Review
My first few weeks driving AM's new long-term test Suzuki Swace, notching up a 62mpg average fuel economy, have been quietly satisfying when most of the national media's motor-related headlines are about electric vehicles, range anxiety or charging points.
Introduced in 2020 as Suzuki's version of the Toyota Corolla Tourer, built in the UK at Burnaston, the Swace estate car is a really useful addition to Suzuki dealers' showrooms in that it has the abundant space and practicality that appeals to small and medium families.
After an update in spring 2023, its appeal is in its modest pricing - starting at £28,999 - and the heavily upgraded 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, which has 15% more power than before while keeping fuel station stops as infrequent as possible.
I think it looks pretty classy too.
In fact, as was writing this, a LinkedIn post by Carl Winter, general manager at Montys of Sheffield pretty much agreed with me.
Winter noted: "We started off the day by selling a Swace Ultra to a Motability customer. They liked the smoothness and specification levels of the Swace, which was great to hear as this car is often overlooked and it is such a fantastic car."
The Ultra is the higher of the two specifications offered in the Swace line-up, and it's the one I'm driving over the coming months. With the UK's trend for SUVs replacing many saloons and estates I can see how Swace gets overlooked, so Suzuki and its network is working hard to get this car onto consideration lists.
It aims for 2,000 full-year sales of the Suzuki Swace.
Currently there is a £2,000 deposit contribution on offer with a 7.9% APR personal contract purchase (PCP) or Suzuki offers a 42-month personal contract hire (PCH) example at £390 per month.
The lower-trim Motion model is already loaded with great kit such as a parking camera, keyless entry and start, heated steering wheel and front seats and a 7in LCD multi-info dash display.
But the Ultra goes further, for just £1,800 more, with front and rear parking sensors, a wireless smartphone charger in the centre console, bi-LED headlamps, ambient cabin lighting and leather armrests.
Connect a smartphone via a USB-C cable to the port beside the glovebox and buyers can use Android Auto on its 8in multimedia system too.
Extra safety systems are added to Ultra too, including blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and safe exit alert to stop passengers egressing the car dangerously into the path of oncoming vehicles or cyclists.
Over the coming months I'll put more of the Suzuki Swace's abilities to the test. Safety systems excepted, I hope.
Suzuki Swace 1.8 hybrid Ultra
- Price £30,799 (as tested +£600 metallic paint)
- Powertrain: 1.8-litre petrol engine, 70kW electric motor, CVT transmission
- Combined WLTP fuel economy: 62.7mpg
- CO2 emissions 102g/km
- Acceleration 0-62mph 9.4 seconds
- Top speed 112mph
An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
