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The sixth generation of the popular Suzuki Swift, the Japanese company’s budget ‘supermini’
13 October 2024
Written by Wheels magazine
For many Aussies, a Suzuki Swift as your first car is almost a rite-of-passage.
The budget-priced ‘supermini’ has been a mainstay seller here since 1983 and now, in its sixth generation, the Swift comes with a twist.
For many Aussies, a Suzuki Swift as your first car is almost a rite-of-passage.
The budget-priced ‘supermini’ has been a mainstay seller here since 1983 and now, in its sixth generation, the Swift comes with a twist.
It remains a winning proposition – affordable, reliable and cheap to run, but the new mild hybrid option is a significant tech advance for the dependable Swift. What’s more, Suzuki has managed to keep all of the new range under $30,000 drive-away, making it Australia’s cheapest ‘hybrid’ car.
The base model Swift costs $24,490 drive-away while the mild hybrid option starts from $26,990 drive-away. There is also a Hybrid Plus auto grade priced at $28,490 drive-away which adds heated front seats and additional driver-assist tech, while the Hybrid GLX auto with wireless phone charger, folding exterior mirrors, steering wheel paddle shifters, climate control, glossy alloys and more will set you back $29,490, drive-away.
The most affordable car in the new range is still feature-rich, offering LED lights, telescopic as well as tilt steering adjustment and driver-assist safety like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), lane-support systems, adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors. In addition, there is keyless entry/start, a 9.0-inch touchscreen as part of a new multimedia set-up, wireless for Apple CarPlay (but not for the Android Auto), a digital radio, heated mirrors, traffic sign recognition, auto high beams and an alarm. This base model, remarkably, will still offer a manual gearbox as an option.
Suzki’s embrace of a mild hybrid electric system is part of its commitment to reducing emissions and improving fuel economy without sacrificing sprightly performance. The mild hybrid setup assists the petrol engine during acceleration and allows for smoother start-stop functionality, contributing to a more refined driving experience and reduced fuel consumption in urban environments.
This is achieved via a new, chain-driven, 1197cc 1.2-litre mild hybrid three-cylinder petrol unit. While it delivers a modest 61kW at 5700rpm and 112Nm at 4500rpm, the Swift's 'ISG' integrated starter/generator/electric motor unit kicks in to deliver an additional 2.3kW and 60Nm.
This powertrain set-up helps the Suzuki Swift achieve one of its major selling points – fuel efficiency. Under acceleration, the engine relies less heavily on petrol allowing the five-speed manual to average just 3.8 litres per 100km and 4.0L/100km for the CVT auto. The ISG unit also recharges the 12-volt lithium-ion battery off-throttle via regenerative braking.
Even the entry-level Swift boasts an array of driver-assist safety features usually found in vehicles from higher segments. The Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system, for example, with night and day pedestrian and cyclist detection, is capable of detecting potential collisions and automatically applying the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time. Lane-support systems help keep the Swift centred in its lane, while adaptive cruise control makes highway driving more relaxing and safer. 'Weaving Alert' (a prompt if the driver becomes drowsy), rear parking sensors, traffic-sign recognition, a reverse camera and automatic high beams are also standard. Rear-cross traffic alert and blind-spot warning tech are available in the step-up the hybrid vehicle.
Six airbags (dual front, dual front side and curtain), electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake-assist are also part of the package.
Inside, the Swift boasts a new 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via a wired connection. The inclusion of a digital radio enhances entertainment options, ensuring clear reception and a wide variety of stations.
Multiple USB charging outlets ensure devices are powered on the go. For a small car it’s also surprisingly spacious courtesy of deep windows and a high ceiling and lofty seating, with room for five at a pinch. Storage options are also improved.
The new Suzuki Swift is supported by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, roadside assistance and capped price servicing.
The 2024 Suzuki Swift is a more sophisticated and feature-heavy version of the reliable runabout Australian have come to know and love since the 1980s. Its comprehensive package of upgrades, from the mild hybrid system to the enhanced infotainment and driver-assist technologies, will make it a compelling choice in this shrinking segment of the market, options-wise.
Images supplied by Wheels magazine. This article was written by an independent author of Wheels Media. Full disclaimer