Suzuki Swift Hybrid Plus 2025 Review

There are three models in the 2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid line-up and here we’re testing the one in the middle, the $28,490 Hybrid Plus.

Below it is the $24,490 Hybrid base model and above it the $30,490 Hybrid GLX. All pricing is drive away, adding to its value story.

All three come with a 1.2-litre petrol-electric mild hybrid powertrain driving the front wheels, but the entry model is the only one offered with a five-speed manual transmission as well as a continuously variable automatic.

Its pricing places the Swift amongst Australia’s cheapest new cars on offer today. Rivals include the Kia Picanto, Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris.

There’s no surprise at that pricing the equipment level of the Swift isn’t that special.

Amenities the Plus shares with the base model includes keyless entry and start, LED headlights, air-conditioning, a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and satellite-navigation.

Standard safety gear includes autonomous emergency braking that’s been upgraded and is now fitted across all models. Six airbags, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and high beam assist for the headlights are also fitted.

Highlights included at Plus level include 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather trimmed steering wheel, heated front seats, privacy rear glass, driver’s seat height adjust, a higher grade of seat fabric, USB-A and USB-C ports, a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

Stuff the Plus misses out on compared to the GLX flagship includes wireless phone charging, paddle shifters for the transmission and climate-control air-conditioning.

There are seven exterior colour choices for the Swift, five of which cost an extra $645. A handsome two-tone blue-black combo is $1145.

The Swift comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty while service intervals are 12 months/15,000km. Pricing for five visits to the workshop under Suzuki’s capped-price service scheme averages out at $391 per visit. This isn’t in Toyota territory, but it’s not too bad.

Well, it’s obvious that the price of the 2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid Plus is one of its great strengths. There simply aren’t that many cars around that can compete on dollars with it.

Nor on economy. Around town we averaged 4.6L/100km and on the open road 5.6L/100km. That compares with a 4.0L/100km claim for the auto.

A tiny engine, enthusiastic e-motor, light weight under one tonne and a transmission dedicated to finding the economy sweet spot all help here.

The only drawback on the economy story is the requirement for more expensive 95 RON petrol.

The Swift is also a tidy, nimble little car to drive, especially in urban environments. It’s great for nipping around in tight spaces like carparks and choked city streets.

Its steering is light and quick, its simple suspension system offers a surprisingly good ride that copes at least acceptably with all bar the sharpest of hits, and the powertrain has enough energy onboard to partake in the low-speed cut and thrust of heavy traffic.

The lithium-ion battery supporting the engine is only 12V and watching it deplete and renew quite frantically via a graphic on the touchscreen is kinda addictive.

The Swift has well-tuned driver assist systems that don’t intrude too much and don’t big-bong too often. If you do find them a bit obvious they can be switched off pretty quickly and easily.

The Swift only comes with drum rear brakes, supporting the conventional discs up front. This car is so light there’s no evidence that sticking with this old tech is an issue.

The ambience up front is also pleasant for a car of this price. Sure, many surfaces are hard to the touch, but the seats are supportive, the layout of the dashboard and instruments sensible, storage is acceptable, the steering wheel gets reach as well as rake adjustment, and the trim presentation features a pleasing dual tone.

A one-star ANCAP safety rating is a pretty major blot on the 2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid range, including the Plus.

Based on the current 2024 protocols, the testing exposed issues with the Swift’s ability to hold up in a crash and it was also downgraded because of various limitations of its assist systems.

So that’s definitely a concern for many potential buyers, especially when you consider you might be buying it as a first car for a son or daughter.

The lack of a spare tyre is another negative for the Swift. I reckon all new cars sold in Australia should have some form of spare tyre.

The Swift’s small size – 3.86m long x 1.74m wide x 1.52m tall – also means it’s not a logical choice as primary family transport.

The rear seat is very squeezy and there’s not much in the way of creature comforts in the back seat either. Air-con vents are a key miss.

The 265-litre boot is tiny too. It does expand in size if you split-fold the rear seat, but you’re still going to struggle to fit a substantial load in here.

Lacking the paddle shifters that help set artificial gear steps in the GLX flagship’s CVT, the powertrain can get a bit monotone and monotonous when cruising.

The engine’s triple-cylinder growl adds some character, but it’s also pretty obvious. Maybe it’s getting angry because limited outputs mean it has to work so hard motoring on the open road.

The 2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid Plus presents a great argument around the dollars. It’s priced affordably and has really outstanding economy.

There’s also real evidence in the driving that Suzuki has applied some TLC to the tuning.

But that one-star ANCAP rating is a shocker and hard to ignore, because it doesn’t just relate to shortfalls in safety equipment but fundamental crash-worthiness.

It’s a real pity because in so many ways the Swift appeals as a logical car for urban-based single and couples.

2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid Plus at a glance:
Price: $28,490 (drive away)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.2-litre triple-cylinder petrol mild hybrid
Output: 61kW/107Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Fuel: 4.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 90g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: One star (ANCAP 2024)

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