Cheerful on the outside, fuss-free drivability, and easy on fuel consumption. The Suzuki Swift Hybrid checks many of the good boxes of what makes a good B Segment econobox
Singapore – With the sudden surge of EVs here, especially from Chinese carmakers, it is refreshing to have something simple and somewhat more traditional (or you could say, more “normal”) to review. The Suzuki Swift has gone through a much-needed middle-of-life refresh. A fuss-free, more attainable car for those who want to keep personal transport simple… well, I mean that is if our COEs had not rocketed, and priced most of the Swift’s buyer demographic out of the picture.
Competition for B Segment hatchbacks have also narrowed. The only two in the same “playpen” are the Honda Jazz and the venerable Mazda 2; the latter which I must say, is very well put together, but lacks the Suzi’s mild-hybridised engine tech.
Small Improvements, Notable Impact
While I cannot say I am a fan of the Swift’s new major exterior revamp, it does catch my attention. You have to give Suzuki some credit though, since profit margins for small cars like these are wafer-thin. But what matters more to me, is that the interior does feel notably more refined.
Most of this, or I could safely say, all of this lies in the reworked dashboard, which seemingly has better fit and finish. The infotainment screen has a new home at the top of the dash, which is a plus, since you need only to glance left to check the screen.
They Call me the Fuel Sipper
The noticeable positive on the road would be the sorting out of the engine’s start-stop and mild-hybrid issues which dogged the pre-facelift car. However, I am still not a fan of that CVT, since it “rubberbands” the hatchback’s acceleration. The 3-cylinder, 1.2-litre engine operates with relative smoothness, putting out a humble 81hp and 112Nm, which gets you there. With the help of its MHEV tech, and also an unladen weight of 945kg, the small hatch stubbornly returns anything above 18km/l; which means that day-to-day running is going to be very affordable.
It may be frugal, but where the Swift shines is how it handles. Remember that Suzuki engineered the Swift, with the ‘Sport’ small hot hatchback in-mind; very much like Volkswagen with their bread-and-butter Golf, and the GTI. So, it holds it’s own around the twisties, though putting your foot down, does reveal its economy-leanings.
In a time where too much VES, COE, BEVs and KFC have dulled the allure of smaller cars, the Swift’s lower price-point may just attract a few who want a new (small) personal car. But a car like this could use a bit of COE breathing room.
Words & Photos: Clifford Chow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Improved-smoother drive quality | 3-cylinder engine can sound rough when worked hard |
| Tiny fuel bill | CVT dulls what could be a more entertaining drive |
| Fun to drive | Super-high COEs not helping its case |
Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid
| Drivetrain | Petrol-electric mild hybrid |
| Layout | 1,197cc, inline 3 |
| Motor power / torque | 81hp / 112Nm |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Efficiency | 20.4km/l |
| Fuel Capacity | 37 Litres |
| 0-100km/h | – |
| Top Speed | – |
| VES Band | A2 |
| Dealer | Champion Motors |
| Price | S$137,888 with COE and VES |
| Verdict | Near fuss-free ownership, fun to drive. Pity the high-trending COEs |
- Eurokars’ new car brand is a red flag! Hongqi arrives in Singapore
- Dongfeng Vigo Electric Essential 51.87kWh Review: I drove a cheerful orange car
- The Coachbuild Collection – a new proposition in super-luxury by Rolls-Royce
- BYD (again) expands their lineup with the SEAL 6 DM-i
- Jaecoo adds two new models to its lineup – the Jaecoo 5 BEV and Jaecoo 8 Super Hybrid 7-Seater SUV
