Suzuki Swace Review: Unveiling the Upgraded Hybrid Estate

• Watch the Suzuki Swace review
• How is the driving experience?
• What is the design like?
• What trims are available?
• How much does the Suzuki Swace cost?
• Suzuki Swace Review Conclusion

What will this Suzuki Swace review unveil about the upgraded hybrid estate? Read on to find out…

Suzuki has embarked on an electrifying journey, electrifying its entire range and expanding its offerings with a little assistance from technical collaborator Toyota.

In 2020, Suzuki introduced the Swace, the second model resulting from their partnership with Toyota.

This intriguingly named model borrowed the design of the well-respected Toyota Corolla Touring Sports estate, marking Suzuki’s entrance into the competitive C-segment compact estate sector.

Now, with an updated version boasting a punchier hybrid engine, enhanced equipment, and improved cabin features, the Swace aims to carve its niche. The question remains: Can it convincingly capture the attention of new Suzuki enthusiasts? 

Interested in watching our comprehensive YouTube review of the Suzuki Swace? Discover everything you need to know by watching our review below:

When is a Suzuki not quite a Suzuki? For those familiar with mainstream Suzuki vehicles, the answer lies in the Swace.  

This model represents Suzuki’s adaptation of the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports estate, a result of their collaboration with Toyota.  

Launched in 2023, this upgraded Swace continues the trend of shared product designs, where visible differences are minimal, maintaining the illusion of distinctiveness.  

In 2020, Suzuki turned to Toyota to quickly address its average CO2 output and compliance with European regulations, resulting in the birth of the Swace.  

Despite subtle design variations, the Swace remains unmistakably the estate version of the Toyota Corolla, a model recognized for its self-charging full hybrid engine. 

The Swace, like its predecessor, is proudly British-built by Toyota in Derbyshire. Suzuki’s foray into the C-segment compact estate market, absent since the early 2000s, now boasts the added allure of electrified technology.  

With this significant upgrade, Suzuki aims to reshape its prospects in this segment.

The looming question is whether this refreshed model can truly make a difference, a question that can only be answered through a meticulous examination of its driving experience, design, and overall market positioning. 

How is the driving experience?

So, what’s new under the bonnet of this improved Swace? Stepping into the driver’s seat and pressing the power button, the familiar beep and green ready message greet you.  

Suzuki, true to its commitment, has revamped the smaller of the two hybrid engines inherited from the Toyota Corolla donor model. The 1.8 L VVTi full hybrid power plant has undergone significant changes, boasting an electric motor output increase from 53 kW to 70 kW.  

This 23 horsepower boost results in enhanced torque, climbing from 163 to 185 newton meters. The outcome? A Swace that feels more responsive and boasts a quicker 0-62 mph time, reduced from 11.1 to 9.4 seconds. 

The combined system output now stands at an impressive 140 horsepower, up from the previous 122 horsepower.

While the top speed remains capped at 111 mph, the drive is facilitated through a CVT auto gearbox, devoid of paddle shifters.

The real significance lies in the recalibrated accelerator response, addressing the previous model’s occasional disconnected feeling between the throttle pedal, transmission, and powertrain.

The driving experience has been fine-tuned to better suit diverse scenarios, from stop-start traffic to changes in speed limits.

The acceleration now adapts seamlessly to uphill and downhill driving, creating a more natural and less noisy highway experience. 

The three selectable drive settings—normal, eco, and sport—provide tailored experiences for different driving needs. The inclusion of a fully electric EV mode caters to those moments when silent or emission-free running is preferred.

This feature proves beneficial for inner-city work, early morning starts, or late-night journeys, contributing to environmental sustainability.

However, the occasional uncertainties of the CVT transmission and background noise persist, prompting contemplation on the potential improvements with a dual-clutch auto gearbox, as seen in hybrids from other manufacturers. 

What is the design like?

Visual changes to the updated Swace are subtle, with slight exterior styling tweaks and alterations to lighting finishes. While it remains an almost carbon copy of its Toyota Corolla Touring Sports cousin, the Swace distinguishes itself through a distinct nose design and Suzuki badging.

The exterior features a strong dynamic crease flowing from the front wheel arch towards the rear, complemented by standard 16-inch alloy wheels. At the front, Suzuki has subtly redesigned the central and side intakes, adding a prominent brand badge. 

The daytime running light signature and LED headlights have received attention, along with redesigned lower fog lamp bezels. The rear, though cleanly styled, showcases a small bumper redesign and rounded shaping facilitated by a resin material tailgate.

The all-LED rear lamp clusters emphasize a wider stance, and a roof spoiler with a shark fin-style aerial adds a sporty touch. The improved Swace stands on the sturdy foundation of Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, ensuring a solid base for its estate aspirations. 

