Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid Review - The Hottest of Hybrid Hatchbacks
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
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Ten Second Review
The Suzuki Swift Sport has long been a car embraced by serious drivers who know a great handling hot hatch when they see it and remains so in this improved third generation form. Though not especially powerful, it's agile, chuckable and brilliant fun for not a lot of money. Now, its 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbo engine has gained mild hybrid assistance, which has enhanced torque, efficiency and in-gear acceleration. This car will still be a well-kept secret in this segment, but one loyal buyers will enjoy hugely.
Background
I remember when Hot Hatches weren't all about power. You had a simple, revvy, normally aspirated engine and there was certainly no need to fuss about with extra go-faster gadgetry. Four-wheel drive, trick diffs, double-clutch gearboxes, electronic stability systems - all very nice but all there to add weight and cost to what ought to be a simple, inexpensive formula. You might think that it's too late to turn the clock back in this segment - but Suzuki doesn't, delivering us this car, the third generation Swift Sport, here enhanced with mild hybrid power.
This car remains one that can routinely put the wind up far more exalted machinery but and sits in the warm hatch sector somewhere between the Volkswagen up! GTI and the Ford Fiesta ST.
Driving Experience
The Swift Sport has never been about pure power. Suzuki could easily shoehorn a 200bhp engine into the thing if it pleased, but that would just make it uninsurable for younger drivers. Instead, and rather sensibly, the engine power output of this model has always been modest. For years, this Swift Sport campaigned with a normnally aspirated 1.6 with 134bhp, replaced at this third generation model's launch in 2017 by a 1.4 Boosterjet turbo unit offering 138bhp. This Hybrid model uses an updated 'K14D'-series version of the same Boosterjet engine with 127bhp and that (plus a bit of extra weight) explains why the rest to 62mph sprint time has fallen by a second to 9.1s, though the top speed remains at 130mph.
The eagerness of the original MK3 model remains though, partly because the mild hybrid unit has the ability to 'torque-fill' under acceleration to compensate for turbo lag. And partly because pulling power has actually risen slightly - up from 230 to 235Nm.
Otherwise, the appealing recipe that charmed us with this car back in 2017 remains much as before. Suzuki's emphasis on chassis dynamics for this third generation car serves up impressive levels of poise and control, aided by a bespoke suspension design that
offers driving stability, optimized roll rigidity and a surprisingly high degree of dynamic response. It's all bolted to the same particularly stiff, light 'HEARTECT' platform that underpins the ordinary Swift model. There's a total kerb weight of 1,025kgs, which is 55kgs heavier than the pre-Hybrid model but that still undercuts most warm hatch rivals. Which is why this Suzuki can match the real world performance of its direct competitors, despite offering considerably less power. Have cake; eat it. Simple.
Design and Build
This look of this third generation Swift Sport hasn't changed with its switch into the hybrid era. The front grille and bumper project the nose beyond that of the standard Swift, conveying what the brand hopes is a sense of tautness and imminent action. Muscular shoulders, blacked-out A-pillars and vertically arranged front and rear lamps are brought into vivid relief in this top variant, with black aerodynamic under spoilers spanning the front, sides and rear, and a roof-end spoiler at the back.
Inside, the Japanese designers have tried to create an immersive, interactive sports driving environment, starting with red interior accents and a driver-oriented instrument panel. The main gauges feature contrasting colours, while evocative boost and oil temperature gauges aim to enhance the sports driving experience. Cabin quality can't hope to match that of pricier supermini hot hatch rivals, but it's a big improvement on the previous generation model and the semi-bucket-shaped front seats look good, while the D-shaped steering wheel with dimpled leather gives a secure grip. The chrome-finished shift knob and sports alloy pedals add a final classy touch.
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Extremely thorough. Only a die hard fan would listen. Superbly done. In our part of the world people would think Suzuki sponsored this review. Was wondering how successful was this car in the UK? i.e number of units sold.
Something to remember the quoted performance figures from Suzuki have been well proved to be underestimated, they actually produce just over 150 bhp and at least 1 second quicker to 62 mph
This is the Hybrid downgraded version... I don't know if it has more than the stated 129 horsepower.
Now thats what we call a review thanks for your videos pls continue
Glad you found the review helpful, Nobuhle 👍
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply sharp sharp
Great in depth review! Really professional. Thank you!
Our pleasure, Luka. Glad you enjoyed the review!
Love the styling and the visibility provided by the upright windscreen a la the Mini. Reliability is assured as the swift was declared the 3rd most reliable small car in 2020 what car? reliability survey.
Great review for a truly affordable, enthusiast car.
I recommend the cargo box as an extra. The floor stays flat when flipping the rear seat and you do not have to lift things that high when taking them out of the car.
Thank you for the suggestion, Nico. Hope others find this useful! 👍
I test drove one of these the other day, though I am looking at the previous non-hybrid model, and was pleasantly surprised it felt quite a bit faster than the figures suggest. Quite tuneable, too, with 190bhp easily attainable in the pre-hybrid version, which would transform its sporting credentials.
What is putting me off, however, is the seat height. I am only 5’6 but with the seat on its lowest setting, felt like i was sitting on the car rather than in it. It just felt too high up, resulting also in the gearstick being quite tall, with the resulting long throw letting it down.
Shame… it might still be in the frame, reliability being undoubtedly high, but a Mk7 Fiesta ST is a tough competitor if you disregard the more modern electronics etc.
