Test, Suzuki Swift: new 1.2-liter micro hybrid engine, fun and consumes little

Suzuki is one of the most concrete car manufacturers. Its products are characterized by functionality and simplicity: virtues that make it an excellent solution for those looking for driving fun and reliability. Three years later, the new Swift slightly updates its successful and appreciated style, introducing an important novelty: a 1.2-liter engine with micro hybrid module.

An intelligent and effective solution in returning the right compromise between the pleasure of sitting in front of the wheel and a very good average consumption. Welcoming and practical, it offers good habitability even if the interior coatings are made economically, and you can see it. A defect compensated for by the equipment that equips the car very well from the basic set-up. Prices start at 17,290 euros, subtracting the incentives, a very competitive price list.

Little changes

Suzuki with the introduction of the micro hybrid engine did not want to upset the identity of the little Swift , which remains an aggressive compact with an attractive style. To improve the image, the ability to customize the bodywork with contrasting colors for the roof. The main updates are concentrated in the front area, where the grille is more recessed with a honeycomb grille and more pronounced chrome strip. Suzuki Swift is dynamic, both in appearance and in road riding.

The interior space is rather welcoming compared to a length of only 384 cm: four adults can also easily sit on the rear sofa, where only those sitting in the center it's a bit sacrificed. The good habitability is a consequence of a rather regular bodywork, especially the roof which develops almost flat up to the rear window. Even taller occupants are unlikely to be uncomfortable.

The driver's seat is raised and facilitates maneuvers in the city, the armchair is well padded and upholstered in good care. The adjustment is manual and the backrest has a snap lever, which is not always precise. Same features for the front passenger seat. As for the interior, nothing changes from the previous version: sober and rational but made with rather hard and cheap plastics. A defect that is compensated for by the certainly satisfying equipment that Suzuki offers for Swift.

The technological equipment includes a 7 ″ touch screen, the graphics are rather anonymous and not very attractive. It is not a particularly advanced software, but it still has the navigation module. Suzuki, however, has foreseen integration with Apple Car Play and Android Auto modules. The Top set-up object of our test is very well equipped and offers as standard the automatic climate control, the electronic key, the electric rear windows and the depth-adjustable steering wheel.

Driving assistants are also standard for the less rich and expensive 8-); in addition to the adaptive cruise control, there is automatic braking, the lane keeping system and the one that warns the driver of the possible arrival of other vehicles while reversing. Very important is the rear view camera which supports maneuvers and improves visibility, otherwise limited by the pillars and the rear window.

Gritty and fun, with low consumption

Suzuki has wisely decided to update the range as well. engines, introducing a micro hybrid system. Compared to the last generation, there is a solution in the engine architecture with an electric motor / generator connected with a belt to the mechanical part, in order to recover energy during slowdowns, which are frequent especially in the city. The battery is 10 Ah and powers a small electrical unit of 1.94 Kw, or 2.6 Cv. The overall power is 84 hp while the torque value is 107 Nm at 2,800 rpm.

Suzuki's solution produces insufficient energy to drive Swift on current alone, but ensures a small boost in restart improving that already pleasant sensation of brilliance and dynamism. The goal of the Japanese technicians was to offer a product that guaranteed very low consumption. During the test, about 600 km were covered, both on urban, extra-urban and motorway routes. At the end of the experience, the on-board computer recorded an average of 5.0 l / 100 km, equal to a mileage of 20 km / l.

A value obtained by maintaining a driving style, certainly not aggressive but not soporific. Using Swift especially in the city it is frankly difficult to obtain values ​​lower than those found during the test. The low weight of only 940 kg in running order helps the car to consume little. A quality that is also noticeable in the driving dynamics.

Suzuki's four-cylinder micro hybrid is brilliant and fluid, never going into difficulty: it manages to face and overcome any situation that arises in front of Swift without uncertainty. In doing so, it returns good driving sensations, enhanced by a featherweight and excellent road holding, even when cornering. The suspensions are calibrated to the right to offer a good dynamic performance and at the same time effectively absorb most of the road hazards. The manual gearbox is maneuvered easily and helps to create a good understanding with the car right from the start; the steering is light and sincere.

Suzuki proposes with the Swift Hybrid a versatile and captivating product: it consumes very little, it is fun and satisfies driving thanks to its small size and a weight of less than a thousand kilograms. Ideal companion in the city that does not let itself be intimidated by out-of-town adventures, managing to grind hundreds of kilometers on the motorway. There are many versions of Swift available, from the Sport to the four-wheel drive Hybrid with AllGrip traction, the latter a true unicum in the automotive landscape.