If you were to place a bet this time last year, on which mainstream brand would be the first to have an entirely electrified, fuel-efficient, range of models, chances are you would have lost. Some would say Volvo, because they made a big PR song-and-dance about it a few years ago. Others may have said Toyota, the Hybrid specialists. But, very few would have put money on Suzuki being first.
Once the proud producer of the cheapest car on UK roads, it has come a long way, and is now regularly voted the best value manufacturer. With the latest release, every Suzuki sold in the UK is available with a hybrid engine, and better yet, it’s not saved for the most expensive specification. Every base model has a Hybrid power train.
The last model to complete Suzuki’s electrified line-up the Suzuki Swift ‘Sport’. A tiny turbo’d pocket rocket that is certain to bring back memories of why you loved to drive in the first place.
Looks
The Suzuki Swift ‘Sport’ is now in its third generation, and in that time, it has built a cult following. The latest Swift Sport has taken a lot from its older brothers, such as the carbon-effect body kit and rear spoiler. The compact hatchback squats on its haunches, it’s open face grill is squeezed between menacing headlights, and angular lines stretch back to the dual-exhausts at the rear.
However, it has also decided to step out of the shadow of its ancestry with bold new styling ideas. Look closely and the rear door handles are missing. The Swift ‘Sport’ remains a practical five door hatchback, but the clandestine handles hidden high on the rear passenger doors, result in sleek coupe styling.
The Sport’s eye-catching front grill disguises the Suzuki Active Safety Sensors on the front. Finished with a choice of six metallic or pearlescent colours and optional two-tone black roofline, modern LED headlights, and 17” Polished Alloy Wheels.
Interior
Getting comfortable in the Swift ‘Sport’ takes no time. Everything feels like it is exactly as it should be. Suzuki haven’t tried to reinvent the wheel; it feels reassuringly familiar. As in previous Swift ‘Sport’s it features supportive sport seats, draped in red & black badged cloth. These hug you perfectly in place when you head into a corner too enthusiastically. The Swift Sport’s interior is a similar story to the existing Swift Hybrid. The touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard does everything you need it to; access to a range of DAB radio stations, Satellite Navigation, as well as connecting to your phone’s apps, and displaying a clear Reversing Camera.
This is the safest Swift ever made, owing to Suzuki’s suite of active safety features: Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Brake Assist are all included as standard. However, the Swift Sport also feels like the last bastion of the old guard; the dials remain analogue and the gearbox is manual, which is becoming a rare sight in sporty hatchbacks.
Engines
The standard Swift models opt for an efficient naturally aspirated 1.2 petrol Hybrid. But, if you want something with a little more get-up-an-go, then the Swift ‘Sport’ offers you only one choice of engine, and it is a gem. The free-reving 1.4 Turbo petrol is assisted by an electric motor, which reduces emissions and increases fuel economy. Thankfully, the Hybrid system is only mild which means the little battery keeps weight low, and benefits from a quick switching manual gearbox – unlike the automatics found in fully-fledged Hybrid systems. Drive this like your mother and expect over 50mpg. But, if you choose to drive the Swift ‘Sport’ how it was designed to be driven, then you can expect much less.
The Hybrid engine is the same as used in the Vitara & S-Cross SUV’s, except in a much lighter and nimble chassis. It’s not quite hot hatch territory, but at 250kg lighter than the VW Polo GTi, it will give you all the thrills you need. The fun is in the way it drives, reminiscent of lightweight Mini Cooper’s from days gone by, and as such is at it’s most fun on undulating rural roads and country lanes.
The Competition
The Suzuki Swift ‘Sport’ sits in a category all on its own. The EU’s crackdown on emissions has seen the retirement of some brands most beloved but pollution heavy models. As a Hybrid hatchback, there are very few to compare it too.
The Mazda 2 ‘GT Sport’ was recently facelifted with a Hybrid engine. It has got great looks and features, but lacks the engine to keep up with the Suzuki Swift ‘Sport’ – In fact it lacks the engine to keep up with its own muscular good looks.
VW has an enviable reputation for building great hot hatchbacks, and the Polo ‘GTi’ is the German manufacturer’s most popular small entry. The Polo has grown over the years and the excessive 200hp of the ‘little Golf’ is staggering compared to the Swift’s 130hp, but then at £4,000 more you might expect it to be. Not to mention the added cost of the insurance, and a fuel economy figure that starts in the thirties. Those looking for something less common place, more affordable, but just as fun may consider the Swift as an alternative.
Business User
Sporty models don’t often make the best choice as company cars, however there might be an exception here. Every manual Suzuki Swift is available as a Hybrid, making the regular Swift the best value hybrid on the market (Headline lease at £129 per month*), which makes it the perfect pool car for staff to jump in for the daily chores. If you absolutely must match your fleet of pool cars with your company car, use a fleet of Hybrid Suzuki Swifts for everyone else, and a Swift Sport for yourself. Wrapped in the business colours, only you and an eagle-eyed passer-by would know the difference. It could be the flash extras that give it away, but more likely it’ll be your grin every time you get out.
Island User
The Islands roads are what the Suzuki Swift Sport was built for. The instant power from the electric assisted motor makes pulling out of junctions much safer, and the twisting roads are where this lightweight compact hatchback is happiest. The engine happily thrums away on open roads and is reassuringly quite while sat in traffic.
When you do eventually have to set foot of the Island, you can rest assured that the Sport’s turbo-Hybrid engine will get you safely off the slip road without a second thought, and cruise at motorway speeds with ease. On those longer journeys you’ll turn on the Adaptive Cruise Control, and you won’t have to touch a pedal; the Swift Sport will sense what the car in front is doing and matches its speed, even in an emergency stop.
Choices:
Value Choice: Suzuki Swift ‘SZ3’ 1.2 Hybrid
Range Topper: Suzuki Swift ‘Sport’ 1.4T Hybrid
Local Favourite: Suzuki Swift ‘Sport’ 1.4T Hybrid
Verdict
The Suzuki Swift Sport continues to do what it does best. It’s Fun to drive, safe, and packed with features – The efficient hybrid engine is an added bonus when you’re at the pumps.
While sporty cars are rapidly becoming automatic only and dangerously quick, the Suzuki swift sticks to its guns and plays to its strengths. It’s manual, analogue, petrol, and lightweight. If you need more, you’ll be looking elsewhere. But I suspect the Swift has enough for you to give it a chance.
*Headline: 6 payments upfront over 35 months, with 10,000 miles per annum. Business prices are exclusive of VAT.
