Hatchback of the Year
Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid
The budget-friendly compact Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid holds its own with its back-to-basics formula, proving that simplicity isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Sporting a modern look with a fierce-looking piano black grille, its signature floating roof and a fuel-efficient powerplant, it also comes with a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and is equipped with driving assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
Special Features
Reviews
 
The Suzuki Swift is a popular hatchback known for its compact size, efficient performance, and sporty design.Design: The Swift boasts a modern, youthful appearance with sharp lines and a dynamic stance. Its compact size makes it ideal for urban environments, offering a balance between stylish looks and practicality.Features: While not packed with luxury, the Swift offers essential tech such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in higher trims. It’S a solid offering for those looking for a no-frills but functional setup.Performance: The Swift delivers nimble handling and a light, responsive drive, making it perfect for city driving. Its small engine delivers adequate power for daily commutes, but it may feel underpowered on highways or in overtaking situations. Overall, it's fun to drive, especially in tight spaces.Economy: The Swift is highly fuel-efficient, especially with its hybrid version, offering low fuel consumption that appeals to budget-conscious drivers. Its hybrid system significantly improves city mileage, making it an economical choice for urban dwellers.Safety Features: The Swift is equipped with essential safety features, including airbags, ABS, and stability control. However, more advanced features like autonomous emergency braking or lane-keeping assist are not available in all models, which limits its safety tech offerings compared to competitors.Functionality:The compact size of the Swift makes it easy to park and maneuver, perfect for crowded city streets. The interior offers decent space for passengers, though rear-seat legroom can be a bit tight for taller passengers.Value for Money: The Swift is reasonably priced, offering good value for those looking for a budget-friendly car with decent features and excellent fuel efficiency. It's an ideal choice for first-time buyers or those looking for a low-maintenance city car.Consumer Voting: Consumers generally appreciate the Suzuki Swift for its low running costs, reliable performance, and ease of driving. However, some may find the performance lacking for long-distance driving or on highways.The Suzuki Swift is a well-rounded, practical hatchback, ideal for city driving with its fuel efficiency, ease of handling, and com
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It comes with a new engine, a revised and cleaned up exterior, and is now competing for buyers in a high COE environment. How will it stack up?
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Verdict
We all love an underdog story. Think back to shows like Rocky (1976) and The Mighty Ducks (1992), two critically acclaimed masterpieces. Well, we wouldn't go so far as to call the Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid a masterpiece, but it certainly is underrated.

Right, enough with the analogies. Let's talk facts.

In a market filled with vehicles sporting inane features that will probably never see the light of day, the Swift's simplicity comes as a breath of fresh air.

A well-arranged cabin offers up a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a leather wrap multi-function steering wheel to give drivers that gorilla grip. A modern design adorns its exterior, with a mean piano black grille and newly designed headlamps.

With a 1.2-litre three-cylinder powerplant cooking up a maximum output of 82bhp and 112Nm of torque, it isn't exactly “swift”, but it more than makes up for it with ease of handling and the promise of an enjoyable drive, as well as its nimbleness and agility through corners. The five-seater compact car will definitely appeal to new drivers, with its small footprint making it easier to navigate traffic and park.

Given its budget-friendly appeal, successful back-to-basics formula, and its fuel efficiency (20.4km/L), there isn't really much reason not to place it at the top of the pile.