► Like a Corolla, just mildly different
► Some people think value, not variety, is the spice of life
► Hybrid powertrain offers low emissions/high mpg
Low emissions, strong economy, and bargain prices. These are the titbits Suzuki is offering up in order to entice new buyers to this, the new hybrid-powered Suzuki Swace.
In case you couldn’t tell, it’s a reskinned Toyota Corolla Touring and is set to come to the UK later this year. That car is already on our list of the best hybrid estates, so it’s no surprise this is too.
It’s the second car to come from Suzuki and Toyota’s new partnership – the first being the Suzuki Across, a RAV4 wearing a Suzuki badge.
Design differences
What are the differences between the Swace and Corolla? Well the Swace has a restyled radiator grille, new LED headlamps, and tweaked front and rear bumpers.
Inside, the Swace is treated to some new leather upholstery, but apart from that it’s the same as the Corolla. This means buyers get an eight-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, air con, and heated seats.
Hybrid powertrain
Like all new Suzukis, the Swace is a hybrid. It’s the same 1.8-litre petrol engine/battery/CVT combo as the Corolla. 0-62mph is dealt with in 11.1seconds, although power output is yet to be confirmed. Emissions are stated at 99g/km on the WLTP cycle.
There’s an EV mode too. Press the button and the Suzuki will be able to cover ground producing zero emissions for ‘short distances’.
The Corolla is offered with a more powerful 2.0-litre engine too, but Suzuki isn’t saying if it’ll come to the Swace.
Pricing
The raison d’etre of this car is the fact that it’ll be a cheaper Toyota Corolla Touring.
Prices haven’t been revealed yet, although we anticipate the Swace will start from around £25,000. No words as to whether it’ll be included in Suzuki’s 0% APR deals. Buyers should be aware that at time of writing, the Toyota Corolla Touring is available with no interest to pay.
The Swace will appeal to price-conscious estate buyers who don’t give a damn about badges and fleet managers. After all, fleet buyers are concerned about pricing, emissions, and size, and the Swace scores well on all of these fronts.