Driving the relatively new Suzuki Swift Hybrid five-door hatchback – available in
three models, I drove the top-line GLX. The latest Suzuki Swift now in its fourth
generation comes only in hybrid form – combining a 1.2-litre three-cylinder
engine with what’s described as a mild hybrid system – a 2.3kW integrated starter
generator and a 12-volt lithium-ion battery. The GLX grade at $29,490 drive-away
sharply priced and highly equipped, with CVT transmission and manual shift
paddles, larger 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air, and wireless phone
charging. The latest Swift looks little different to its predecessor. Despite the
hybrid tag there is no EV-only motoring, this is predominately a petrol car with
minimal electric motor torque – as such the drive feels little different to a pure
petrol model - the three-cylinder engine has a distinct hum to it while with an all-
up weight of just 957kg the Swift GLX automatic is a particularly nimble small car
around town. I managed 5.3L/100km and whilst that’s impressive it does need a
diet of dearer 95-octane petrol. A pleasant small hatchback in many ways, well
priced, highly equipped with safety and driving technology but some elements of
this latest Suzuki Swift hybrid left me thinking it was becoming a little dated. I’m
David Berthon

Driving the relatively new Suzuki Swift Hybrid five-door hatchback – available in three models, I drove the top-line GLX. The latest Suzuki Swift now in its fourth generation comes only in hybrid form – combining a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine with what’s described as a mild hybrid system – a 2.3kW integrated starter generator and a 12-volt lithium-ion battery. The GLX grade at $29,490 drive-away sharply priced and highly equipped, with CVT transmission and manual shift paddles, larger 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air, and wireless phone charging. The latest Swift looks little different to its predecessor. Despite the hybrid tag there is no EV-only motoring, this is predominately a petrol car with minimal electric motor torque – as such the drive feels little different to a pure petrol model - the three-cylinder engine has a distinct hum to it while with an all- up weight of just 957kg the Swift GLX automatic is a particularly nimble small car around town. I managed 5.3L/100km and whilst that’s impressive it does need a diet of dearer 95-octane petrol. A pleasant small hatchback in many ways, well priced, highly equipped with safety and driving technology but some elements of this latest Suzuki Swift hybrid left me thinking it was becoming a little dated. I’m David Berthon

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

Motor Torque with David Berthon

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873 

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873&nbsp;

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