It’s the sort of family day out where the kids leave with sweets, and the grown-ups leave wondering if it’s time to upgrade the family runabout.

There’s hands-on fun for little monsters (and the young at heart): a spot of creativity designing your very own trick-or-treat bag, followed by a 10-minute candy hunt around the showroom.

Suzuki is layering on the goodies for new cars as well; over $10,000 worth of add-ons and prizes are up for grabs across the range.

Will there be jump scares?

Only if you caught your reflection mid-binge at the candy station. Otherwise, expect the mood to be festive, not frightful.

The idea is to make car-shopping feel less like a chore and more like a Sunday jaunt with a cherry.

Event essentials

Where: Suzuki Showroom, 7 Chang Charn Rd, Singapore 159636
When: 25 & 26 Oct (Sat & Sun)
Activities:
1. Design-your-own trick-or-treat bag
2. 10-minute candy hunt
3. Over $10,000 worth of add-ons and prizes on new Suzuki models

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“As we celebrate five decades with CMS, we proudly honour a legacy built on adventure, freedom, and the countless journeys shared with Suzuki. Through the years, our tribe has laughed with the Vitara, raced with the Swift, and lived wild with the Jimny. Looking forward, we are driven to ignite the same spirit in a new generation of dreamers and explorers: to live boldly, discover horizons without limits, and continue writing unforgettable stories together with Suzuki,”

Mr Ng Khee Siong, Managing Director, Champion Motors Singapore

It’s a tidy summary of what CMS has been about since 1977, when it became Suzuki’s authorised distributor here: compact cars with character, built around the brand’s Sho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi ethos (Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, Neater).

From Ubi days to a modern hub

The late-’80s and ’90s cemented Suzuki’s rep as fun, frugal and robust—Swift GTi posters on bedroom walls, Vitara soft-roader swagger, and later the cult of the Jimny.

Milestones followed: a new showroom at Automobile Megamart (2014), The Alexcier along the automotive belt (2016), the global debut of the fourth-generation Jimny at 10 Chang Charn Road (2018), and now a brand-new flagship showroom and service centre at 7 Chang Charn Road.

Spanning 13,062 square feet across two storeys, the duplex space puts Sales and Aftersales under one roof, with a full-fledged customer lounge, pantry, and a dedicated delivery suite for new owners.

There’s room to display up to nine cars, plus service counters, a workshop, and a glass service window that allows the curious to watch their car being pampered without wandering into the wrench ballet.

Fun dialled up

Anniversaries should feel playful, and CMS has gone to town. Suzuki will be launching a limited-edition Wiggle Wiggle x Jimny, and a Wiggle Wiggle pop-up in the flagship showroom till 30 November, stocked with travel and lifestyle bits for the weekend wanderer in all of us.

Next, home-grown studio 8EyedSpud has crafted the visual direction for the 50th campaign, with vibrant, story-driven artwork across collaterals, custom car decals, and an exclusive CMS50 cashcard.

CMS is also deepening its partnership with GetGo, to refresh its fleet with hybrid Suzuki Swifts.

Five doors, same mischief: Jimny preview

During the launch, guests got an early look at the five-door Jimny.

Under the stubby bonnet sits a 1.5-litre engine paired to ALLGRIP PRO 4WD, ample ground clearance and precise steering. The official launch is slated for Q3 2025.

To open the doors properly, CMS is hosting a Family Day Out at the new showroom from 30–31 August, with guided tours, interactive game booths, food stations, and merch giveaways.

If you’re after a showroom that remembers cars are for living with and a brand that treats practicality as a kind of joy, you’ll find both at 7 Chang Charn Road.

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Officially, Suzuki calls this the fourth generation because it counts the 2004 model as the first “global” Swift. But if you’ve been keeping score, the Swift badge dates back to 1983.

What is the Suzuki Swift these days?

In a world overflowing with SUVs and crossovers, the Swift is a refreshing rarity. A true supermini, powered by an internal combustion engine.

For those of us who like our cars a bit old school, that’s already something to smile about.

Is the engine also old school?

The 4-cylinder in the Z33 has departed, making way for a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated 3-cylinder, pushing a mind-boggling 81bhp and 112Nm of torque.

