Sporty super-mini hybrid finds its niche
Suzuki’s compact car gets a modern makeover, writes Carmel Stewart
Suzuki recognise that the Swift Sport compact supermini is a niche car. Annual sales hover around the 1,500 mark but that does not accurately reflect the intense interest this car generates.
The Swift Sport Owners Club has some 8.4k members many of whom are very willing to share driving experiences on their forum. The introduction oftheself-charginghydridvariantwilladdanotherdimension to their discussions.
Inthedrivingseat,thelower gearsarenottheplacetolinger. A quick shift up the six-speed transmission is required to get thebestfromtheeager128bhp, 1.4litreboosterjetturboengine more than ably assisted by the 48V hybrid technology – a serious increase over the standard 12v of the unsporty Swift.
The compact, high-performance lithium-ion battery which stores electrical energy recovered from deceleration and braking, the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) which acts as both generator and starter motor, and the DC/DC convertor all combine to extract the maximum performancefromthefeistypowertrain which can also been found pumping away under the bonnet of the Vitara and the S-Cross.
The engine ECU anticipates ac celeration a nd uses the ISG to assist the petrol engine at start up and when a higher level of torque is re quired. All clever stuff designed to maintain swift forward, uninterrupted momentum while keeping CO2 emissions down and fuel economy up.
The Japanese-built Swift Sports’ essential balance and low centre of gravity is unchangedasthebatteryandconvertor are neatly stored under the front seats. Its suspension has been tweaked, the brakes enhanced,andthedualtailpipe exhaust specially tuned.
Apart from its enhanced driving characteristics, the Swift Sport boasts red interiortrim,sportydials,redstitching, a proper hand brake, stop/ start ignition button, 17-inch alloys, leather steering wheel, DAB radio with Bluetooth and LED daytime running lights as wellassmartphoneconnectivity,satellitenavigationandrear parking sensors.
This latest model also adds the latest in hi-tech safety equipment including automatic braking if a collision is deemedimminent,lanedeparturewarning,high-beamassist and blind spot monitoring all included in the £22,070 price. Infact,thestandardspecisone ofthebestinitsclasswithpretty well everything you could think of and then some.
One very useful piece of kit is the rear cross traffic alert which sounds a warning if an approaching vehicle is likely to impede a reversing manoeuvre.
Selecting your preferred options for the Swift Sport Hybrid have been made considerably easier by the fact that there is one engine, one transmission and one body style. There are, however, eight exterior colours to choose from.
Expectaround50mpgfrom the 1.4 hybrid engine, which has an emissions rating of 125g/km.
Buying your Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid, or any Suzuki, will be a different experience now. Many of its dealerships became far more digitally aware during lockdown so customers can check out the cars online.Allarenow100percent hybrid so even the smallest cars – the Ignis and the Swift – have a 12v lightweight hybrid system which allows them to run at below 10mph with zero emissions.