New Suzuki Swift Review | The Ultimate Supermini?

This is the All New Swift Hybrid, and the lovely people at Suzuki invited us to join them for the UK launch event!
So Ben and I headed down to the Tewksbury Park Hotel to see the latest model in the flesh. Not only did we get chance to see it up close and personal, we got behind the wheel on a drive over to The Classic Motor Hub.
We headed out in a lovely cool yellow and mineral grey Ultra, and made our way to Bibury. The Suzuki Swift has always been a favourite for those who seek a Supermini with spirited performance and an appealing price tag. With the latest iteration of the Swift, Suzuki ramps up the ante by integrating hybrid technology to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions without sacrificing the Swift's fun-to-drive character.
It has an all new 1.2L, 3 cylinder petrol engine with 12V mild hybrid. The new Swift maintains its compact and sporty silhouette, known and loved by many, but with subtle updates that accentuate its modern edge. The front grille is sleeker, flanked by bold LED headlights that give the car a more aggressive look. The body lines are sharper, creating a dynamic appearance even when stationary. Inside, the Swift Hybrid does not stray far from its roots, offering a straightforward and user-friendly layout. The cabin is compact yet surprisingly spacious, making clever use of every inch, and it’s driver focused, with the centre controls now angled towards the driver. The infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring connectivity is always at the fingertips of its users.
The materials, while budget-conscious, are robust and well-assembled, reflecting Suzuki’s commitment to durability and practicality. The Swift's agility is its forte. The suspension is tuned to offer a balance between comfort and responsiveness, making it an enjoyable ride both in city traffic and on curvy backroads. The steering is precise, offering good feedback that enhances the driving experience, making the Swift Hybrid not just an economical choice, but also a fun one. Safety is paramount at Suzuki, and they have equipped the Swift Hybrid with several advanced safety features, elevating it within its class. It includes automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features are particularly impressive given the Swift's positioning as a budget-friendly compact car.
Beyond safety, the Swift Hybrid focuses on practicality. The energy flow display within the instrument cluster is a nice touch, allowing drivers to monitor how the hybrid system is working in real-time. Additionally, the regenerative braking system not only helps in charging the battery but also enhances the brake feel.
The Suzuki Swift Hybrid is a testament to Suzuki's ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the automotive market without losing sight of what made the Swift so popular: it’s fun, practical, and affordable. The hybrid version builds on these strengths by offering improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, making it an ideal choice for those looking to make a more environmentally friendly car choice without breaking the bank.
People looking for their next Supermini should take a Swift for a test drive.
‪@Suzuki‬ ‪@SuzukiCarsUK‬ #Suzuki #Swift #SuzukiSwiftHybrid
----Planetauto: www.planetauto.co.uk----
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[@yashchirka4060]

I ordered this car, in this exact colour combination with a few extras that aren't an option in the UK. Piano black wheel arches and such. Watching videos like this one in joyful anticipation untill it arrives.

[@PlanetautoUK]

That sounds the perfect spec, watch out for our full driving section in the next day or so 😀 and thank you

[@yashchirka4060]

@@PlanetautoUK Will watch it with pleasure. And for those who mis the sport, there is a japanese company called Aqua that sells a turbocharger for this new model, gives it about 130 hp. More than enough for good fun.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Oo, and we talked to the global ops manager at launch and he wouldn’t say either way 🤔

[@yashchirka4060]

@@PlanetautoUK If there is demand, the market will answer. 🤷‍♂️ Maybe we will see a official sport version as well, but I doubt it.

[@PlanetautoUK]

I get the feeling we will, very few warm hatches nowadays let alone hot.

[@seancrabtree2657]

I've been waiting patiently since last weekend for you to drop this video, thank you so much Planetauto. Right time to watch it!!!

