The Suzuki Swace, a hybrid-powered estate unveiled for UK roads, blends efficient performance and spacious practicality with competitive pricing, targeting eco-conscious buyers. Sharing its platform with the Toyota Corolla Touring, the Swace offers a unique combination of familiar design and Suzuki’s affordability edge.
A Blend of Familiarity and Suzuki Flair:
While sharing the Corolla Touring’s platform, the Swace boasts its own identity with a distinct grille, updated LED headlamps, and revised bumpers. The interior echoes the Corolla’s practicality and technology, featuring an 8-inch infotainment system, air conditioning, and heated seats. Premium touches like leather upholstery add a touch of Suzuki signature comfort.
Proven Hybrid Performance:
The Swace adopts the Corolla’s 1.8-litre petrol engine, electric motor, and CVT transmission setup, promising respectable performance with an estimated 0-62mph time of 11.1 seconds. Its true strength lies in its eco-friendliness, emitting just 99g/km of CO2 and offering an EV mode for emission-free short-distance driving.
Affordability as a Key Strength:
Priced below the Corolla Touring, the Swace targets budget-conscious buyers seeking hybrid efficiency. While exact pricing remains unconfirmed, industry estimates suggest a starting price around £25,000, making it a significant advantage against its Toyota counterpart. While 0% APR deals are yet to be confirmed, this strategy has historically bolstered Suzuki’s appeal, further enhancing the Swace’s affordability edge.
Suzuki Swace Hybrid Rivals and Price Comparisons:
The Swace faces competition from established players like the:
- Ford Focus Estate Hybrid: Starting at £27,345, it offers comparable performance and features but higher CO2 emissions (108g/km).
- Skoda Octavia Estate iV: Starting at £27,745, it boasts more space and a larger battery for longer electric range but slightly higher emissions (103g/km).
- Hyundai i30 Wagon Hybrid: Starting at £25,650, it provides a close competitor in terms of price and features but falls short in cargo space and CO2 emissions (124g/km).
More Than Just Affordability:
Beyond its competitive price, the Swace offers:
- Spacious Cargo: With 573 liters of cargo space, it caters well to families and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Suzuki Reliability: Renowned for reliability and affordability, Suzuki offers peace of mind to ownership.
- Warranty and Servicing: Suzuki offers a 3-year, 60,000-mile warranty and competitive servicing costs.
The Verdict:
The Suzuki Swace presents a compelling proposition for eco-conscious buyers seeking an affordable and practical hybrid estate. While sharing many features with the Toyota Corolla Touring, its distinct design, lower price point, and Suzuki’s established reputation for value and reliability make it a unique and potentially strong contender in the hybrid estate segment. As official pricing and detailed specifications become available, the Swace’s true competitiveness will be further revealed.
