Skip advert
Advertisement
Road tests

New Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid 2020 review

Hybrid power is a real boost for the Suzuki Swift Sport hot hatch, but it comes at a cost

Overall Auto Express Rating

3.0 out of 5

Find your Suzuki Swift
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
9/10 sellers got the price they expected
Advertisement

Verdict

Mild-hybrid power means the Suzuki Swift Sport is a small hot hatch that will induce a smile and be cheap to run, but you’ll have to pay more than ever from the outset. The Swift’s unique selling point has always been its cracking value for money, but the even higher price tag now places it right in the firing line of rivals like the brilliant Fiesta ST. That’s a car that’ll more than match the Suzuki for entertainment, while roundly thumping it for quality. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Suzuki Swift Sport has forged a reputation as a lightweight, no-nonsense and affordable hot hatchback. But with emissions regulations tightening, and electrification becoming a key theme across Suzuki’s range, 2020 sees the hot version of the Swift become the final vehicle in the brand’s line-up to get hybrid power.

Alongside the Japanese model’s 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine is a new belt-driven starter generator supported by a 48-volt electrical system, and a small battery under the driver’s seat.

It’s a big update for a small performance car, and the mild-hybrid set-up results in some fairly drastic alterations to the Swift’s power, acceleration and economy. Overall it drops from 138bhp to 127bhp, but torque increases to 235Nm and is available lower down in the rev band, from 2,000rpm. The extra torque is a result of the electrical boost from the 48-volt system, which also helps lower the engine’s workload.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

With the new tech in place, plus a seamless stop/start system, Suzuki says this is a hot hatch that will return more than 50mpg. That’s impressive for a car of this type, and based on our assessment, you’ll probably get very close to that figure with little effort. Fuel economy in the high 40s is easily achievable and you don’t need to nurse the Swift along to get it. So far, so good.

Top speed remains 130mph, but the 0-62mph dash increases by a full second to 9.1 seconds. That’s because, as well as power being down, weight is also up, due to the additional bulk of the new mild-hybrid system. That’s not a combination you want to see in a hot hatchback.

Advertisement - Article continues below

On the road, the changes made to the powertrain are evident. While the 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine still has an appetite for revs, there’s a notable lack of punch from the turbocharged motor. It doesn’t have that zip or sense of urgency you would expect from a car like the Swift Sport.

Another major difference comes in the form of energy recuperation. Lifting off the throttle is now met with a small amount of resistance as the car reclaims lost energy and stores it in the battery pack for use during acceleration. It’s not too obtrusive but it can’t be altered or turned off, so it’s a trait of the Swift Sport Hybrid that you’ll have to get used to. The brakes themselves also feel a little grabby in use.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

At least the weighting of the other controls is well judged. The gearbox isn’t the best in the business, but it’s got an accurate throw and snappy, short ratios, while the pedals are nicely set up for heel-and-toe shifting. The steering offers little to no feedback through the wheel, but at least it’s quick and accurate. Even though the Swift Sport is now heavier it’s still very easy to get into a decent flow, thanks to a well balanced chassis that allows the car to glide over bumps courtesy of its supple damping. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The only visual change you’ll find on the Swift Sport is the hybrid badging. The hatch keeps its distinctive bodykit with dual exhausts, and even the 17-inch wheels are unchanged. Buyers can choose from six bright body colours at no cost, including vibrant Champion Yellow.

In the cabin, the driver’s seat sits slightly higher than before due to the battery that is stowed underneath, but like the exterior, you’ll find no changes in design or material feel. The pair of racy but supportive front sports seats are a highlight, but elsewhere the styling feels a little dated, while cheap-feeling plastics are used throughout.

The central touchscreen is responsive but the menus and overall look aren’t up to the minute. However, you can bypass this and use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto instead, which come as standard.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

With the hybrid’s battery packaged under the driver’s seat, boot space is unaffected by the powertrain upgrades. That means the Swift Sport retains its rather small 265-litre load bay with all seats in place. It still sits at the smaller end of the supermini market, where most rivals get closer to or eclipse the 300-litre mark.

As part of the 2020 update, the level of standard equipment on the Swift Sport has also increased. New kit includes adaptive cruise control, LED headlights and a reversing camera. Many driver assistance and safety features are now standard, too, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross- traffic alert and traffic sign recognition.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This equipment boost, in tandem with the new hybrid technology, means that the price of the Swift Sport jumps to a whopping £21,570. And therein lies a problem – even before the price rise, there were already concerns that the Suzuki was too expensive to be considered a credible alternative to rivals such as the Ford Fiesta ST.