[@PlanetautoUK]

You are very welcome, @seancrabtree2657 - we had to make sure it just right. Thank you - your kind words is why we do what we do. Watch out for Part Two... *A

[@zx85]

Nice to see at least someone is making a supermini - we don't all need crossovers and you could imagine this being someone's first car in a few years. Smallest hybrid I've seen, an' all.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Exactly our thoughts, it’d make a great first car too ZX and it’s fun too, thank you

[@georgedaville4662]

Great little car, with the perfect hybrid drivetrain mix. Excellent specification, I think this car will appeal to a range of drivers both older and younger. Also hits the right price point. I am surprised you fitted in the rear Ben ! Looking forward to extended test drive 👍

[@PlanetautoUK]

Yes it really resonated with me George, and a lovely manual to boot - great fun convoying with 4 others too down the B roads, that’s to come 😀thank you

[@davidbright4539]

looking forward to part two i particularly like your comparisons to the previous generation more of this please

[@PlanetautoUK]

Thank you David - il add some more info and vids - should be live soon

[@derekc5804]

Looks like a good Fiesta alternative to me. The supermini surely can't be dead! Nice colour and prefer the handles on the door rather than the pillar. Clearly a car to be enthusiastic about IF you have 20 grand spare. Good review.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Thank you Derek, yes and to think that’s a very competitive price, motors are flying up like most things.

[@jdmguy44]

I really like it. Great spec, fun handling and Suzuki's legendary reliability. The styling is refreshingly clean and simple without the fussiness of a lot of cars these days but still looks characterful. Relatively good value too. Would definitely consider if I was in the market for a small car.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Spot on, plus silly economy or good if hammered win win JDM 😀

[@AJT296]

At last someone talking sense re the boot lip. Lots of testers complain about the large load lip prevalent on modern cars but surely if they didn’t have one the rear structure would be much weaker in a rear ender. I really like this car. Simple and honest design, nothing flash but very well thought out and designed.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Thank you, also the load area would be virtually Zero on cars like this and Leaf, etc - this is what it says on the on, and we like that, and above all it’s fun to drive. Report back once you’ve driven one Kartdriver

[@anthonyfreeman2859]

Just ordered an Ultra in orange for the wife , 6 weeks and counting .... looking forward to the 2nd part of the video

[@PlanetautoUK]

Ooo very nice, part 2 Saturday evening Anthony, thank you

[@ecole3139]

Why are we having to look at you... Its the car we want to see!

[@PlanetautoUK]

You’ll see from previous comments, you’re in the minority my magnetic personality, dazzling looks and prime tub makes the car shine, quite literally.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

This seems to have taken some of the traditional Swift variants, which are the good handling, the light weight and the compact size, and put them into a more modern package. The interior quality and infotainment system are probably something to sample in person, as these are traditionally not Swift strong points, but I imagine this should be dependable and sell well. Thank you again, Mr and Mrs Quirk.

[@PlanetautoUK]

It does, and it also suits regs etc moving forward, a fun little car with some great driving dynamics, you’re very welcome Joseph thank you and glad you enjoyed it. I wonder if we’ll see a Sport?

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@PlanetautoUK , well, let us hope we do see one, Mr Quirk!

[@PlanetautoUK]

@lloydvehicleconsulting yes indeed, and in the meanwhile this is a fun supermini for the masses, thank you

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the video 😊

[@PlanetautoUK]

Thanks, Jamie - what did you think of the driving section?

[@Rapscallion2009]

If you drove the last shape, it was actually great fun.

[@PlanetautoUK]

It was, especially the Sport, we’re wondering if they’ll be a new one Rapscallion, thank you

[@Sanpedranoazul]

And more important, it's gonna last for a looooong time 🥳🥳🥳

[@PlanetautoUK]

Indeed 😀

[@shabs2134]

Any idea how it is on the motorway? Otherwise looks like a very tidy little car. Charming too. Classic Suzuki.

[@PlanetautoUK]

The road trip video shows it at higher speed dual carriageways etc that’s coming soon thank you Shabs

[@anthonybrown4874]

Our previous gen is OK at 70 about 3k revs though the road noise builds over 50 I understand they have worked on that for the new gen.

[@PlanetautoUK]

@anthonybrown4874 in this it was more refined but it really did depend on the road surface 😀

[@keithhooper6123]

Looking at this car,and the Japanese kei box cars,like Suszuki Every ,Daihatsu Tanto,and Honda N Box, these have have so much more room.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Yes it’s quite astounding how Kei rules were broken with Swift then it naturally evolved to Euro markets engine sizes, vehicle size etc, we do love a Kei car 600cc or so

[@anthonybrown4874]

That colour reminds me of an antibiotic medicine i took as a kid yuk, we like the outgoing model for its cool rear door handles. instrument binnacle and centre vents. The new interior edges the old overall though more an upgrade over the old gen would like a heated wheel to be available to justify the Ultra price over motion and the motion wheels seem a bit uninspiring. Hopefully Suzuki will look at modifying the engine line up at some point to add zip.