Not exactly pulse-pounding, but Suzuki has paired it with a small hybrid battery with an integrated starter generator (ISG) and regenerative braking. This system boosts efficiency and helps with acceleration, making it more sprightly than its predecessor. 

Despite this, the Swift remains delightfully lightweight. The mild hybrid tech adds just 7kg, meaning it only weighs a featherlight 945kg.

Sadly, you can’t get the fun manual gearbox in Singapore; we have to settle for a CVT auto.

Is it efficient?

Definitely. Suzuki claims 20.4km/litre, and in testing, I got close to that figure with varied driving – 19.6km/litre over 200 kilometres.

That figure even includes some cheeky acceleration thrown in for good measure. Impressive. 

How about the driving bit?

Don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t swift. Suzuki claims they’ve improved the century sprint time by a solid five percent, but you’re still looking at a double-digit figure.

Still, despite being a bit underpowered, it’s actually really good fun. The little three-cylinder engine is quiet at idle but develops a nice, tuneful note as you rev it up. 

Push it to the top end and it can feel a little strained, but overall, it’s a keen engine ready to take on the world.

The suspension’s been tweaked from the previous model, and there’s less body roll, but Suzuki hasn’t overcompensated by making it too stiff. The Swift feels natural going through bends, with light but responsive steering.

It’s refreshingly simple – no drive modes, no adaptive suspension wizardry, and even a good old-fashioned manual handbrake. The kind of car you can hop into and happily zip around town without overthinking things. I love it.

One of the most commendable things is its sub-one-tonne weight. It’s this lack of heft that really enhances the driving experience, and the brakes are responsive, providing good feel despite some light regenerative braking. 

However, the trade-off is that road noise does creep into the cabin when you hit highway speeds.

The Swift’s lightness helps it skip over most bumps without sending too many jolts into the cabin. Plus, you can only get it with 16-inch alloy wheels, which means a bit more tyre sidewall for cushioning.

It looks kinda… funky

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Suzuki calls this an “all-new” Swift, but it’s built on the same platform as the previous model, which means it’s more of an extensive facelift. The design is a bit like the last Swift, but with a puffier face, as if someone accidentally left the car in a beehive.

Suzuki describes it as “muscular,” but the exaggerated front end, with that curious wraparound bonnet line above the headlights, feels a little more cartoonish than athletic.

Any better on the inside?

The Swift’s interior is something of a throwback (bit like a time capsule from the 2010s), and whether that’s a good or bad thing will depend on your nostalgia and practical levels. 

For the most part, that’s actually a plus. You’ve got proper analogue dials that are easy to read, plenty of physical buttons that make adjusting things on the go a breeze, and a separate panel for climate control that’s simple and effective.

And yes, there’s a manual handbrake, perfect for some cheeky handbrake turns in an empty car park. 

But there are drawbacks too. The 9.0-inch infotainment system feels a bit outdated, with clunky menus, basic graphics, and a slight lag in response.

Some of the plastics in the cabin feel cheap and scratchy, but considering the Swift’s price tag, that’s something you can probably overlook.

On the plus side, there’s wireless Apple CarPlay as standard, and the new front seats are soft and comfortable.

How’s the space?

It’s pretty much the same size as the previous Swift, which means a 265-litre boot that expands to 589 litres when you fold the rear seats.

The rear doors open wide, making it easy to get in and out, but once inside, taller passengers might find legroom a bit tight.

Smaller, Neater, Lighter

In an era where your choices for simple, small cars are dwindling fast, Suzuki has stuck to its guns with the Swift.

Add in great value for money, and you’ve got yourself a solid little runabout.

Technical Specifications

Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid (2024)

Engine: 1,197cc in-line 3
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 82 bhp
Torque: 112 Nm
Gearbox: 6-Speed (A) CVT
0-100km/h: Unknown
Top Speed: Unknown
Fuel Economy: 20.4 km/litre (claimed)

Price: S$146,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Suzuki Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Inchcape has recently rolled out its inaugural sustainability report. This document sketches the strides Inchcape has made towards its ambitious 2023 sustainability goals, while also highlighting its pivotal role in fostering the green mobility transition.