Inside, the cabin resonates with familiarity for those acquainted with the Corolla Touring Sports. The driver is greeted by a user-friendly and ergonomically sound environment. The eight-inch LCD color screen dominates the center of the dashboard, showcasing the infotainment system’s capabilities.

This system includes support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, and communication. Additionally, the inclusion of a rearview camera enhances convenience during parking maneuvers. 

The cabin layout provides a comfortable driving position with well-bolstered seats, contributing to a pleasant journey.

The interior boasts an ambiance of quality, with soft-touch materials and intuitive controls. Practical storage solutions, including door pockets, cup holders, and a central storage compartment, enhance the daily driving experience.

While the front accommodates occupants with ease, rear passenger space may be perceived as slightly tight for taller individuals. 

The Swace excels in delivering on its estate promises, providing a generous boot space of 596 liters with the rear seats in place. The flat load space, made possible by the lowered floor height and the absence of a load lip, contributes to easy loading and unloading of luggage.

Folding the rear seats down increases the cargo space to an impressive 1,606 liters, making the Swace a practical choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or those with a penchant for road trips. 

What trims are available?

The Swace lineup caters to various preferences and budgets, with two distinct trims available. The entry-level Motion trim, priced at £29,000, offers a comprehensive package of features, making it an attractive option for those seeking value for money.

The Ultra trim, the top-tier variant, extends the luxury and convenience elements with additional enhancements. The Motion trim includes features such as dual-zone automatic air conditioning, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment, a rearview camera, and keyless entry. 

For those seeking a more upscale experience, the Ultra trim, priced higher at around £31,000, adds indulgences like a premium JBL audio system, satellite navigation, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and heated front seats.

While the Ultra trim enhances the Swace’s luxury quotient, the Motion trim remains a compelling choice for those desiring the core features of a hybrid estate without breaking the bank. 

Comparisons within the C-segment estate market inevitably lead potential buyers to consider alternative models. The Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, as the Swace’s sibling, shares its foundation but is distinguished by unique design elements and specifications.  

Other contenders in this competitive segment include the Ford Focus estate, the Volkswagen Golf estate, the SEAT Leon estate, and the Skoda Octavia estate.

Each model brings its own set of strengths, be it performance, design, or practicality, creating a diverse landscape for consumers to explore. 

The Swace’s appeal lies not just in its design or features but also in its efficient full hybrid technology. The partnership with Toyota, renowned for its hybrid expertise, ensures that the Swace is equipped with a reliable and proven powertrain.

Suzuki’s foray into the hybrid market positions the Swace as a contender that marries practical estate design with the benefits of hybrid efficiency. With a focus on offering a well-rounded driving experience and competitive pricing, the Swace stakes its claim in the diverse and demanding C-segment estate market. 

How much does the Suzuki Swace cost?

A crucial aspect of the Swace’s attractiveness lies in its cost of ownership. Efficiency is undeniably the Swace’s forte, evident in its commendable combined fuel economy of 62.7 MPG.  

The self-charging hybrid system optimises battery usage, ensuring a smooth transition between electric and petrol power. The Swace achieves low emissions, with figures as low as 102 g/km, aligning with contemporary environmental standards. 

The hybrid system’s design ensures optimal utilisation of electric power, contributing to a notable electric-only driving range. In mixed driving conditions, the Swace demonstrates its capability to cover 60-65% of journeys under electric power alone, significantly reducing tailpipe emissions.

The efficient deployment of the electric motor enhances fuel efficiency, and the Swace comfortably covers up to 80% of daily commutes solely on electric power, further reinforcing its eco-friendly credentials. 

Driving tools embedded within the Swace assist the driver in maximising efficiency. Eco-driving modes, regenerative braking, and an EcoZone scoring system provide real-time feedback on driving habits, encouraging a more economical driving style.

The Swace aims to be more than just a practical estate; it strives to be a conscious choice for those mindful of their environmental impact. 

Suzuki Swace Review Conclusion

To summarise the Suzuki Swace review, this model emerges as a compelling choice in the hybrid estate segment. With its blend of practicality, style, and fuel efficiency, it stands as a testament to Suzuki’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

While its roots echo those of the Corolla, the Swace differentiates itself with an upgraded hybrid engine, driving enhancements, and thoughtful design tweaks. It caters to a diverse audience, from families seeking a versatile estate to eco-conscious drivers prioritising fuel efficiency. 

The Swace proves that Suzuki, in collaboration with Toyota, has successfully revitalised its range, embracing the shift towards electrification.

It invites enthusiasts to reevaluate their perception of the Suzuki brand, showcasing its ability to deliver a refined driving experience.

The Swace isn’t merely a practical choice; it’s a statement—an assertion that Suzuki can compete and excel in the ever-evolving landscape of hybrid and electric vehicles.

As Suzuki continues to chart its course in the automotive industry, the Swace serves as a milestone, marking the brand’s foray into the realm of electrified estates with style, substance, and a commitment to a greener future.