Great, comprehensive review once again.
Really like the Swift Sport and looks cool in this paint combo. The only real issue for me is the price. If it was about £17k I could be seriously tempted.
Cars won't be as cheap as that again ever especially outside of budget brands of larger manufacturers ... Though I think they need to make another sport model with the Vitara lowering it etc
These are great cars and good value. This version is only 20k in my local UK showroom. This includes red paint. Better than any rival
Hi Phil, if you'd like to explore your vehicle options further, one of our team will be happy to help 👍 Just click this link to book your free consultation with a vehicle expert and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml
Looks great in red
It certainly does, Will!
Nice that it's built in Japan and not built with German parts like the old model
Very thorough. Great video.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! Are you interested in getting this car?
Thanks for the video
No, thank you for watching! 👍
Shame you keep comparing it to the old normally aspirated car rather than it's actual predicessor the 2018/19 model which you've already reviewec
Thank you for the feedback. We are always looking for ways to improve our videos 👍
Has anybody given this model a Remap? and what where the results.
Funny that it’s gone more expensieve in the UK. In the Netherlands it went cheaper since the price here is based on the c02 output.
Hi Elco, do you drive a Suzuki Swift? If so how do you find it?
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply actually I ordered one today. I have driven it to test and compared to a Mazda 2 and a Ford Fiesta ST line hybrid with 125hp. But the swift sport stood out on all factors but the sound system.
I will receive mine next year and will let u guys know how it holds up.
Same here in New Zealand. A new non hybrid sport cost me only £15000 .
All it lack is lil bit more power and it would've been everywhere
I bought same color car metallic pearl red black pearl top Its just 2021 Swift Hybrid not Sport - 15 000e 😍
I wonder if it has an AV radar to help for the parking ?; Thx for your video.
Hi there, if you live in the UK one of our Vehicle Specialists will be more than happy to look into this for you 👍 Fill-in this quick form and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml
Do they add engine noise through speakers inside the car?
No they don’t, the sound of the exhaust is natural, quite light but nice from 3000 revs.
Great car
It certainly is! ❤️️
this car would have been very cool if it came with automatic with the gear shifters in the steering wheel.
Why does this car need regular garage visits. I mean the way it was said too.
They are supposed to be reliable although my Swift has had a few issues. I wouldnt get another.
@@oddities-whatnot what year was yours?
£21k must be having a laugh...
it's now over 22k
How do i order this car from online ?
Please help me out?
Hi there Zuben, thanks for watching! If you're struggling to find what you want, our Vehicle Specialists are more than happy to help. Fill in this quick form and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml
its 2022 and they still havent brought this to the philippines..
Sorry to hear that - we hope it makes its way there soon! 👍
"Super Mini" 😂😂😂😂😂😂
the emergency collision warner is the biggest crap I ever saw. they only built it in because according to the latest law the can not sell the car without anymore. if this option helps or - in this case - brings the driver into serious danger obviously does not matter. -.-
gave up watching...too many ads
Thanks for the feedback and sorry to hear you were put off by the number of ads. We'll see what we can do.
Suzuki Swift infotainment screens are rubbish. Slow and unresponsive sometimes, plus radio presets, phone and CarPlay connection disappear and fail to register randomly for no reason. Ive had to reset mine three times in the last year. Utter rubbish. Its not worth me losing a days pay taking it in to get it fixed. I was possibly interested in the Vitara allgrip auto 1.4 next but I tested one the other day, and it has the same infotainment screen and the whole package is just not quite good enough. Its a nice car but its lighter than it looks and the front feels the road imperfections too easily and steering is a bit numb. For ride comfort an SUV needs to be quite heavy and to have big tyres to soak everything up, not big alloys and low profile tyres. As an example, if you try the Mokka with both size wheels, the smaller size gives a far better ride. Worst SUV I ever drove was a new Range Rover with massive alloys. Bloody awful ride quality. Pointless bling. As some may know im a Subaru fan and the new Forester for me would be the non premium version as it gets 17inch wheels instead of 18 on the premium model. Better ride. If you look at old Land Rovers etc, they all had big tyres and smallish steel wheels. They did that for a reason. Lots of rubber to cushion the ride and the occupants. Sorry for going off topic on a Swift Sport Hybrid video :D
Not bad
cool car?
It needs 1000 HP and 5 speed
Stop calling this a hot hatch ! This is a slooooow car ! Hot hatch acceleration is lass than 7s to 62 m/h
I believe you are saying this because you have never driven it ... Very fast car, with more horsepower than Suzuky declared, 0-100 real, well under him 8 seconds ...It weighs little, more than a thousand kg, and driving it is a pleasure and a great pleasure, especially in the roads full of curves and in the fast mixed ...
Yes its slow compared to a Golf R. Its fast compared to my mark two Golf GTI that I had in the early 90s, so whats your point ? None.
This is a slow car, I wouldn't be seen dead in this 😂😂😂
@Simon George You're comparing it to a golf built 20 years ago?? I think that's the whole point - it's slow in terms of todays cars 😂. The "speed" is laughable.
fun is more important than speed and this car is fun whats not to like? If it's not fast enough Go get an A45 then lol
What a waste of a hybrid unit sticking in that!!!!!!
Made of cardboard.
It's sadly become very ugly
That happened to me once. I got a new girlfriend.