At the heart of its ethos, Inchcape asserts that operating with integrity is fundamental to enhancing the performance of its mobility partners and fortifying ties with essential stakeholders. The report is a deep dive into the fruits of their labour across four critical pillars of their Responsible Business framework.

The past year has been marked by notable achievements: a commendable 6.6% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, the installation of solar power systems at over 40 locations, and the engagement of 800 colleagues in an Early Careers program designed to foster the next generation of leaders.

Additionally, the Women into Leadership program has seen 100 graduates, boosting female leadership from 22% in 2022 to 28% in 2023. Inchcape has also refreshed its Code of Conduct across 35 countries and initiated 21 road safety programs.

On the local front, Inchcape’s collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic birthed the Singapore Future Mobility Academy, aimed at upskilling the workforce to navigate the burgeoning electric vehicle sector.

They’ve also launched Toyota’s first car-sharing program, FlexiGo, in Tengah. A new initiative sees the introduction of water-recycling car wash gantries, set to save a staggering 7.5 million litres of water annually.

These initiatives place Inchcape on a solid path towards its long-term sustainability targets, which include slashing its absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46% by 2030, from a 2019 baseline, and achieving net-zero emissions in these categories by 2040.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

(updated: 21 August 2023)

When you’re of a certain vintage, it is natural to grow nostalgic about the cars of yesteryear. We usually remember them to be better to drive than the cars of today. The reality, however, is debatable.

While the simpler mechanicals might make for a more unfiltered driving experience, the truth is, creature comforts like cup holders and Apple CarPlay have become indispensable to my everyday driving needs. The ability to access real-time traffic conditions, stream my entire library of music and podcasts and if need be, listen to a Zoom meeting on the move just makes dealing with the demands of today’s traffic much more bearable. 

For Android users, the S-Cross does Android Auto as well.

These smartphone connectivity platforms are great time-savers. If your job requires you to jump from one car to another every few days, being able to instantly call up stored destinations and pick up exactly where you left off on your audiobook makes you feel at home in any car. 

The Suzuki S-Cross driven here seems to have a proverbial foot in the past, while the other is simultaneously in 2023. Here’s why. 

While its styling is not exactly outdated, when parked next to the latest crop of crossovers such as the Toyota Yaris Cross or Nissan Qashqai for example, the S-Cross looks like it belongs in a different era. Similarly, many of the interior panels, switches, and other controls, feel like the way many Japanese cars of the 80s and 90s did. 

The interior panels also feel hard-wearing and tapping on them reveals a hollow sound. This may seem out of sync with the premium, dampened and soft feel that other manufacturers are going for, but there’s good reason for Suzuki’s approach which I’ll get to later. 

These retro touches, however, are juxtaposed against a suite of convenience and safety features that allows the S-Cross to be relevant amongst the latest cars on sale today. 

For starters, I’m happy to report that the aforementioned cup holders and Apple CarPlay are present and accounted for in the Suzuki S-Cross. As a bonus, it is even capable of a wireless Apple CarPlay interface. Something that even the futuristic BYD Dolphin that was previously reviewed lacked. 

There’s also Adaptive Cruise Control, 360-view parking cameras dual-zone climate control, and a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen that takes centre stage on the dashboard. On the safety front, there are no less than five airbags, including one for the driver’s knee. 

Then there’s the host of other collision prevention, lane departure warning features, and stability control. Altogether, these are known collectively as Suzuki Safety Support. 

Speaking of features. An after-sales installation of an electrically-operable tailgate and a wireless charging pad for smartphones would make for a more complete package. While we’re at it, could we also have mirrors that automatically fold when the car is locked? Thanks. 

Driving impressions

The drivetrain is also aligned with the modern era in the sense that the engine is a 1.4-litre turbocharged unit with a 48-volt Mild Hybrid system. This, ironically results in another throwback experience, but happily, in a good way. 

While the latest crop of Cat A cars that are detuned to slide in under the 130hp cap can feel a little underwhelming, the S-Cross in comparison feels wonderfully torquey and lively when moving off the line. 

The mild hybrid motor comes in the form of an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) that works in tandem with the 12-volt battery. The electrified assistance is stepped up to 48 volts and helps the 1.4-litre ICE engine along seamlessly enough not to be caught out by any form of turbo lag.

