Introduction: The Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid – A Fun, Affordable Hot Hatch
The Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid has always been a favorite for driving enthusiasts who crave an agile, fun-to-drive hot hatch. With its lightweight design and engaging performance, it stands out among the crowd, even as new competitors emerge. Now, with the introduction of mild hybrid technology, Suzuki is evolving this third-generation Swift Sport to keep up with the times. But does the hybrid addition enhance the car’s driving dynamics and efficiency, or does it weigh down its lively spirit?
In this review, we’ll dive into the key features of the Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid and explore why it remains one of the most exciting and affordable hot hatches on the market.
Design: Compact and Sporty
The Suzuki Swift Sport has a signature look that combines sportiness with practicality. The design of the third-generation Swift Sport Hybrid carries forward its **50 mm extended length** compared to the standard Swift, with a lower stance that gives it a more aggressive road presence. The **blacked-out A-pillars**, **muscular shoulders**, and **under-spoilers** add to its sporty appeal.
At the front, the **full LED headlamps** and redesigned grille create a bold, confident face. The **17-inch alloy wheels**, equipped with **285 mm ventilated discs**, add to the car’s assertive yet understated style. The rear features a **roof spoiler** and **twin circular exhaust pipes**, giving the car a racier finish. All in all, the Swift Sport looks the part, and its design hints at the fun that lies underneath the hood.
Interior: Sporty and Driver-Focused
Step inside the Swift Sport Hybrid, and you’ll be greeted with a cabin designed for the driver. **Bucket sport seats** with red stitching provide excellent support during spirited drives, and the **leather-trimmed sport steering wheel** feels great in hand. The cabin isn’t luxurious, but it does a good job of making you feel like you’re in a performance car, thanks to elements like **aluminum pedals** and a **chrome-accented gear knob**.
The **7-inch infotainment touchscreen** offers features like **Apple CarPlay**, **Android Auto**, and **navigation**, but its graphics feel a bit dated. The instrument cluster is home to a **4.2-inch color display**, which shows important driving data such as **G-force readings**, **turbo boost levels**, and the workings of the mild hybrid system.
Performance: Lightweight, Agile, and Electrified
The heart of the Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid lies in its **1.4-liter Boosterjet turbocharged engine**, which now incorporates **48-volt mild hybrid technology**. While the hybrid setup adds about **50 kg** to the car’s overall weight, it helps improve **low-end torque** and fuel efficiency. The engine produces **129 PS** (down from 140 PS in the non-hybrid version), but the real story is the torque—**235 Nm**—which makes the car feel punchy in everyday driving.
Despite the slight power reduction, the Swift Sport Hybrid still manages a **0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds** and a **top speed of 130 mph**. These figures may not seem mind-blowing, but what the Swift Sport lacks in raw power, it makes up for in agility and responsiveness. The car weighs just over **1,000 kg**, which is significantly lighter than many of its competitors, allowing it to dart through corners with ease.
Handling: Light and Chuckable
The Swift Sport Hybrid’s handling is one of its standout qualities. Thanks to its **Monroe shock absorbers** and **stiff front suspension**, the car feels composed and connected to the road, even when pushed hard. There’s a bit of initial lean when entering corners, but the chassis quickly settles in, delivering plenty of grip and confidence.
The **variable ratio steering** is sharp and responsive, making the Swift Sport a joy to drive on twisty roads. While it may lack the outright precision of more expensive hot hatches like the **Ford Fiesta ST**, it delivers a level of engagement that’s hard to match at this price point.
Mild Hybrid Technology: What Does It Add?
The Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid uses a **48-volt mild hybrid system** to improve efficiency and low-end performance. This system doesn’t allow the car to run on electric power alone, but it does provide useful enhancements like **torque fill**, which smooths out acceleration at low speeds, and **torque boost**, which helps the car feel more responsive in everyday driving.
While the hybrid system adds a bit of weight, it helps the Swift Sport achieve better fuel economy. According to Suzuki, the car now manages **50.1 mpg** on the combined cycle, with **127 g/km of CO2 emissions**. This is a noticeable improvement over the previous non-hybrid model, which achieved **47.1 mpg** and **135 g/km of CO2**. The hybrid system also allows the Swift Sport to coast at low speeds (under 10 mph) using electric power alone, further aiding efficiency in stop-start traffic.
Safety Features: Packed with Advanced Tech
Suzuki has equipped the Swift Sport Hybrid with an impressive array of safety features, many of which are not commonly found in this price bracket. The car comes with **adaptive cruise control**, **autonomous emergency braking**, **lane departure warning**, and even a **weaving alert**, which detects driver drowsiness. The **rear cross-traffic alert** and **blind-spot monitoring** are also valuable additions that enhance the car’s everyday usability.
This comprehensive safety package makes the Swift Sport Hybrid one of the most well-equipped small hot hatches in terms of driver assistance technologies.
Conclusion: A Fun, Efficient Hot Hatch Worth Considering
The Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid offers a unique combination of lightweight agility, modern efficiency, and everyday practicality. While it may not be the most powerful hot hatch on the market, its nimble handling and responsive nature make it a joy to drive, especially on winding roads. The addition of mild hybrid technology enhances both fuel economy and low-speed drivability without sacrificing the car’s fun factor.
At around **£22,000**, the Swift Sport Hybrid is priced competitively, especially considering its high level of standard equipment and advanced safety features. If you’re looking for a hot hatch that’s affordable to buy and run, while still offering plenty of thrills, the Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid is definitely worth a closer look.
To see the Swift Sport Hybrid in action, check out this in-depth video review: Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid Full Review.