[@PlanetautoUK]

We’d call it Pistachio - cool doesn’t always equate to practical, saying that the eny1 has that style, the retro Alfa Romeo door handle location, and it does keep the design clean. It’ll be interesting to see if we get a Sport, thank you for sharing your view Anthony.

[@grahamallen1531]

I have a swift sport , 18 reg , I can honestly say the best car I have ever owned , unfortunately the have been ordered to stick a heavy hybrid battery into the little beauty , spoil it .

[@PlanetautoUK]

It was either that or full ev, also previous models have had a hybrid system before, it drives very well Graham, thank you.

[@leslatham7797]

The bodywork looks like it’s melted 😳

[@PlanetautoUK]

Erm can’t quite see that, have you seen one in person yet Les?

[@leemarsh9727]

Is the front that spoils it

[@PlanetautoUK]

The lights ?

[@killianlpc]

I have the current model SZ5 Mild Hybrid with 1.0L 3 cyl Boosterjet Engine which has 109bhp. Got to say very underwhelmed by the new model, it just looks lie a facelift of my car. Slightly different at the front, and the tail lamps slightly different as well. Interior is almost identical apart from the larger infotainment screen. Overall the car is not that much different. The main disappointment is the engine only delivering about 81bhp, don't get me wrong I love my Swift, but to release a new model almost identical with a lesser powered engine is a backwards step by Suzuki. Having now had a test drive in the new car last week, can confirm it's ok around town, but the engine is like a snail on valium compared to the 1.0 Boosterjet engine, why they did this I don't know, it is spectacularly slow, the loss of power compared to the 2018 model is quite remarkable. Such a shame they really could have gone further with this, very disappointed with it having now drove it as well.

[@PlanetautoUK]

It is just a facelift, however it is a new Swift same underpinnings but a fair few changes - and it’s quicker and more economical than the outgoing engine the 1.2 4 cylinder. Yours was especially desirable due to the Turbo, mind you rules etc mean turbo seems to be outlawed to a point - if you drive this in comparison to the above engine you’d see a marked difference, more economy and I think the setup is firmer than your variant closer to Sport. Plus more tech as standard. It’s getting more and more challenging more manufacturers to offer engine variants that vary, hopefully we’ll see a Sport but I suspect it’ll be hybrid, and possibly not 1.4 Boosterjet. Enjoy your Swift and in my opinion keep it.

[@colinl5985]

looks different not sure to be honest. i like the older looks it has lost its sporty look now it is more space ship instead.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Yes the lines are different it’ll be interesting to see how a Sport differs if we get one. Thank you Colin

[@richardhowlett7398]

It’s had a couple of whacks with the ugly stick, compared to previous iterations, looks slightly gormless. I’d loose the hybrid nonsense, why add unnecessary motors and the weight of batteries😖 But, manual gearbox ✅ manual handbrake ✅ manual dials ✅

[@PlanetautoUK]

There had to be something that was a plus 😆 batteries only 12v not particularly big or heavy but does the job of a small turbo 😊 thought you’d like the manual Richard

[@chrro466]

Agreed

[@carlthompson8623]

didn't Toyota buy Suzuki a couple of years ago

[@PlanetautoUK]

Toyota own a small percentage of Suzuki as does Suzuki of Toyota, this doesn’t affect ops mind , thank you Carl

[@sham27007]

Drum brakes on rear

[@PlanetautoUK]

Are you sure, bear in mind this is the uk - just triple checking

[@PlanetautoUK]

Discs all round on Motion & Ultra UK Spec Sham

[@sham27007]

@@PlanetautoUK maybe the euro or Irish version has drums. That's got to hear, when will you test the all wheel drive version?

[@PlanetautoUK]

@sham27007 the cars on the brochure all have discs in the pictures too, good question, we’ll keep you posted

[@sham27007]

@@PlanetautoUK Just went into auto trader looked at a Ultra red model for £20499 it seems to have drum brakes

[@rodderslw]

This car looks interesting but your review reads and sounds like a Suzuki advert. Too gushing and how many times did Suzuki tell you to say "supermini"?

[@PlanetautoUK]

Oh, i’m genuinely wondering if you purposely ignored my recommendations? All I can say is drive it, how else do I describe a small car objectively not warm hatch or hot hatch as it’s not. Strange you’re the only person to suggest this, did you fall in love with it, did I sell it to ya, did I? * eDiT *muppet me left out words meaning it no longer made sense

[@rodderslw]

@@PlanetautoUK Yes definitely want to try this car. As mentioned it looks very interesting for my next car. It's just that your review and delivery seems to be unbalanced. But you're right I seem to be the only one to think that. 😁.

