Suzuki Swace review

The Suzuki Swace is a bit like one of those actors who you’ve definitely seen in something else before, but you can’t quite put your finger on what.

That’s because, behind Suzuki’s very mild restyling, it is effectively a Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. You see, the Swace exists because Suzuki did a deal with Toyota to sell a rebranded version of the Corolla (along with the Suzuki Across, which is basically a RAV4). That saves Suzuki a boatload of cash in designing its own car, but also as both cars are hybrids it helps the firm reduce emissions.

While Suzuki raided Toyota’s substantial larder to create the Swace, it didn’t take everything. For starters, it’s only available as an estate, whereas the Corolla can also be had as a hatchback and a saloon. The Suzuki also only gets one engine option rather than the wider choice Toyota offers, which is a shame.

The Swace comes fitted only with Toyota’s 1.8-litre petrol hybrid system. This combines a 102hp four-cylinder petrol engine with a 53hp electric motor, which drives through a CVT automatic transmission, although the Swace can also drive on EV power alone for short distances.

The Swace covers the 0-62mph sprint in 11.1sec and will carry on to a top speed of 112mph. That’s pretty far from fast, and sure enough if you need oomph in reserve for an overtake you may find the Suzuki lacking. But off the line it feels quicker than the figures suggest thanks to the lack of any gearchanges from its CVT transmission and the instant electric motor torque.

The trade-off is that the Swace is very fuel efficient. Officially it’ll average over 64mpg, and even if you drive without any thought of saving petrol 50mpg+ is easily achievable. It’s not exactly exciting, though, and while it’s refined and smooth in gentle driving the engine sounds a bit like a farmyard animal in pain if you use all the performance.

While this means you’re not likely to be throwing the Swace around like a hot hatch, its good to know that it’s pretty composed and capable to drive. It’s good at ironing out the worst potholes Britain has to offer but combines that with a controlled feel, meaning it doesn’t wallow about or float too much. The steering is accurate, too, although ultimately a Ford Focus Estate is much better at keeping its driver entertained on a twisty road.

As for styling, the Swace bears a strong resemblance to the Corolla Estate (which you’d expect given they’re the same car), but with Suzuki tweaks. These include a modestly different front bumper and grille. The back end of the car is pretty much identical, bar the badging. In the metal, it’s somehow more anonymous-looking than the Corolla.

Perhaps the biggest downside, though, is that the Swace doesn’t get the same five-year warranty as Toyota offers in the Corolla as standard. It’s only three years, and you’ll need to pay for the extended warranty if required. Given the Swace is also the same price as the Corolla, ultimately it’s difficult to recommend over the original.

If you’re dead set on a Suzuki Swace, why not check out our deals page here to see how much you could save on one?

The Suzuki Swace is the Corolla's twin brother from another mother, so it's just as well the Toyota is a decent estate car.

Surprise, surprise, the Suzuki Swace’s cabin is a lot like that of its Toyota…well, you get the drift by now. It’s not as elegant to look at as Volkswagen Golf Estate’s interior, but it feels like it’s been built with long-lasting solidity more than fashion in mind.

Space is good, too: there’s more legroom than most alternatives, and while headroom isn’t quite as generous there’s room for three children to sit comfortably side-by-side, and three adults can stand short journeys without arguments.

The story is largely the same regarding the Swace’s boot. Yes, it’s ahead of alternatives such as the Renault Megane Sport Tourer, but it’s smaller than cars such as the huge Skoda Octavia Estate. On the upside, you can store the parcel shelf under the false boot floor and a mountain bike fits easily once you fold the seats.

There are two trim levels available, SZ-T and SZ5, both of which are well kitted out. SZ-T models come with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights with automatic full beam, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus lane-keep assist and a pre-collision safety system.

To this, SZ5 adds front and rear parking sensors, wireless smartphone charging, bi-LED projector headlights, a blindspot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and a parking-assist system.

Both cars also have radar-guided cruise control, lane-departure warning, road sign assist, automatic door locking and tyre-pressure monitoring.