CarExplore Rating

6.7 /10

Expert Scorecard

Media Expert Rating:
8.2 /10
Safety Rating:
2.5 /10
Eco Rating:
6.5 /10
Reliability Rating:
8.5 /10
Cost of Ownership:
7.0 /10
How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Summary

The 2025 Suzuki Swift enters its fourth generation with a refreshed design, stronger tech package, and a new mild-hybrid powertrain.

Although it remains a compact city car at heart, one that’s famously fun to drive. It now promises more efficient cruising, a larger touchscreen, and improved cabin space.

Despite a 1-star ANCAP rating overshadowing its safety credentials, the Swift’s affordability, zippy handling, and proven reliability keep it squarely on the radar for those seeking a budget-friendly, characterful hatch.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
- Lightweight, nimble driving experience - 1-star ANCAP rating is concerning for safety
- New 9.0-inch infotainment & optional wireless CarPlay - Small, light doors can feel a bit flimsy
- Pricing undercuts many rivals - Cabin tech still behind the best in class
- Mild-hybrid powertrain offers solid efficiency - Limited output on highways & under heavy load

Specifications

Body Style 5-door hatchback
Generation Sixth
Launched Australia in late 2024
Engine(s) 1.2L 3-cyl petrol, 12V mild-hybrid

Pricing

Below are the drive-away prices for the 2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid range in Australia:

Pricing Information

Drive-away costs

2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid (5MT): $24,490
2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid (CVT): $26,990
2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid Plus (CVT): $28,490
2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid GLX (CVT): $29,990

(Prices subject to regional variations, includes statutory fees.)


Interior & Features

Inside, the Swift Hybrid focuses on simplicity and ease of use:

  • Seating: Cloth-trimmed front seats with decent bolstering; optional heated front seats on higher trims.
  • Infotainment: 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, plus DAB+ and a user-friendly interface.
  • Instrumentation: Traditional dials with a color trip computer that finally includes a digital speedo.

Practicality:

  • Rear seat suits 2 adults for short drives; 2 child seats can be latched via ISOFIX on the outboard positions.
  • 265L boot with seats up, 589L with 2nd row folded, or 980L if loaded to the roof.
  • Storage: Cupholders between seats, door pockets for small bottles, center phone slot with USB ports.

Engine & Fuel Economy

All Aussie Swifts run a 1.2L 3-cylinder mild-hybrid:

  • Transmission: 5-speed manual or CVT
  • Power: 60kW engine + mild e-assist
  • Torque: 110Nm + small electric boost (60Nm at times)
  • Claimed: 4.0L/100km (manual), ~5.0–5.4L/100km real-world
  • Tank: 37L, 95 RON recommended

Though not a full hybrid, the Swift’s 12V system smooths start/stop transitions and provides minimal e-boost under load. City drivers will appreciate the lively low-speed character and easy maneuverability from its sub-1000kg kerb weight.


Expert Media Reviews

CarExpert – Model: Swift Hybrid Plus +

Score: 8.0 / 10

"Shows cheap can be cheerful, blending practicality with fun like few rivals."

Link: Read review

CarExpert – Model: Swift Hybrid +

Score: 8.2 / 10

"Retains the classic Swift character with modern electrified touches."

Link: Read review

CarsGuide – Model: Swift Hybrid +

Score: 8.5 / 10

"Impressively light, nippy, and cost-effective for everyday driving."

Link: Read review

ChasingCars – Model: Swift Hybrid +

Score: Not Rated

"Offers better fuel economy than before, though lacks power for highways."

Link: Read review

Carsales – Model: Swift Hybrid Plus +

Score: 7.9 / 10

"A playful hatch that’s easy to live with, though cabin tech still trails top rivals."

Link: Read review


Safety Rating

Although the Euro NCAP testing awarded the Swift a 3-star rating, ANCAP tested the local version differently, resulting in 1 star for this generation. The category scores:

Adult Occupant (47%) Child Occupant (59%) Vulnerable Road User (76%) Safety Assist (54%)
18.88/40 29.24/49 48.40/63 9.78/18

Full ANCAP link: ANCAP – Suzuki Swift

Standard Safety:

  • AEB (Dual Camera Brake Support)
  • Lane departure warning & lane-keep assist
  • Weaving alert
  • Rear parking sensors & camera

(Hybrid Plus adds blind-spot monitoring & rear cross-traffic alert.)


ECO Rating

No Green NCAP or other official emission test data is available for the Australian mild-hybrid Swift. Claimed figures:

  • Official: 4.0L/100km
  • Real-world: ~5.4L/100km in city/highway mix

Considering its size and mild-hybrid system, the Swift fares well among budget-friendly small cars.


Reliability Rating

Current user reviews suggest a 4.4/5 average (~202 total reviews), translating to roughly 8.8/10—though we apply a mild penalty considering older recalls:

Past Recalls (not for current hybrid, but older Swift generations):

  • Rec-001267: Possible inadvertent airbag deployment from slamming rear door.
  • Rec-005514: Swelling valve in the brake booster, increasing pedal effort.
  • Rec-005515: Identical brake booster valve issue.

No current recalls for the new hybrid model.


Cost of Ownership

  • Warranty: 5 years/unlimited km
  • Servicing: 12-month/15,000km intervals.
  • Capped Costs:
  1. 12m/15k: $319
  2. 24m/30k: $429
  3. 36m/45k: $409
  4. 48m/60k: $449
  5. 60m/75k: $349
  6. 60m/90k: $649
  7. 60m/105k: $569
  • Fuel: ~4.0L/100km claimed, ~5.4 tested on 95 RON.
  • Hybrid Plus 5-year servicing total: $1955

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In Summary

A small hatch that revives the spirit of previous Suzuki Swift generations, the 2025 Swift makes efficient, lightweight motoring accessible again.

While its 1-star safety rating is a notable black mark for families, the Swift’s low pricing, lively handling, and strong reliability reputation may still sway city-focused buyers.

The mild-hybrid system offers respectable fuel economy, and the 9-inch infotainment is a welcome tech boost. Ultimately, the Swift remains a fun, budget-friendly choice in a shrinking field of affordable small cars.


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