That near-£4,000 price hike means the little Suzuki is only a few quid shy of the more powerful and more entertaining Fiesta ST-2. The monthly PCP deals swing in the Swift’s favour but only by £20 per month; on a standard three-year/36,000-mile deal with a 10 per cent deposit, you’ll pay £335 for the Suzuki and £353 for the Ford.

If performance is your priority, we’d recommend you find the extra cash for the Fiesta ST, because it’s an exceptional small hot hatch. The Swift’s bloated price tag and now compromised performance move it into a no man’s land; priced like an ST, but only a match for the £6,000 cheaper Volkswagen up! GTI in the performance stakes.

Model:Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid
Price:£21,570
Engine:1.4-litre 4cyl, turbo MHEV
Power/torque:127bhp/235Nm
Transmission:Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive 
0-62mph:9.1 seconds
Top speed:130mph
Economy:50.1mpg
CO2:127g/km
On sale:Now
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on Swift Sport

New 2020 Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid launched
News
18 Mar 2020

New 2020 Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid launched

The Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid adds a dinky electric motor to its turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
Suzuki Swift Sport: long-term test review
Suzuki Swift Sport - final report header
Long-term tests
25 Mar 2019

Suzuki Swift Sport: long-term test review

Final report: Over eight months, our Suzuki Swift Sport hot hatch has been a tasty treat
Suzuki Swift Sport vs Volkswagen up! GTI vs Ford Fiesta
Suzuki Swift Sport vs Volkswagen up! GTI vs Ford Fiesta ST-Line - header
Car group tests
17 Jun 2018

Suzuki Swift Sport vs Volkswagen up! GTI vs Ford Fiesta

We see if Suzuki’s new Swift Sport can repeat past glories as it faces VW and Ford
Skip advert
Advertisement
Suzuki Swift Sport
Suzuki Swift Sport - front
Best cars & vans
23 May 2018

Suzuki Swift Sport

Suzuki’s fun Swift Sport returns, albeit it’s slightly more expensive than the previous model
New Suzuki Swift Sport 2018 review
Suzuki Swift Sport - front
Road tests
22 May 2018

New Suzuki Swift Sport 2018 review

Price drop makes the Suzuki Swift Sport a vastly more tempting prospect. Grab a bargain while you can...
Suzuki Swift Sport - best hot hatchbacks 2017
Suzuki Swift Sport five-door front tracking
Best cars & vans
10 Jan 2017

Suzuki Swift Sport - best hot hatchbacks 2017

A rev-happy naturally aspirated 1.6 adds some sparkle to Suzuki's supermini
Suzuki Swift Sport (2012-2017) review
In-depth reviews
9 Jun 2015

Suzuki Swift Sport (2012-2017) review

The Suzuki Swift Sport provides pocket rocket-style driving thrills to match the MINI, but costs a fraction of the price
Suzuki Swift Sport 5 door 2014 review
Suzuki Swift Sport 5 door 2014 front cornering
Road tests
3 Feb 2014

Suzuki Swift Sport 5 door 2014 review

We drive updated 2014 Suzuki Swift Sport, which now gets sat-nav and DAB radio
Suzuki Swift Sport 5dr review
Road tests
30 Jul 2013

Suzuki Swift Sport 5dr review

Pocket rocket gets more practical, but is still fun to drive
Skip advert
Advertisement
Suzuki Swift Sport SZ-R
Suzuki Swift Sport SZ-R front tracking
Road tests
15 Apr 2013

Suzuki Swift Sport SZ-R

The limited-edition Suzuki Swift Sport SZ-R adds a dose of exclusivity to the fun hatchback
Suzuki Swift Sport: Final report
Suzuki Swift Sport front cornering
Long-term tests
18 Feb 2013

Suzuki Swift Sport: Final report

After nine months of thrilling driving, we say goodbye to our Swift Sport
Skip advert
Advertisement
Suzuki Swift Sport: Fourth report
Suzuki Swift Sport front static
Long-term tests
26 Nov 2012

Suzuki Swift Sport: Fourth report

Who needs carrots? We can see clearly with our Swift’s superb headlights
Suzuki Swift Sport: Third report
Suzuki Swift Sport
Long-term tests
10 Oct 2012

Suzuki Swift Sport: Third report

Swift Sport feels light and agile – and the handbook confirms it’s a featherweight in its class
Suzuki Swift Sport: Second report
Suzuki Swift Sport front
Long-term tests
30 Jul 2012

Suzuki Swift Sport: Second report

Our road test editor has the biggest smile in town, and it's all down to the fun-focused pocket rocket