In a nutshell
- Much-loved Suzuki Swift enjoys new facelift - with the entire range now going hybrid.
- New 1.2 litre ‘K12D’ petrol engine is bolted to a 12V mild-hybrid system in standard Swifts.
- Suzuki Swift Sport gets a more powerful 1.4 litre engine and 48V mild hybrid.
- Swift will now return up to 57 miles to the gallon.
- Huge spec upgrades across all SZ-L, SZ-T, SZ5 and SZ5 ALLGRIP Swift models.
- Priced from £14,749 for SZ-L model.
The much-loved supermini, now in its third generation, has received a facelift for 2021, with major improvements to spec levels.
But the big news is that the Swift is now entirely mild-hybrid, with a 1.2 litre engine married to 12V hybrid system throughout the range.
Specifically, this is an Integrated Starter Generator, known as ‘ISG’, which acts as both a generator and starter motor.
The ISG is belt driven and assists the engine during vehicle take off and acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking.
And what that all means is better fuel economy and efficiency.
The so-called ‘K12D’ engine propels the Swift down the road from 0-62mph in 12.2 seconds thanks to a power output of 83 PS.
Meanwhile the Swift - in two wheel drive form - produces a CO2 emissions figure of just 111g/km while also achieving a fuel consumption figure of 57.2mpg.
There’s a choice of three different Swifts available - the base SZ-L, the mid-range SZ-T, and the range-topping SZ5 - with prices beginning at £14,749 for SZ-L model.
All are ridiculously well-specced for the price.
The new facelift sees the SZ-L coming equipped as standard with rear view camera, Radar Brake Support with Adaptive Cruise Control, smartphone link for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, leather steering wheel, privacy glass, LED Headlamps, LED rear combination lamps, polished 16-inch alloy wheels and front electric windows.
The SZ-T adds grey painted 16-inch alloy wheels, Dual Sensor Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Weaving Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition and rear parking sensors.
Meanwhile the SZ5 boats sat-nav, 16-inch polished alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, keyless entry and start, telescopic steering wheel adjustment, rear electric windows and door mirror side turn indicators.
The Swift is also available in one solid colour and six optional metallic colours with three dual tone colours incorporating a Black Pearl roof also available optionally.
That’s not bad at all for a relatively budget car. And there’s more.
The SZ5 can be equipped with Suzuki’s 4WD ‘Allgrip’ system, which is a permanent set-up that transfers additional torque to the rear wheels when required via a viscous coupling.
As Suzuki explains, it could come in handy in the coming weeks and months, adding: “It is also an ideal choice for customers living in rural areas who may need additional mobility across rougher terrain or for crossing slippery surfaces during winter months without owning a more conventional SUV sized vehicle.”
You can also opt for an automatic Swift, too, courtesy of Suzuki’s CVT gearbox - available as an option on the SZ-T and SZ5. You can also change gears via the steering column mounted paddles, should you want to.
And lest we forget the brilliant Suzuki Swift Sport - the firm’s critically-acclaimed ‘warm hatch’.
The facelifted Sport was introduced earlier this year, and is also a hybrid, albeit a more powerful 48V one.
The Sport is priced from £21,820 and has decent performance credentials, with a 0-62mph time of 9.1 seconds and 129 hp on tap. Despite being pretty rapid, it’ll also return around 50 miles to the gallon - stats which illustrate why a lot of owners absolutely love them.
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