[@PlanetautoUK]

@rodderslw thank you for coming back - unbalanced, that should point out there’s very little that needs attention especially for its segment and price. Many people watch our channel and buy cars based on our conclusion, and report back 99% of the time saying it’s as we described also around 50 + of these comments are new people 😀 we started Pa in 2005 as web. Keep us posted on your thoughts I’m interested to see if you pick up on shortfalls I didn’t highlight.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Ps we filmed this review in 45 minutes with 1.30hr drive to the venue 😀

[@davidwainwright2816]

No armrest…..😢

[@PlanetautoUK]

Thing is, Supermini's don't tend to have them (there will be exceptions, obviously!) Thank you, David.

[@bludclone]

crazy how cramped you are in modern cars, ill keep my 90s one

[@PlanetautoUK]

Which car do you have? This is bigger than the earlier ones

[@BobMartinsback]

That's the noisiest gravel I've ever heard on a car review. But a good review nonetheless. Looks will always divide folk, in this instance I think they're an improvement, they make the car look more substantial. But I applaud Suzuki for bucking the 1 litre 3 pot turbo trend on this occasion, I've had a run of cars using such an engine, and as powerful as a modern 1 litre 3 pot turbo feels, they all have that 'doughy' feel, which a normally aspirated engine doesn't.

[@PlanetautoUK]

It’s strange our Rode Mic almost seems to amplify gravel, thank you yes it’s more fluid with this with low down pull which is on tap. Thank you Bob

[@derekgb3780]

I think it looks awful both inside and out and no 6th gear?

[@PlanetautoUK]

Did you like the previous gen? Putting a 6 speed in would increase price and there’s no need, even at higher speeds it’s not over revving or loud plus it’s geared to be economical like old school 5 speeds if it was 1.4 I’d agree with you Derek.

[@PlanetautoUK]

It’s far better looking in person, I was undecided in pictures then in the metal it swayed me.

[@derekgb3780]

@@PlanetautoUK I've thought some of the previous Swifts have looked better. The luggage space (seats up) only 265 L, only 82 BHP and 0-62 12.5 seconds. It's not doing it for me I'm afraid. Perhaps it's very much aimed at being a city car in big, crowded Japanese cities

[@PlanetautoUK]

@derekgb3780 it drives very well, the only way to know for sure is it drive it - it’s far quicker than the Attitude 1.2 and feels more like Sport with its setup, just not as quick - to 30 it’s pretty quick il include a launch in part 2. I genuinely enjoyed it and I’d shortlist it.

[@sp1es]

Suzuki aren't really into innovation are they, the MHEV is probably only there to get CO2 down to under 100g/km but I suppose it ticks the boxes for their intended market, old people.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Mild keeps the price down and there’s a massive market e.g. Fiesta for younger drivers, MG have just done the same, and there’s a reason for it.

[@stanleybuchan4610]

Good, because us old people aren't stupid. We don't buy cock-mobile Audi's and BMW's.

[@PlanetautoUK]

I’m sure you’d happily drive a retro model of either😀 Sport Quattro e30 M3, Swift is a great all rounder and appeals to a massive audience, fun, practical and an engine.

[@jdmguy44]

"Intended market old people." Most people I see driving Swifts aren't old.

[@PlanetautoUK]

The same with us JDM

[@colinrenfrew48]

The looks are really odd, and that’s a shame.

[@PlanetautoUK]

I was undecided until I saw it in the metal, best bet go and have a proper poke and a prod Colin.

[@TN_AU]

What kind of a silly question is, do we need a Swift Sport? Of course we do, this new facelift is atrocious, and lack of power. I take the previous Swift Sports anyday of the week. Suzuki has gone soft with this.

[@PlanetautoUK]

It’s not like emissions or regs play apart is it? To build a hybrid rather than an ev shows they listen to those who buy their vehicles, building cars is not as clear cut as it once was.

[@Jorfik]

What's with people complaining about superminis being 'underpowered' when you've enough acceleration to get on the motorway and power up hills and casually do 50+ mpg without any effort. The brakes on my last gen are excellent and it's nice on twisty roads so it's not like I'm tottering around struggling to reach the speed limit.

