Suzuki Swift Hybrid 4×4, the test of the all-wheel drive small car: consumption and prices

Due to its technical characteristics and dimensions it has always been one of the reference models for city driving, but with the advent of all-wheel drive, making its debut on Suzuki Swift Hybrid 4×4 Allgripeven off-road excursions can become the ideal terrain for a long five-seater city car 3,860 mm. Over the course of a 2024 closed with 37,684 registrations (+8.30% compared to the previous twelve months), the Japanese company has also introduced this new and decidedly versatile variant on the market, which integrates both the hybrid range (together with the Vitara, the S-Cross, the Across and the Swace) and the offer relating to cars equipped with four-wheel drive (4×4 Allgrip technology is also offered on the Vitara, S-Cross and Across). A more unique than rare proposal in the panorama of B-segment cars which, due to its technical characteristics, is accessible even for new drivers. Here’s how it’s made, the equipment on board and the consumption recorded during the test carried out on and off the road off–road.

1 Design, dimensions, exterior

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Model that wins (in the twelve months of 2024, in Italy, the hybrid city car from the Hamamatsu company has reached 10,321 registrations) does not change. And so is the variant 4×4 Allgrip from the Suzuki Swift Hybrid It comes onto the market with specifications similar (or almost) to those of the front-wheel drive version. Net of a substantial confirmation of the dimensions (also in this case the starting point is represented by the platform Heartectwith a length of 3,860 mm and a step of 2,450 mmgiven a width equal to 1,735 mm and of a height of 1,520 mmcompared to 1,495 for the version with 2 metric wheels, while the trunk has a load capacity of between 265 hey 589 litres), the variant All–Wheel Drive It stands out for its minimum ground clearance of 140 mm (+25 mm compared to its front-wheel drive sister) which allows this model to express itself at its best on all surfaces. The slight increase in consumption is inevitable, also due to the increase in curb weight (equal to 1,070 kg76 more than the entry level Forward Wheel Drive with manual gearbox), which also slightly penalizes performance. These are the (few) substantial changes, while from a stylistic point of view (from this point of view the Japanese company has just updated its logo after over twenty years) and design there are no changes, but only some pleasant confirmations on the purely aesthetic front, such as the full LED headlights and the shade option two-tone for the bodywork. On these aspects there is also the signature of Suzuki Style Center Of Turinwhich helped shape one of the reference cars in its segment.

2 Engine, performance, safety

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An internal combustion engine, the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine Z12Ecapable of delivering a maximum power of 83 HP (60.9 kW) and a pair of 111 Nmcombined with an electric powertrain from 2.3 kW and a five-speed manual gearbox. A mirror and identity scheme of this model, even if the version All–Wheel Drivealso with a mild hybrid engine, from Suzuki Swift Hybrid 4×4 Allgrip is characterized by presence of a transmission shaft with viscous coupling which also brings traction to the rear wheels, with a technology that modifies the distribution according to the needs of 95% in front up to 50% on each axle. This is the peculiarity of a city car capable of expressing itself at its best even off asphalt roads. In terms of consumption, the declared data (in the WLTP combined cycle) stands at 4.9 l/100km. The Adas equipment is also rich, with the maintenance of the lane (Lane Keep Assist), driver attention control and blind spot sensor.

3 Infotainment, interior, technology

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Even inside the passenger compartment (where five people travel comfortably) the watchword is continuity, albeit with some small updates from a technological point of view that bring this Suzuki Swift Hybrid 4×4 Allgrip to some of the larger models (also in terms of features, such as heated front seats and automatic climate control) that make up the brand’s range. A concrete example, in this sense, is represented by the touchscreen 9 inches already “seen” on board the SUV Vitarawith the Suzuki Connect which allows you to connect the car to your smartphone using the specific (and homonymous) application. Connectivity is compatible with Apple CarPlay Wireless and Android Auto Wireless. The suspended-effect display is placed in the center of the dashboard and, to make it easier to read (also thanks to a new graphic interface) and to reach the controls, it is slightly inclined towards the driver. The instrumentation, however, is still analogue, with a central LCD screen for the on-board computer.

4 The test: how it goes, consumption, performance

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Versatile and compact, the Suzuki Swift Hybrid 4×4 Allgrip adds a further piece to a success story that began over forty years ago. After the metamorphosis from the sedan version and Sedan from 1983 to the most modern city car, also with a sporting vocation, this all-wheel drive variant manages to combine style with performance, expressing its full potential both in urban and off-road environments. In short, the Japanese company seems to have managed to hit the mark simply by applying a technology (the Allgrip) already used (and appreciated by the public) in larger size models even in one of its best seller for everyday driving. On medium distances the 3-cylinder engine gives 1,197 cc of displacement and 82.8 HP (60.9 kW) is effective and not very noisy (internal soundproofing is promoted), even at high speeds (this version goes up to 160km/hcompared to the 170 km/h of its front-wheel drive sister with CVT automatic transmission) loses a pinch of efficiency and, paradoxically, also of panache. A completely different story compared to a potential trip out of town, where the consumption found is equal to 5.5 l/100kmduring our road test they came very close to the data declared by the company (4.9 l/100km in the mixed combined cycle Wltp). Even though it is the highest reference in the entire range of Swift (according to what the brand declared on internal traction it oscillates between 4.4 hey 4.7 l/100km), this variant remains in line with its smaller sisters and manages to defend itself well even on the most insidious and bumpy sections, even on snow. A peculiarity that makes it more unique than rare.

5 Pros and cons

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Below you can find the strengths and weaknesses found during our road test carried out behind the wheel of the Suzuki Swift Hybrid 4×4.

• Consumption: the data found during our on-road and off-road tests did not differ too much from the data declared by the Japanese company (4.9 l/100 km in the WLTP mixed combined cycle);
• Price: the price list starts from less than 25 thousand euros for an all-wheel drive car;
• Versatility: This all-wheel drive variant stands out positively both in city driving and during off-road excursions.

• On-board equipment: the relationship between the quantity, as well as the quality, of the accessories and the price is certainly in line with expectations. But for a model so appreciated by the public, perhaps it would be interesting to also offer a more complete version with some more optional solutions;
• Recovery: in our opinion this all-wheel drive variant also lacks a pinch of spice in a model that also has sporting competitions in its DNA;
• Theming: net of a rather rich customization (as also demonstrated by the possibility of choosing a shade two-tone), this all-wheel drive variant is mirrored (perhaps too much?) from an aesthetic and stylistic point of view, without any significant distinctive feature.

6 Equipment, prices and versions

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A single engine (mild hybrid with a maximum power of 83 HP) and a single setup (Top) represent the proposal with which the Suzuki Swift Hybrid 4×4 intends to play its cards on the international market. A courageous choice, which on the one hand takes away space for a possible theming (other brands, perhaps, would have dared more on this front) but which, at the same time, offers a rather rich standard equipment. Just think of the 16″ alloy wheels, the automatic climate control, the heated front seats, the full LED headlights at the front and rear, the rear parking sensors, the complete Adas package and the rear-view camera. On the customization front, however, it is possible to opt for the two-tone color with black roof (in combination with the Oceanic blue or to Cordoba red) or gray (which goes well with the Green Hawaii or with the Arctic White). Even in terms of prices, the comparison between the front-wheel drive version and the 4×4 AllGrip is quite interesting. The first, in fact, has a price list starting from 22,500 euroswhich they become 24,000 for those who want it with the CVT automatic gearbox. The variant equipped with four-wheel drive, however, it is available exclusively with the five-speed manual gearbox, with a starting base of 24,500 euros turnkey.