Australia’s once-vibrant light car segment has been in decline for years now as car makers abandon the category in favour of more popular compact SUVs, but Suzuki’s Swift remains a rock in the turbulent waters with the Japanese carmaker recently releasing an all-new fourth-generation model.

Now into its 41st year, the diminutive Swift has long been one of Australia’s most popular light cars, boasting as it does an appealing combination of compact dimensions, affordable purchase price and low running costs.

These and other attributes have made the Swift a favourite with both first-car buyers and older buyers looking for something nimble, reliable and affordable to run.

Fuel efficiency has long been a central pillar of the Swift’s appeal and further efficiency gains are a key aspect of this new model update which introduces a mild-hybrid engine as the only powertrain option.

Mild hybrids are the least electrified of all EV drivetrains but the technology is becoming increasingly common as car makers like Suzuki strive to reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of their ICE-powered vehicles.

Like a regular hybrid, mild hybrids feature a combustion engine accompanied by an electric motor system that provides a modest amount of electric support to reduce fuel consumption. This electric support is typically deployed when the vehicle is accelerating from rest, which represents one of the highest demands on power and hence fuel consumption.

The key difference between Suzuki’s mild-hybrid tech and a full hybrid system such as that championed by Toyota is the latter can drive its wheels electrically, independent of the combustion engine, where a mild-hybrid merely assists the combustion engine when required.

Suzuki says its three-cylinder Z12E engine is an entirely new unit, despite boasting the same capacity as the outgoing K12D engine.

The engine is claimed to be 15% lighter and boasts 10% more torque at 3,000rpm than the outgoing 12KC engine, with similar overall peak torque and peak power.

In addition to its fuel-saving Idle Stop and Go technology, the new engine has a higher compression ratio, improved combustion cylinder flows, revisions to the variable valve intake system, and an electric water pump that minimises engine load and further improve fuel consumption.

The Swift’s mild-hybrid system includes an integrated starter generator (ISG) that acts both as an alternator and an electric motor assist system. It drives a belt that restarts the engine after engine stop, with the electric motor kicking in when the Swift hybrid is moving away from a standstill, or under hard acceleration, providing electric power to lessen the demand on the fuel supply.

The ISG is powered by a 12-volt lithium-ion battery located under the passenger seat, which is charged by regenerative braking and which also powers ancillaries along with the lead-acid starter battery.

The system provides electric motor assist and standing start acceleration support with a burst of supplementary electric motor power for up to 30 seconds, with the aim of reducing fuel consumption.

The result is combined cycle fuel consumption for the manual of 3.8L/100, while the CVT auto sips a slightly higher 4.0L/100km.

These efficiency improvements will be important to budget-conscious owners, not least because the new engine sips more expensive 95RON fuel.

We saw an average of 4.8L/100km from the CVT during our half-day test drive.

Search and compare cars now

Suzuki Queensland’s retail pricing starts at $24,490 for the entry-level Swift Hybrid with five-speed manual transmission, or $25,490 for the same variant with CVT transmission.

From there, it’s a $1,500 bump to the Swift Hybrid Plus ($26,990) which is expected to be the most popular variant, followed by the range-topping Swift Hybrid GLX at $27,990.

By comparison, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, which extracts a thriftier 3.3L/100km for its full hybrid-electric drivetrain, starts at $28,500 and climbs to $34,530 depending on variant.

Other light car rivals of the Swift include the Mazda2 and the best-selling MG3 which claims just under 50%, ahead of the second-placed Swift which holds down a respectable 23%.

Former rivals, the Ford Fiesta and Kia Rio, have vacated the segment making it a four-horse race these days.

Stylistically the new Swift styling is a subtle evolution of the previous model, with its design featuring more rounded shoulder lines, flared fenders, piano-black grille and L-shaped lights that sweep back into the body.

New aero design elements include side under-spoilers and a roof spoiler.

The new model sits on the same wheelbase as its predecessor and is identical in width and height, but the body is 15mm longer due to design tweaks that push back the rear hatch.