As its name implies, the ISG takes over the function of the start motor and alternator (a.k.a. generator) in one component. Besides starting the engine, the ISG is also capable of providing electrical power to the engine via the drive belt. When decelerating or coasting, the ISG then charges both the lithium hybrid battery as well as the 12-volt car battery that powers the lights and electrical ancillaries.  The animation below explains how the ISG works in more detail.

(updated: 21 August 2023)

So how well does it work in real life then? We plonked our resident fuel-economy tester Vivek in the driver’s seat and sent him on his way. He came back with a calculated overall economy of 21.2km/L or 4.72L/100km over a test-driven 694.4km, which bested Suzuki’s claimed 17.5km/L or 5.7L/100km economy in the process.

Naturally your mileage may vary based on use-case and driving conditions, but considering that the ISG only kicks in to boost acceleration when needed, and that the internal combustion engine is working pretty much all the time, the S-Cross’ real-world tested fuel economy is actually pretty impressive.

(/update)

It could be the electronics, the additional weight or a combination of both, but many of the latest cars feel like there’s a filter between the driver’s input and the actual acceleration. The Suzuki feels more direct in comparison and takes you back to the 90s when cars felt more analogue. 

While the straight-line performance is well above par, it doesn’t quite have the level of agility to elevate it to hot hatch status. That said, the S-Cross features the same power unit as the one found in a Suzuki Swift Sport. Fit it with a good set of high-performance tyres, and a well-driven S-Cross might just be able to keep up with a Swift Sport on a twisty B-road. 

Practical magic

Add the fun-to-drive dynamics to a practical body style and you might just have a really good all-rounder. Inside, there’s ample room for five adults. Rear passenger legroom passes the test of a pair of six-footers sitting in tandem.

The luggage bay is also thoughtfully designed. For example, it features a hidden floor where extra shoes or an assortment of small items can be stowed out of sight. The false floor sits almost flush with the loading threshold. This makes it much easier to load and remove large items. Additionally, it also makes for a nice occasional bench to change into those running shoes, or simply sit back and chill al fresco…

On the surface, the Suzuki S-Cross might come across as a little outdated, or lacking in the frills and sophistication of most of its other competitors. However, to appreciate the Suzuki ethos, you really need to take a longer-term view.

Many of the latest cars are designed to wow their audiences at the showroom or at least until the warranty expires. In Singapore’s tropical climate, it is common to find that the soft touch surfaces start to get sticky or shiny and look worse for wear by the time they reach five years or more. 

The materials in the interior of the Suzuki may not feel as plush today. However, I can just about guarantee that this car will look showroom fresh 10 years from now and even beyond. The interior looks dated in some areas because some switches and controls have been carried over from previous models, for decades. I used to own a Grand Vitara in the early 2000s and the door lock/unlock button looks exactly the same. The chrome interior door handles can also be traced to the original SX4; this S-Cross is a direct descendant of that car! 

This is actually a very good thing. What this means is that these parts, which are used every time you get into the car, have been tested over millions of vehicles for a very long time. As a result, they are extremely reliable and can last the lifetime of the car, and possibly its owner.

That said, there’s a very small chink in the Suzuki’s armour. The gear lever of the 6-speed automatic gearbox slides into manual mode from D too easily, such that accidental election happens often. For those so inclined, shift paddles behind the steering wheel are there for manual gear changes. 

In the S-Cross, the standard seats are finished in a heavy-duty material. They feel like it’s made from recycled plastic bottles. It’s just the kind of thing that you won’t mind sitting in if your clothes are still wet from a day at the beach or muddy from a round of soccer.

A Suzuki may not be the sexiest car, but it’s damn near one of the most dependable sets of wheels for the long term.

Back in the days of friendlier COE prices, it was easy to justify a Suzuki. These days, however, customers demand more as they are coughing up ever greater amounts of their hard-earned cash.

The S-Cross however, shows that the brand upping its game as well. With a few choice additions to its equipment list and lively drivability, this car may just be an analogue proposition in a digital world.