[@PlanetautoUK]

It’s not just these it’s virtually anything mainstream, Subaru are always under fire for no reason whatsoever Jorfik

[@leemarsh9727]

Sorry it look awful old one looks better !!!

[@PlanetautoUK]

I was undecided until I saw it in person like EV9 hold fire until you see it in person Lee

[@stanthesteelguitarman8228]

A great car that has been ruined by the imposition of more and more electronic/computer crap to each successive generation.

[@PlanetautoUK]

This enhances its economy and performance, this is likely to be one of the mildest moving forward and there’s the addition of the lovely 3 cylinder with a manual 😊

[@stanthesteelguitarman8228]

Good economy and performance are enhanced by the skills of the driver, not computers and electronics to make up for poor driving! Also, a 4cyl engine is and always will be better than 3 cyls - another retrograde step on the latest model. Just basic common sense!@@PlanetautoUK

[@PlanetautoUK]

@stanthesteelguitarman8228 yet 3 cylinders have been used in Japanese motors for nigh on 50 years, no - I like to drive fast, on off revs, quick changes in most cars that would destroy economy with the addition MHEV I recoup meaning I don’t need to drive like a lethargic muppet, win win

[@Turnipstalk]

@@PlanetautoUK Once CAD and improved foundry techniques meant you could make a sound 3 cylinder engine with balance shafts that was smaller, so warmed up quicker, needed fewer parts and used less oil than an equivalent 4 cylinder, the future was obvious. But not to non-engineers.

[@PlanetautoUK]

@Turnipstalk yes, also more cost effective, I love a 3 cylinder I touch on vibration in the 2nd part, this has a slight bit on tick over, thank you - quality name by the way

[@vimtocrazy739]

The bonnet is all wrong .

[@PlanetautoUK]

Ok… care to explain, it looks similar to a lot of bonnets nowadays

[@vimtocrazy739]

@@PlanetautoUK The lip is to high .

[@PlanetautoUK]

@vimtocrazy739 do you mean where it closes?

[@vimtocrazy739]

@@PlanetautoUK Yes it’s too high . The sweet spot for wind .

[@PlanetautoUK]

Would you prefer it curve round the headlamps and dip down?

[@miracoli16]

Looks weird...

[@PlanetautoUK]

It seems to be 50 50 looks currently

[@miracoli16]

@@PlanetautoUK ???

[@PlanetautoUK]

It’s 50% like the looks it’s 50% don’t like the looks

[@chrro466]

It looks shit, another jelly mold lookalike and if I want a hot hatch I don’t want hybrid.

[@PlanetautoUK]

Not your cup of chrro? It looks pretty much like the previous gen a few styling tweaks, hot hatch not quite, even Sport isn’t R or Type R for that matter.

[@chrro466]

@@PlanetautoUK 😁, we’ve got the last generation sport and I think the new one is starting to look too “generic” they’ve taken some of the edges off !! They need to do a stripped down 1.4 turbo/ manual gearbox with basic or no driver aids thereby dropping the weight even more and making it a real drivers car. Hybrids are for grandmas in a car like this, give us old school (205gti, Rs turbo , Renault 5 Gt etc) drivers a proper drivers car again. 😁

[@PlanetautoUK]

We would love to see a Sport version too, @chrro466 but sadly, hybrid and electric is the way the world is going. Keep hold of that Sport - it could well be the last pure petrol.

[@chrro466]

@@PlanetautoUK it sure looks like it. Although here in NZ we still enjoy ICE cars without being penalised and a government that doesn’t oppress our choices. All of our top sellers are petrol and diesel models. And fuel is relatively inexpensive. So currently not too much to complain about 😁

[@PlanetautoUK]

That’s awesome - it’s a challenge here in the U.K. - car drivers are Public Enemy No.1, especially in cities! 🙄🙄🙄 we love our classic combustion cars, we’ve got a Mercedes Benz C124 coupe, a Mk2 16V Golf, and a 3 door Civic EJ9 - NZ sounds like a lovely place - very inspirational and energy filled place to be. #LOA

[@Bambotb]

That infotainment is trash

[@PlanetautoUK]

In general or compared to?

[@Bambotb]

@@PlanetautoUK kind if in general because it’s slow, can you tell le your top 5 superminis please ?

[@PlanetautoUK]

@Bambotb ah when we used it, it was more responsive than other models we’ve used in vehicles, nothing spectacular but fine for the car. Il have a think