Suzuki Swace Hybrid test: the choice is yours!

After taking control of the Across a few months ago, all that remained was to test a latest model born from the partnership between Suzuki and Toyota: the Swace. Here is our test without transition.  

But I recognize her, don't I?

Does this Suzuki Swace mean something to you? Well that's normal, it's neither more nor less than a clone of the well-known Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. Apart from the logos, few things can put you in the ear. The body elements are strictly identical, except for the front bumper. The latter now accommodates a narrower grille, and two dummy air intakes surround the fog lamps. Otherwise it's the same. In terms of dimensions, the Swace is therefore 4.65 m long, 1.79 m wide and 1.46 m high.

Things changing inside?

The answer is no. We take back the dashboard, we change the logo and here is a second car! The style is not very warm, black and full of plastic, but everything is at least ergonomic. The 8-inch touch screen, which lacks modernity, nevertheless presents all the necessary information and accessories. Then, we are delighted to benefit from physical buttons for the air conditioning.

Despite its estate configuration, space on board will not be a number one selection criterion. Well, don't worry, it's still reasonable. Up front, everything is fine, both driver and passenger will be well received. In the back, on the other hand, only children will be fully at ease; especially since there is no important transmission tunnel which would condemn the central square. It is rather if you are used to carrying adults, or older teenagers, that the question will arise. The head and leg room is just enough to accommodate a 1.80m tall person who will need to stretch their legs regularly. Larger, we already find ourselves more cramped… On the other hand, the 596-litre trunk is frankly generous.

Still so considerate?

If the manufacturer has chosen to offer only the smallest engine, exit then the 2.0 of 184 hp, the bowels also remain identical to the Toyota. We therefore recover a 1.8 liter gasoline combined with an electric motor, all delivering 122 horsepower. From the first turns of the wheel, its silent operation and the general fluidity of its mechanics push us towards a smooth and flowing ride. I really enjoyed spending a few hundred kilometers in his company. The car, serious and with well calibrated suspensions, does not inflict untimely jolts on us and is intended to be comfortable. In addition, we appreciate the excellent engine braking in “B” mode, which reinforces this beautiful approval.

With all the cavalry under the hood of the models that we usually try, the 122 hp scared me a little. But yet, we almost have the impression of having a bit more under the hood. The 0 to 100 km / h in 11.1 seconds certainly says the opposite, but I am betting on a good 0 to 50 km / h and especially good raises to give me a different feeling. It therefore feels rather agile and responsive when requested, particularly in Sport mode. At this moment, by increasing the pace, it unfortunately becomes noisy in acceleration, with this unpleasant feeling of spinning in a vacuum because of the planetary gear box (e-CVT). Too bad, I thought I would no longer suffer from this, as I said in my previous tests of the Across or the Qashqai. What's more, we don't understand why the revs sometimes race to nearly 4,000 rpm for a few seconds, when we've released everything. But I quibble, because that seems to be the only flaws I could find.

Indeed, the rest, without being memorable, makes the car very pleasant on a daily basis. You guessed it, it benefits from the same technical settings as its cousin. We know perfectly well what is happening between the steering wheel and the asphalt, thanks to good feedback; and it causes a really pleasant feeling of security. The Swace does not crush too much on its supports and allows you to chain curves without necessarily being clutched at the steering wheel. As a bonus, it even offers a good feeling in the brake pedal unlike this kind of architecture usually. And they are effective enough to feel confident.

How much does it cost ?

The Suzuki Swace Hybrid will not really differ from its "competitor" in terms of prices. Starting at €29,550, it is only €750 less than the Toyota. But it is immediately more equipped with, for example, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated seats or even the 8″ touch screen. The Pack finish of my test model, with LED headlights and parking sensors, among other things, is sold for €31,050. Add to that a tint at 700 € and that's it. However, the pretty conso is quite comparable. Regularly, we find ourselves effortlessly at less than 5 liters per 100 km, and, with outbreaks at more than 2 euros per liter at the moment, this is an extremely important argument. During a journey through France, alternating at a good pace, urban, peri-urban and motorway,

The good choice ?

While I had a priori before the test and during the first kilometers, the Suzuki Swace Hybrid is finally an excellent surprise. A more than satisfactory power, a nice versatility and a serenity at the wheel which are worth it to be perfect in everyday life. But also on the go. If in addition a Suzuki dealer is near your home or if you have good relations there, it will certainly be a smart choice.

Suzuki Swace Hybride 2022 technical data sheet:
Power: 122 hp at 5,200 rpm
Torque: 142 Nm at 3,600 rpm
0 to 100 km/h: 11.1 seconds
Maximum speed: 180 km/h
Empty weight: 1,400 kg
Length : 4665 mm
Width: 1790 mm
Height: 1460 mm
Wheelbase: 2700 mm
Fuel tank: 43 Liters
Boot: 596 Liters
Prices: from €29,550