Technical Specifications

Suzuki S-Cross Mild Hybrid
Engine: 1,373cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged mild-hybrid
Power: 127bhp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 235Nm @ 2,000-3,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
0-100km/h: 12.7 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 195km/h (claimed)
Fuel Economy: 5.7L/100km (claimed)
Price: S$169,900 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Suzuki Singapore

Photo Credits: Sheldon Trollope

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The one caveat that Suzuki struggled with in the last few years was a lack of family-friendly cars. Sure, you have the Jimny and the Swift as great runabout cars, but add in 4 people, some cargo and a child seat, it all starts to look a bit cramped.

That’s a gap that the new Suzuki S-Cross fills, and it adds more versatility to the existing Suzuki lineup in Singapore.

It looks great too. A large grille dominates the front fascia, complete with chrome trimmings. Suzuki claims that the bonnet and grille of the S-Cross have been placed at an elevated height to give it added visual aggression.

The adventure-ready look is seen all around the vehicle, giving it a more rugged and tough aesthetic. The car will be available in a total of seven exterior colours.

The cabin receives the same treatment too, and interior space looks to be able to accommodate five adults in comfort. A 440-litre boot adds much needed cargo space too.

The Suzuki S-Cross will run the same 1.4-litre Boosterjet mild hybrid engine found in the current generation Swift Sport. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission, allowing the car to complete the century sprint in just 12.7 seconds with 127bhp and 235Nm of torque on tap. Suzuki claims a fuel economy of 17.5km/litre.

As with most modern cars nowadays, the Suzuki S-Cross comes with an array of driver assistance features including a 360-degree camera, as well as a Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Departure Warning system.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

One of the last cars co-broke’d when I was in car sales was a Suzuki Swift, and it was back then that my love for this compact hatchback began. Fond memories of a cheap and cheerful car which could be chucked into corners all day long linger to this day. And so, ’twas a good feeling to get behind the wheel of the modern-day Swift to once again have a twirl on our city streets and highways.

Looking at the Swift’s price, the Kia Cerato Smartstream 1.6 EX and Toyota Vios 1.5 E Grade look to be its closest competitors in the sedan segment, and if one were willing to splash out a few more grand, a Skoda Scala 1.0 TSi Ambition could also be considered in the hatchback category. But, and I think we can all agree here, none of them can hold a candle to the way the Swift looks.

The Swift’s proportions, thankfully, have remained more or less the same throughout the decades, retaining its rather attractive and cute face. Swooping and flowing lines front to back and that rather bulbous rear end mean that this compact hatch doesn’t drop into the doldrums of cheap econoboxes, but instead turns heads as it cruises by, dressed in one of 10 attractive colours, ranging from six single tones to four funky dual tones. In Speedy Blue Metallic, the test car quickly catches the eye, especially under direct sunlight.

There’s a good reason why this article is titled the way it is, and a hint can be found courtesy of the bottom-right boot badge. Nope, it ain’t no Prius, but it is a mild hybrid.

Flipping the bonnet open reveals a COE Cat A-friendly 1.2-litre internal combustion engine mated to an electric motor and generator. The Swift puts down a (not) eyeball-searing 81hp and 107Nm of torque to the road via a continuously-variable transmission (CVT). The idea here is to add even more frugality to a well-liked and established compact hatch. More on this later.

Flipping open the boot reveals a smallish 265-litres of carry-on capacity (as opposed to luggage-loading, LOL!) For the Swift’s intent and purpose, this is (arguably) adequate, and dropping the rear seatbacks can more than double that space.

Finding one’s ideal driving position is easy in the Swift, and the front seats are pretty comfy. The lack of a centre armrest is noticeable though, and I found my left hand resting on the gear lever quite often while cruising. At 1.82 meters tall with long limbs and a shorter torso, the driver’s seat needed to be set almost all the way back and a fair amount upwards, and sitting behind my driving position entailed manspreading with knees on either side of the driver’s seatback.

This would be fine for shorter journeys of up to 20 minutes, which is what would be expected of a clutch of university-going young adults heading out to lunch or coffee anyway.

Adaptive cruise control is fitted as standard, much to the amazement of disbelieving Sean. In practice, its operation can be rather abrupt at times, but the fact that it exists here at all should be celebrated, especially when one just wants to get on the highway and cruise home at the end of a long, hard day at school or work.

Turning it on took a bit of figuring out, but once the large button at the left was depressed to arm the system, a double downward click of the central toggle engaged the system. Then, it was a simple matter of short- or long-clicking the toggle upwards or downwards to adjust cruising speed in single or multiple km/h increments respectively.

