Introduction

The Suzuki Swift Sport has always been a beloved car among driving enthusiasts who appreciate a great-handling hot hatch. While it may not be the most powerful in its class, its agility, chuckability, and sheer fun make it stand out. Now, with the third-generation Swift Sport, Suzuki has introduced mild hybrid technology to its 1.4-liter BoosterJet turbo engine. This addition promises to improve torque, efficiency, and in-gear acceleration. But does the hybrid technology enhance the Swift Sport or take away from its playful nature? Let’s dive into the details and find out.

A Legacy of Fun and Agility

The Suzuki Swift Sport has always offered a simple, lightweight hot hatch formula, and this third-generation version carries that legacy forward. With a turbocharged engine and mild hybrid technology, this model aims to provide more sophistication without losing the excitement that has made it so popular.
Many might argue that we’re in a golden age of hot hatches, with various options that allow drivers to experience maximum fun at sensible speeds. The Swift Sport sits in an interesting position between city car rockets like the Volkswagen Up GTI and more powerful superminis like the Ford Fiesta ST. What makes the Swift Sport unique is its focus on weight-saving. Suzuki has worked hard to ensure that the Swift Sport remains the lightest and most agile car in its class. Even with the added hybrid system, the car weighs just over a ton, which is 45 kilograms less than its nearest competitors.

Performance: Mild Hybrid with a Punch

The biggest change in this generation of the Swift Sport is the introduction of the 48-volt mild hybrid system. The electrification might sound like a step towards taming the Swift, but in reality, it enhances its overall performance. The 1.4-liter BoosterJet engine is still the same but now benefits from added torque. The car now produces 235 Nm of torque, which gives it better mid-range acceleration. Although the overall power has been reduced slightly to 129 PS, the mild hybrid system compensates with improved efficiency and low-end grunt.
One of the key features of this hybrid setup is the “torque fill control,” which helps smooth out acceleration at low revs. It makes the car feel punchier, especially when overtaking or pulling away from a stop. Another feature, “torque boost,” ensures smooth power delivery, especially during gear shifts. While the Swift Sport’s 0-62 mph time has increased slightly to 9.1 seconds, it still feels faster in real-world driving, particularly on twisty roads.

Handling: Sharp and Playful

Handling is where the Swift Sport truly excels. The lightweight design and agile chassis make this car a joy to drive on winding roads. It retains the sharp, chuckable nature that has always been a part of the Swift Sport’s DNA. The suspension is stiff but not overly harsh, meaning the car soaks up road imperfections without compromising its cornering ability.
Suzuki has fitted the Swift Sport with Monroe shock absorbers, which provide a great balance between comfort and sportiness. The steering is responsive, giving you confidence when pushing the car hard into corners. Despite the slightly increased weight from the hybrid system, the Swift Sport feels nimble and eager, offering plenty of grip and a well-balanced chassis.
The Swift Sport also benefits from a variable-ratio steering system that makes it feel lively when navigating tight bends. Throw it into a corner, and you’ll notice some initial lean, but the car quickly settles, encouraging you to push it further. The brakes are also strong and responsive, thanks to the large 285 mm discs at the front.

Hybrid Tech: More Than Just a Gimmick

The hybrid system in the Swift Sport isn’t just about cutting emissions. It’s designed to improve drivability without compromising the car’s fun factor. The 48-volt system can’t power the car on electricity alone, but it assists the engine in various ways, such as by improving low-speed acceleration and boosting torque at lower RPMs.
This system is particularly helpful when driving around town or in stop-and-go traffic. The mild hybrid technology reduces fuel consumption and emissions, allowing the Swift Sport Hybrid to achieve around 50.1 mpg and emit just 127 g/km of CO2. These figures may not sound revolutionary, but they represent an improvement over the non-hybrid version.

Interior: Simple, Sporty, and Functional

Inside, the Swift Sport keeps things simple but effective. The sports bucket seats are comfortable and supportive, holding you in place during spirited driving. The steering wheel is sporty and well-positioned, giving you a great connection to the car. Suzuki has included a 4.2-inch color screen between the instrument dials, displaying useful information like power, torque, and hybrid system readouts.
The seven-inch infotainment touchscreen offers features like satellite navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While it’s not the most advanced system on the market, it gets the job done. However, some drivers might find the graphics a bit dated, and the touchscreen response could be faster.
Rear seat space is decent for a car in this class, and there’s enough room for two adults to sit comfortably. The boot offers 265 liters of space, which is competitive but not class-leading. The rear seats fold down to increase cargo capacity, though the high loading lip may make it a bit tricky to load heavier items.

Pricing and Value

At around £22,000, the Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid sits at the higher end of the junior hot hatch market. However, it still offers great value, especially when you consider the generous standard equipment. You get a sporty body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a rearview camera, and a host of safety features, including autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning.
While rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST offer more power, they also come with a higher price tag. The Swift Sport Hybrid is less about raw performance and more about delivering a balanced driving experience that combines fun with efficiency.

Conclusion: A Well-Kept Secret

The Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid remains one of the most fun and engaging hot hatches on the market, even with its mild hybrid setup. It may not have the power figures of some of its rivals, but it more than makes up for that with its lightweight, nimble handling, and playful character. The hybrid technology adds to the car’s efficiency without dulling its performance, making it an even more attractive option for those looking for a daily driver that can also deliver thrills on the weekend.
After driving the Swift Sport Hybrid, I can confidently say that it retains everything that has made previous Swift Sports great. I also found someone who shares a similar experience and was inspired by their take on the car. If you’re interested in seeing a full review, check out this video: Suzuki Swift Sport Hybrid In-Depth Review.