Introduction: Suzuki’s New Electrified Offering

Suzuki is making a bold move with the release of its fully electrified range. One of the key additions to this lineup is the Suzuki Swace, a model developed in collaboration with Toyota. It takes direct inspiration from the Toyota Corolla Sports Tourer, an established name in the compact estate segment. But can this electrified estate help Suzuki compete effectively in a crowded market? Let’s find out.

Not Quite a Suzuki: The Swace’s Origins

While the Swace carries the Suzuki badge, it’s essentially a re-badged version of the Toyota Corolla Sports Tourer. Unlike many collaborations where automakers put significant effort into creating visual differences between their shared models, Suzuki chose a simpler approach. Apart from a redesigned front and some badge swapping, the Swace remains almost identical to its Toyota cousin.
This is largely due to Suzuki’s need for a quick entry into the hybrid market. With increasing pressure to lower CO2 emissions in Europe, Suzuki turned to Toyota’s proven hybrid technology to deliver the Swace without major delays or development costs.

Under the Hood: Hybrid Powertrain and Performance

The Swace features a 1.8-liter engine paired with a 53 kW electric motor. Combined, they produce 102 brake horsepower and power the car via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This system delivers smooth acceleration but isn’t built for speed enthusiasts. The car goes from 0 to 62 mph in 11.1 seconds, with a top speed of 111 mph.
Drivers can choose between three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport. These modes cater to different driving styles. Eco mode prioritizes fuel efficiency, while Sport mode sharpens throttle response for quicker acceleration. There’s also an EV (electric vehicle) mode that allows short-distance driving using only battery power, ideal for city commutes or quiet residential areas.

Exterior Design: Subtle but Sharp

Much like the Toyota Corolla Sports Tourer, the Swace is an attractive car. Its sharp design stands out compared to earlier Suzuki estates like the Baleno. The Swace gets a slightly unique front fascia with LED headlamps and a prominent Suzuki badge. The side profile is clean, featuring a bold crease that extends from the front wheel arch to the rear. The standard 16-inch alloy wheels, although understated, add to the car’s sleek look.
The rear design is clean and modern, with full LED tail lamps emphasizing the car’s wide stance. A roof spoiler and shark fin antenna add sporty touches to the overall appearance. However, in terms of distinctiveness, the Swace largely mirrors its Toyota sibling.

Interior Comfort: Practicality with a Few Compromises

Inside, the Swace offers a familiar layout, closely resembling the Toyota Corolla’s interior. The 8-inch central touchscreen handles most of the infotainment duties, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rear-view camera as standard. The energy monitor on the display is a neat touch, showing drivers how the car uses and recharges power.
The materials used in the cabin are a mix of soft-touch plastics, chrome, and piano black trim. These help create a more premium feel, although the design can feel a bit dark at times. Rear passengers may find space a little tight, particularly in terms of headroom and legroom. The sloping roofline limits room for taller passengers, and the rear footwells are narrow. Nevertheless, features like a center armrest with cup holders and individual reading lights offer some comfort.

Practicality: A Family-Friendly Estate

With 596 liters of boot space, the Swace is on par with its competitors in the estate segment. The boot offers plenty of room for everyday use, and the rear seats can be folded flat to expand the total storage space to 1,606 liters. This makes it perfect for carrying larger items, like sports equipment or furniture.
Suzuki has opted not to include a spare wheel, providing extra space beneath the boot floor for storage instead. Small touches, like a 12V socket and convenient sidewall catches for folding the seats, add to the car’s overall practicality.

Pricing and Rivals

The Swace starts at around £27,500, with higher trims costing an additional £1,800. While the price might seem steep initially, considering the full hybrid technology and high equipment levels, it becomes more justifiable. In comparison, estate models like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, and Skoda Octavia, which offer mild hybrid engines, often cost the same but lack full hybrid capabilities.
Suzuki dealers are also known to offer competitive discounts, making the Swace an attractive option for buyers seeking hybrid efficiency without a plug-in system.

Running Costs: Hybrid Efficiency Without the Need to Plug In

The Swace offers impressive fuel efficiency, with a combined fuel economy of up to 64.2 mpg. CO2 emissions are kept under 100 g/km, making it a cost-effective choice for daily driving. The car also includes useful features like an Eco Drive mode, which optimizes throttle response and air conditioning to further improve fuel economy.
The hybrid system allows the Swace to run entirely on electric power for short distances, particularly in stop-and-go city traffic. The car’s energy regeneration system stores power during braking, contributing to the overall efficiency of the hybrid setup.

Warranty and Final Thoughts

One downside to the Swace is its warranty. Suzuki offers a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty, which is less generous than the five-year, 100,000-mile warranty provided by Toyota on the Corolla. Still, for many buyers, the combination of practicality, hybrid efficiency, and Suzuki’s competitive pricing will outweigh this drawback.
If you’re looking for an estate car with full hybrid capabilities, the Suzuki Swace makes a strong case. It delivers reliable hybrid performance, practical space, and a smooth driving experience—all without needing to plug in.

Conclusion: The Smart Choice for Hybrid Estates?

After considering all factors, the Suzuki Swace offers a compelling package for those seeking hybrid efficiency in an estate. Its Toyota origins bring reliable technology, and its Suzuki branding adds competitive pricing. If you’re interested in learning more about this model, I found someone with similar views on this car that I found insightful. You can check out this video: Suzuki Swace 2021 Full Review. It inspired me to take a closer look at this hybrid estate, and it might do the same for you.