This then brings us to how this compact-hatch drives. One word – easy, but with a proviso. Starting from a standstill sees the Swift gallop a bit too enthusiastically, and Grandpa or Grandma would be best advised to be gentle with the throttle pedal when moving off, lest they get caught off-guard. This is likely due to the integrated motor coming on song to assist while moving off and can be quite disconcerting initially.

Also, be aware that the auto-brake of the collision mitigation system can rear its head a bit too enthusiastically, and the Swift braked hard when it thought it was about to crash into a carpark’s opening gantry arm, alarming both Sean and me. The upshot of this is that normally distracted drivers would learn very quickly NOT to be distracted while helming the Swift.

Apart from that, cruising is a very relaxed affair, with little wind and tyre noise intruding into the cabin. When more acceleration is needed, the engine tends to get quite raucous, but acceleration to merge with highway traffic or while overtaking is adequate.

Given that we only had this compact hatch for one day during business hours, an improvised test drive featuring the first two legs of the usual pure street route, and the last two of the regular mostly highway drive were strung together in one go. The Swift averaged an impressive 18.6km/litre or 5.38 litres/100km over a pure street-driven 55.9km, and an even more impressive 23.5km/litre or 4.26 litres/100km over a mostly highway 109.3km.

Keeping in mind that this is only a mild hybrid, and while not quite achieving the 24.2km/litre or 4.13-litres/100km economy that Suzuki claims, the Swift still managed to eke out a calculated 21.8km/litre or 4.58-litres/100km average fuel economy over a test-driven 165.2km. To put things in context, this makes the Suzuki Swift the second-most efficient car we’ve tested, just behind the proper-hybrid Toyota Sienta from last year.

Thing is, it’s not just about boring fuel economy figures either. Keeping in mind the relative grip coefficient from eco-tyres, the Swift was willing and playful when chucked into corners, rotating its rear end naturally to aid with pointing the nose of the car in the desired direction. Most people who buy this car wouldn’t really care that much, but the enthusiast who has to daily-drive a Swift needn’t worry about boring handling either. Plus, manual handbrake = handbrake turns at will.

All in all, it was good to revisit this older friend who’s now endowed with newer tech. This is precisely the type of car that Singapore’s city streets could do. Sadly, the current crazy COE levels mean that this compact hatch that should be priced at around $65,000-$70,000 on the road is now selling for almost double those numbers.

Shame, really, because the Suzuki Swift is simply sweet.

Technical Specifications

Suzuki Swift
Engine: 1,197cc in-line 4, mild hybrid
Power: 81hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 107Nm
Gearbox: CVT
0-100km/h: 12.2 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 175km/h
Fuel Economy: 24.2km/L (claimed)
Price: S$135,900 (Standard) / S$136,900 (Dual Tone), both with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Suzuki Singapore

Looking for a seven-seater hybrid? Check out the Toyota Sienta Hybrid, and other reviews here!

(Photos taken by Sean @auto.driven)

If there’s one thing Suzuki is known for, it’s that they’re the makers of some cracking small cars. The Swift in particular has been a mainstay of our local motoring landscape for at least 30 years now (I’m a ‘90s kid so I can’t say for sure beyond that…), with the current generation of Swift having been around since 2018. 

Back then, it arrived with a 1.0-lire turbocharged engine (amusingly named “Boosterjet”) that gave it an enthusiastic character and made it heaps of fun to drive, but with the revisions to Singapore’s Vehicle Emissions Scheme tax/rebate structure this year, that’s been swapped out for a hybrid model which falls into the maximum rebate tier for its green credentials.

Really? A hybrid? In a car this small?

Yup, really. Hybrid small cars are really popular in Japan don’t you know (for example the new Honda Jazz). Just, not so much in Singapore ‘cos, y’know, hybrid tech is still expensive…

To be clear though, this isn’t a full hybrid system like Honda’s or Toyota’s. The key component is a device called an integrated starter generator (think of it as a super beefed up alternator cum starter motor) which is able to provide a slight boost to the engine under acceleration, and also enable the start-stop system to run far more smoothly and quietly than in conventional cars.