That change has resulted in slightly more luggage space with the compact hatch now offering 265 litres with the rear seats in position and 589 litres when folded.

For comparative purposes, category rival the MG3 offers a larger 307-litre boot with the rear seat in the upright position.

The new model is slightly heavier at 919kg for the five-speed manual, (up 49kg) and 957kg for the CVT transmission (up 57kg) over the outgoing model, but is still relatively light compared to the circa 1,500kg kerb weights of similar-sized battery electric models.

Driving the Swift is an unremarkable affair; it’s not a car designed to wow with its zippy performance or characterful engine note, but one that goes about its business in a polished, competent and fuss-free manner.

The stop-start system switches the engine off automatically when you come to a stop in traffic, then powers back up again when the accelerator is depressed with minimal noise and fuss.

The Swift easily kept pace with urban traffic during our test drive through the streets of Brisbane and beyond, which included some 80 and 100km/h freeway driving.

As an urban, runabout it’s impressively nimble and its compact dimensions, along with a decent quality reversing camera and rear parking sensors make it easy to slot into tight car parks.

The steering is pleasantly weighted and the chassis feels competent and secure, at least in so far as that can be judged in a limited urban-oriented first drive. The brake pedal feel is a touch spongy and less progressive than ideal, but this is a common trait on vehicle’s fitted with regenerative braking.

The interior is attractively designed and logically laid out, featuring a black and light grey colour scheme on the dash that sweeps around to meet matching door trims. The plastics look durable and hard wearing and the switchgear is of a simple, familiar design.

Ahead of the driver is a large and easily read digital speedo with an LCD centre screen, plus a new 9.0-inch infotainment display at dash centre featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The latter is easily reached from the driver’s seat and provides access to entertainment, communications and navigation functions, as well as vehicle performance data and rear-view camera imagery.

Only the top-spec GLX gets wireless phone charging with the other variants requiring a cable connection.

The GLX and the Hybrid Plus also boast heated front seats, with all variants benefiting form redesigned pews that are claimed to be thicker and more comfortable than before.

The driving position offers enough adjustment for most physiques and good all-round visibility out of the light and airy cabin. The rear seat is surprisingly roomy, with your 183cm correspondent able to sit behind his driving position, with adequate head, leg and kneeroom.

Let us do the work finding your next new car

Convenience features on all variants include keyless start, a headlight “guide me home” function after the car has been turned off, rear privacy glass, high beam assist and LED daytime running lamps. The Hybrid Plus and Hybrid GLX models also boast type A and type C fast charging USB ports.

On the safety front, the Swift was recently awarded a three-star Euro NCAP safety rating but has no ANCAP rating yet, with the local safety organisation citing differences in safety specification between European and Australian vehicles as the reason for its inability to calculate a rating.

Despite this, the new Swift features an impressive array of the latest ADAS driver assistance systems, including: traffic sign recognition and speed warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with four distance settings, Lane Keep Assist which maintains lane position when ACC is engaged, Lane Departure Prevention with audio alert and steering assistance, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist.

Finding a quality Japanese-built car with a price tag below $30,000 is becoming increasingly hard and the Swift is a trusted and well-established nameplate.

This updated model continues the legacy of offering affordable and efficient small car motoring, with the added advantage of reduced fuel consumption and additional safety and convenience features.

Suzuki Swift Hybrid Plus MY24 key info

• PRICE: $26,990 (MRLP)
• POWERTRAIN: 1.2-litre inline three-cylinder petrol, mild hybrid (61kW/112Nm), CVT transmission.
• ANCAP CRASH RATING: Not rated
• FUEL CONSUMPTION (combined cycle): 4.0L/100km CVT auto (90g/km CO2)
• WARRANTY: Five years/unlimited km (includes lithium-ion battery)
• FOR: Affordably priced, quality build and finishes, proven reliability, compact dimensions, fuel-efficient, low running costs, strong reputation for reliability.
• AGAINST: Modest performance, small boot, 95 RON fuel, no full spare wheel (tyre repair kit).