Reviewed: 2024 Suzuki Swift hybrid hatchback
The four-generation Suzuki Swift has an upgraded body style. Photos: Suzuki
The Suzuki Swift hatchback has long been a staple in the compact car segment in New Zealand, thanks to its blend of affordability, practicality, and a dash of sporty flair.
There was a time when the Swift was so popular that one Auckland dealership had a salesperson whose main job was to source second-hand Swifts to keep up with demand.
Suzuki’s first car to bear the Swift name was launched in 1983, but the arrival of the brand’s debut world strategic model in 2004 was deemed to be the first new generation series.
Since then the Swift has became a sales success with popularity continuing to increase over the past two decades.
The gen-three model topped nine million sales and has been Suzuki’s top-selling vehicle for the last 10 years.
In its new fourth-generation form, the iconic Swift not only enjoys an upgraded body style but also an enhanced driver-focused interior, a higher standard of equipment, improved performance and better economy.
The GLS manual starts from $25,990, and the RSC auto is $29,990.
A series of body styling changes resulted in better aerodynamics while engineers focused on reducing road noise and making further advances with the lightweight Heartect body platform.
New styling features provide an upgraded look, including a distinctive black-piano finish to the hexagonal grille, clamshell-like bonnet and blackened-out pillars that create a floating roof illusion, while the rear styling has a fresh new shape.
Suzuki NZ has two models available, the GLS and RSC, featuring a 1.2-litre petrol engine paired with the 12 Volt SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) system. It functions both as a generator and an electric motor to restart the engine and provide electric motor assistance during acceleration.
The new model with CVT automatic transmission averages 4.3 litres/100 km compared with 4.7 litres/100 km for the third-generation Swift Hybrid.
So how much does the fourth-generation Suzuki Swift hatchback cost? The GLS manual starts from $25,990, the automatic version is $2000 more. The Swift RSC auto is $29,990 and you add $510 for the two-tone option.
The cabin layout remains driver-centric.
The differences between the two is the RSC steps up with its standard features such as leather (over cloth seats), with the front seats heated, rear privacy glass and even the addition of vanity mirrors for both front passengers (come up Suzuki, you can afford that in the base model!).
The new Swifts have a five-year warranty package including three three-year/100,000-kilometre new vehicle warranty, plus two year powertrain extension. Also standard on all new Suzuki vehicles is an unlimited kilometre, five year roadside assistance programme.
At first glance, the 2024 Swift presents a familiar yet refreshed look. The exterior design has evolved with subtle but noticeable tweaks that give the car a more modern and dynamic presence. The front fascia now features a revised grille design, which is sleeker and more aggressive, flanked by redesigned LED headlights that offer better illumination and a sharper aesthetic.
The overall dimensions of the Swift remain compact, ideal for city driving and parking. However, Suzuki has slightly extended the wheelbase which contributes to improved cabin space and stability on the road. The car sits on new alloy wheels with a more contemporary design, further enhancing its sporty appeal. The rear end also gets a mild redesign, with updated taillights and a reworked bumper that give the Swift a more cohesive and polished look.
There is a slight increase in wheelbase translates to more legroom for rear passengers.
Hey, the Swift may not be categorised as a hot hatch (that goes to the likes of the Toyota GR Yaris, Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf GTI) but offers a nimble and engaging driving experience, making it ideal for city commuting and tight urban environments.
Its lightweight construction, combined with responsive steering, allows for quick directional changes, making it easy to navigate through traffic or narrow streets.
It has well-tuned suspension that strikes a good balance between comfort and agility. The ride is generally smooth, absorbing minor bumps well, though it's slightly firm compared to larger hatchbacks.
Sure, ladened with four adults and a full boot (in this instance with horse riding paraphernalia) the Swift struggled to overtake on the motorway but stayed nicely at 100km/h.
I’ve also thought the Swift makes a great first car (hence the aforementioned Auckland Suzuki dealer chasing up used models), and its city durability reminded me why. Easy to park, takes on tight spaces with ease, is an all-round fuss-free vehicle and - as the kids say - is all green flags (and no red ones).
Compared to the previous model, the 2024 Swift feels more mature in its styling. It retains the fun and youthful character that has always defined the Swift, but with a touch of sophistication that broadens its appeal.
Inside, the 2024 Swift sees a notable upgrade in terms of materials and technology. The cabin layout remains driver-centric, with controls and displays oriented towards ease of use. The dashboard now features a larger infotainment screen, which is both more responsive and better integrated into the design compared to the older model. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone connectivity.
Suzuki has also paid attention to the quality of materials used in the cabin. Soft-touch materials are now more prevalent, particularly on the dashboard and door panels, giving the Swift a more premium feel. The seats have been redesigned for better comfort and support, making longer journeys more pleasant.
In terms of space, the slight increase in wheelbase translates to more legroom for rear passengers, a welcome improvement over the previous model. The boot space remains adequate for a car of this size, though it is still somewhat limited compared to some competitors.
The new model with CVT automatic transmission averages 4.3 litres/100 km compared with 4.7 litres/100 km.
The 2024 Suzuki Swift competes in a popular segment, with rivals such as the MG3, Toyota Yaris, and Honda Jazz all vying for the attention of compact car buyers.
Each of these competitors has its strengths, making the Swift’s continued success all the more impressive.
Also, you when you buy one you don’t have to call your Swift ‘Taylor’, but it’s kind of cute, and yes I did have to restrain myself from using Taytay’s song titles in the review. You’re welcome!
Pros:
Fuel Efficiency: The hybrid system in the 2024 Suzuki Swift significantly improves fuel efficiency, making it an economical choice for daily commuting, especially in urban settings.
Compact and Agile Handling: The Swift's compact size and lightweight construction contribute to its agile handling. It's easy to maneuver through tight city streets and park in small spaces, making it ideal for urban driving.
Affordable Pricing with Good Standard Features: The 2024 Swift comes equipped with modern technology like a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and advanced safety features. This makes it a value-for-money option in the hybrid small car segment.
Cons:
Limited Power Output: While the Swift Hybrid is efficient, its 1.2-litre engine combined with the mild-hybrid system delivers modest power. This can result in underwhelming performance, especially when accelerating at higher speeds or carrying a full load of passengers and luggage. It's more suited for city driving than for dynamic, high-speed driving.
Interior Space and Cargo Limitations: The compact dimensions of the Swift mean that interior space, particularly in the rear seats, is somewhat limited. Taller passengers may find the rear seating a bit cramped, and the boot space, while adequate for daily use, might be insufficient for those needing more cargo capacity for longer trips.
Stiffer Ride Quality: The Swift’s sporty suspension setup, while good for handling, can result in a stiffer ride quality. This might be noticeable on rough or uneven roads, where the ride can feel a bit less comfortable compared to some rivals that offer a softer suspension setup.