The downside of such a lite system is that the tiny ISG isn’t powerful enough to drive the car on its own, so the Swift can’t creep around in silent electric-only mode; but on the other hand,it’s an extremely simple and compact system (the hybrid battery is located under the passenger’s seat), and therefore cheap. At S$85,900 with COE, the Swift Mild Hybrid is the 6th-cheapest car on sale here at the moment.

Hmm, doesn’t sound like much. What’s it do for the driving experience?

Like you say, not much. If you’d failed to spot the smattering of ‘hybrid’ logos around the car before getting behind the wheel, you’d be rather hard-pressed to notice its presence. The assistance from the ISG is imperceptible, and even when staring at the readout in the display between the dials, it’s difficult to figure out exactly when and under what circumstances the hybrid power kicks in.

While acceleration is generally adequate in most day-to-day situations, any demands for rapid progress requires a thorough wringing of the Swift’s neck. It’s all due to the engine – this hybrid version’s 1.2-litre four-cylinder is non-turbocharged, which means it makes quite a lot less power and torque than the old 1.0-litre three-cylinder: down from 110hp to 82hp and 160Nm to 109Nm. When you do put pedal to metal, the protests from under the bonnet are quite audible – not helped by the CVT transmission characteristically pegging the engine to a constant RPM.

That said, there is a palpable tradeoff to the lack of sprightliness: economy. The Swift Hybrid sips petrol as if its fuel lines were the diameter of cocktail straws. Our average fuel economy over our more than 250km of driving was an easy 18+km/L, although if you’re not spending lots of time idling while taking photos or driving the car hard to test its acceleration like we were, over 20km/L should be easily achievable. 

One quirk of the drivetrain to bear in mind though – the start/stop system preemptively cuts the engine just before the Swift comes to a standstill, and this sudden lack of motive force against your constant brake pressure means that the car annoyingly almost always performs a little lurch as it comes to rest.

Oh dear. So does that mean the driving experience is all jeer and no cheer?

Heavens no, far from it. This generation of Swift is one of the most entertaining-handling non-performance cars of any price, let alone under S$100k, and the change in drivetrain has taken nothing away from that. The mightness of lightness is stark here: thanks to its dainty sub-tonne kerbweight, the Swift has an agility and playfulness about it that would put many out-and-out sports cars to shame in terms of pure fun.

You get the feeling that it’s always bounding from corner to corner like an excitable little beagle, happily wagging its inside rear wheel in the air while it digs its outside front tyre into the tarmac. If you want, there’s also a surprising amount of adjustability from the rear axle, a sharp lift of the throttle resulting in a bemusing amount of extra mid-corner rotation from the car. With such a solid base to work from, we can’t wait to see how much of a ball the go-faster Swift Sport variant will be.

Wow, high praise indeed. So is that the best thing about the Swift?

Much as I love fast driving, incredibly no. That’d be the staggering array of active safety gizmos onboard. Adaptive cruise control that can maintain its own distance to the vehicle in front; lane departure warning that buzzes you if you stray over the dotted lines; hill hold assist; weaving alert; and autonomous emergency braking – all of these are features you’d normally expect to find only in models from the posh European brands, and certainly not from the budget end of the market.

We’re on to a winner here then?

In many ways yes, but it isn’t perfect. The Swift’s petiteness means that although nippy and easy to maneuvre, seating for three people in the back seats can get a bit squeezy, and its boot is smaller than rivals. We do also wish the 1.0-litre Boosterjet version could carry on, to give drivers a more entertaining option between the Hybrid and incoming Sport model.

But at its price point the Swift Hybrid makes an extremely compelling case as a cheap and cheerful runabout that will keep you out of accidents on the road and minimise your contributions to the government’s newly increased fuel duties. Even if you’re not smiling whenever you drive it, you’ll at least be smiling all the way to the bank.

Fast Facts

Suzuki Swift 1.2 Mild Hybrid

Engine: 1,197cc in-line 4

Power: 82hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque: 107Nm @ 2,800rpm

Gearbox: Continuously variable transmission

Top Speed: 170km/h

0-100km/h: 12.2 seconds

VES Band: A2 (S$15,000 rebate)

Price: S$85,900 with COE

Contact: Champion Motors , 6631 1118