Suzuki Swace SZ5 1.8 Hybrid Review

When it comes to hybrid family cars, the Suzuki Swace SZ5 1.8 Hybrid might not be the first name that comes to mind—but it should be. Sharing its DNA with the well-known Toyota Corolla, the Swace benefits from Toyota’s hybrid technology, wrapped up in Suzuki’s own unique styling and practicality. Offering a smooth ride, ample space, and hybrid efficiency, the Swace is an impressive all-rounder that caters to families and eco-conscious drivers alike.

For families in need of a practical estate, the Swace offers a generous amount of space, both in the boot and the cabin, along with a smooth and comfortable ride.

Powertrain and Performance

At the heart of the Suzuki Swace SZ5 is a 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid engine. It delivers 122 brake horsepower, which might seem modest for a car of its size, but in everyday driving, it performs admirably. The hybrid system ensures smooth acceleration and keeps fuel consumption low, making it ideal for city commutes and long-distance cruising. The Swace is equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which ensures seamless power delivery and makes driving a relaxed experience.

While the Swace isn’t a performance car, it handles everyday driving scenarios with ease. Whether you're cruising on the motorway or navigating urban streets, the car feels composed. The suspension system is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps effortlessly and providing a smooth, refined ride. It may not be the sportiest option on the market, but if you’re after a comfortable, quiet journey, the Swace excels.

Practicality and Space

One of the Swace’s strongest points is its practicality, particularly when it comes to interior space. The boot offers a generous 597 litres of storage, more than enough for most family needs, from grocery runs to family vacations. The rear seats are easy to fold flat, providing a massive load space of 186cm in length, perfect for larger items or bulkier loads.

Inside, the cabin is spacious, with plenty of legroom in both the front and rear seats. Taller passengers may find headroom slightly limited in the back, but for most, it offers a comfortable ride. The seats themselves are incredibly supportive, with the front seats featuring adjustable lumbar support—a great feature for long drives.

Comfort and Interior Design

The Suzuki Swace SZ5 impresses with its well-thought-out, comfortable interior. The materials used in the cabin feel premium, and everything is ergonomically laid out. The steering wheel, while slightly busy with controls, feels great in hand, and all the buttons are intuitively placed.

One of the standout features of the interior is the level of comfort the seats provide. The cloth seats are exceptionally comfortable, and the driver’s seat comes with electric lumbar support, ensuring you stay relaxed on long journeys. Whether you're commuting or road-tripping, the Swace makes sure you’re always in comfort.

Technology and Infotainment

When it comes to technology, the Swace SZ5 offers a solid mix of features. The infotainment system is borrowed from the Toyota Corolla, and while it doesn’t come with built-in navigation, it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. For many drivers, this is actually an advantage, as smartphone connectivity often provides a more user-friendly experience than traditional onboard navigation systems.

The infotainment system is paired with a decent-sized touchscreen, making it easy to control your media, apps, and phone functions. The cabin also includes a wireless charging pad, heated seat controls, and a drive mode selector, all laid out in an intuitive and accessible way.

Driving Experience

The driving experience in the Suzuki Swace is all about comfort and ease. Its hybrid powertrain is quiet and efficient, delivering a smooth driving experience, whether you're cruising at speed or navigating stop-and-go traffic. Despite its relatively low power output of 122 horsepower, the Swace doesn’t feel underpowered in typical driving conditions. It’s responsive enough for city driving and has no trouble maintaining speed on highways.

One of the Swace’s most impressive features is its ride quality. The suspension is soft, making even the bumpiest roads feel smooth and controlled. The car handles well too, with minimal body roll even when cornering at speed, which is a pleasant surprise for such a comfort-oriented vehicle.

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs

As a hybrid, the Swace SZ5 delivers excellent fuel efficiency, which will appeal to drivers looking to keep running costs down. Whether you’re using it primarily for short city trips or longer motorway drives, the hybrid system helps to maximize fuel savings. The car also benefits from low CO2 emissions, making it an attractive choice for environmentally conscious drivers.

Downsides?

The Swace SZ5 doesn’t have many notable drawbacks. One small inconvenience is that to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you’ll need to connect your phone with a cable rather than wirelessly, which might feel a little dated in an era of increasing wireless functionality. Additionally, if you frequently need to accommodate three adults in the back seats, it may feel a little cramped. The Swace is spacious for a typical family setup, but those regularly needing extra rear-seat capacity might find it limited.

Final Verdict: Is the Suzuki Swace SZ5 for You?

The Suzuki Swace SZ5 1.8 Hybrid is a fantastic choice for those who value reliability, comfort, and practicality in a family car. It’s not the car for you if you crave thrilling performance or sporty handling, but if you're after a dependable, fuel-efficient, and spacious vehicle that’s easy to drive and comfortable on long journeys, it ticks all the right boxes.

For families in need of a practical estate, the Swace offers a generous amount of space, both in the boot and the cabin, along with a smooth and comfortable ride. Add in the hybrid efficiency and you’ve got a car that’s economical to run without compromising on the essentials. In a world where reliability, comfort, and practicality are paramount, the Suzuki Swace SZ5 stands out as a solid choice.

So, if you're on the lookout for a new family car, or perhaps considering a switch to hybrid driving, the Suzuki Swace should definitely be on your radar.

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