per 100 km, with plenty of high speed motorway driving included.
Performance is fine, with the Swift feeling nippier than what the 83 hp might suggest. It’s ideal in urban environments, and the five speed manual makes it fun to drive, though revs run high in motorway driving. The Swift rides the road well and is comfortable by small car standards too. A new CVT automatic gearbox is also available on SZ-T and SZ5 models.
The Suzuki Swift is one of Ireland’s most affordable small cars. It offers a simple and straightforward package, with a genuinely efficient petrol engine that is still responsive and fun to drive. Swift offers value for money as well as high levels of standard equipment.
In a world where cars are getting increasingly complex, the Swift stays refreshingly simple.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Suzuki Swift 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid SZL
Price: €17,775
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol
Power: 83 hp
Torque: 107 Nm
0-100km/h: 13.1 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h
CO2 emissions (WLTP): 106 g/km
Motor tax: €180 per year