Summary
Not heard of the Suzuki Swace? Well you probably have – sort of – as this family estate is basically a Toyota Corolla estate with the badges making way for Suzuki ones.
It’s all part of a major collaboration between the two Japanese brands – using Toyota’s established hybrid technology is an economical way for Suzuki to meet increasingly stringent European emissions regulations, and the Swace is just one of several planned joint efforts.
What you get is a practical, spacious hatchback with a 120hp petrol-electric drivetrain, which means good official CO2 emissions of 103g/km and 60+mg fuel economy – good news for tax-challenged company car drivers.
However, reviewers note that the car returns its best figures on urban routes with lots of speed changes – at motorway speeds the engine struggles and economy suffers. Also, those choosing Suzuki over Toyota don’t get the 180hp hybrid option that Corolla buyers do.
Paradoxically, motorway driving is best for comfort – the Swace offers refined progress with excellent ride quality. More challenging roads expose the insipid steering and the strangled performance of the engine.
Reviewers also highlight the decent specification of the Suzuki. There are only two trim levels to choose from but even the base model includes an eight-inch touchscreen, rear parking camera, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel.
As of January 2023, the Suzuki Swace currently has an Expert Rating of 63% from 13 reviews. This is a new model, so more reviews are likely and these could change the rating. Unsurprisingly, that score is a just a single point behind the Corolla on which the Swace is based, which currently has an Expert Rating of 64% from 41 reviews.
Swace highlights
- Good fuel economy and low CO2 figures
- Extensive equipment as standard
- Plenty of space
- Comfortable and refined, especially in electric mode
- Proven Toyota reliability
Swace lowlights
- Insipid petrol engine performance
- Poor motorway economy
- Lacklustre steering
- Transmission whines under hard acceleration
- Toyota’s own version offers much more choice
Key specifications
Body style: Mid-sized estate
Powertrain: petrol/electric hybrid
Price: From £24,499 on-road
Launched: Winter 2020/21
Last updated: N/A
Update due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Suzuki Swace has genuine family car credentials, but could struggle to stand out among its talented rivals.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The Suzuki Swace is a practical, comfortable and competitively priced hybrid estate car perfect for families who don’t want a crossover or SUV.”
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Autocar
Score: 7 / 10
“The Suzuki Swace hybrid wagon holds plenty of pragmatic appeal.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Suzuki Swace is a practical and affordable family estate but it’s hard to see why you would buy one over the Corolla on which it’s based.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed:
“The Suzuki Swace is efficient and just about spacious enough.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol/electric hybrid SZ5
“The most fleet-friendly Suzuki ever, with emissions of just over 100g/km, plus good practicality and kit.”
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Eurekar
Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol/electric hybrid SZ5
“The Suzuki Swace is a great addition to the popular car maker’s line-up. And when you factor in the low CO2 figure with its great tax breaks to the fleet driver, along with excellent fuel economy, the Swace has plenty of all-round appeal for business and private owners alike.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Suzuki Swace is the second vehicle to be supplied (following the Across) by Toyota under a collaborative business agreement between the two companies. Highlights include a 596-litre luggage compartment and a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1.8-litre petrol engine with an electric motor.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed:
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Suzuki’s Swace looks good for company car drivers.”
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The Sun
Model reviewed:
“The Suzuki Swace is a smart and functional hybrid estate.”
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Top Gear
Score: 7 / 10
“The Suzuki Swace is sensible and affordable.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The Suzuki Swace is a comfortable, fuel-efficient, well-equipped choice in this class.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Suzuki Swace is a great all-rounder for families. It might not have the same engine range or body style options as the Corolla on which it’s based, but what it offers is a well-considered combination of frugality, practicality, and ease of use, making it a Best Buy.”
Read review
Safety rating
No safety rating
In theory, the Suzuki Swace should carry a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP as it’s simply a rebadged Toyota Corolla, which scored a five-star rating back in 2019. However, Euro NCAP’s rating does not currently apply to the Swace.
This may be an administrative delay, or it may be that Suzuki has not provided evidence to Euro NCAP to show that the changes made from the original Corolla design would make no difference to its rating. If Euro NCAP issues a safety rating for the Swace, we will publish the results here.
Eco rating
No eco rating
The Suzuki Swace has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP, and neither has the Toyota Corolla upon which it’s based.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Suzuki Swace to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Swace, we’ll publish the score here.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Suzuki Swace has received
2021
- Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Hybrid
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Suzuki Swace, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Fiat Tipo SW | Ford Focus Estate | Hyundai i30 Tourer | Kia Ceed Sportswagon | Peugeot 308 SW | Renault Megane Sport Tourer | SEAT Leon Estate | Skoda Octavia Estate | Toyota Corolla Touring Sports | Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer | Volkswagen Golf Estate
The Swace faces many big-name rivals, not least its inspiration, the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. The Ford Focus Estate is perhaps the top choice, but Kia’s Ceed Sportswagon and the Hyundai i30 Tourer score highly, as does the larger Skoda Octavia Estate.
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Suzuki Swace at The Car Expert
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