Suzuki announces all new UK built Swace.

Many thought that the writing was on the wall for Suzuki following the announcement that the popular Jimny was to be withdrawn from sale in the UK due to tightening emission regulations.

However, Suzuki GB PLC have announced the imminent launch of the new Swace in the UK, an attractive and versatile Estate Car with advanced hybrid performance.  

The Swace is the second vehicle to be supplied to Suzuki by Toyota under a collaboration between the two companies. These collaborations are becoming more common place and the fact that the car is based on the Toyota Corolla platform suggests it will be a very capable car.

It’s also refreshing to note that the car will be manufactured in the UK with exports to Europe, this is nothing less than fantastic news for the UK automotive industry, in an otherwise challenging year and should help Suzuki win over more than just a few new fans. We are certainly very happy to see more UK built cars and hope Suzuki win more than a few new customers as a result.

Designed with a low centre of gravity, the Swace stands out from the crowd with its wide stance and powerful rearward-flowing body lines, matched to a sporty front end with sharp bi-beam LED headlamps

The large grille aperture and strong fog lamp bezels are inherited from Suzuki’s signature design which together with the front bumper positioned low to the ground creates an overall impression of solidity. The exterior design of the Swace fuses estate styling with sporty aesthetics.

Further exterior features include integrated roof rails, a sculpted rear door that is constructed of lightweight resin to enhance fuel efficiency and 16-inch alloy wheels.

As t be expected from Suzuki, Standard specification is high and the SZ-T model includes Seven airbags, Dual Zone automatic air conditioning, seven-inch LCD colour information screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto device connectivity, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, eight-inch centre dash touchscreen and Dynamic Radar Cruise control.

SZ5 adds Smart Door locking, Simple-Intelligent Park Assist, Front and Rear park distance sensors, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross traffic Alert and centre console tray with wireless charger.

The interior is elegant yet simple, focusing on spaciousness, comfort and practicality. Contributing to the sense of openness inside the cabin is a wide instrument panel and a combination of soft padding and chrome or silver accents throughout the cabin highlight the overall quality and elegance of the interior.

The Swace is equipped with an 8-inch multimedia audio system with AM/FM/DAB radio, Bluetooth® function, and controls on the steering wheel for ease of use. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay for iPhone, as well as Android Auto™ and MirrorLink™ for compatible smartphones.

For the SZ5 model, a Qi wireless charging pad is available as standard in the front console to charge smartphones and both SZ-T and SZ5 models have two USB terminals as well as an AUX terminal within easy reach of the driver and front passenger.

The large 596-litre luggage compartment provides ample room and for added versatility, the rear carpeted floor can be placed in a lower position to store taller objects and is also reversible with a resin backside that can be used for stowing wet or dirty items, the compartment can also be expanded into a fully flat space.

The hybrid system combines a powerful electric motor with a 1.8 litre petrol engine exclusively designed for hybrid system use, delivering powerful acceleration as well as excellent fuel economy and low emissions. The hybrid system drives the Swace with the motor, engine or both depending on driving conditions.

We’re big fans of Suzuki’s at The British Motor Show and were sad to break the news that the Jimny was being withdrawn from the UK, however with the Swace, Suzuki is expanding is line up and offering larger car in the UK for the first time in many years. We’re looking forward to getting behind the wheel and suggest that anyone looking for a well built Hybrid estate puts the new Swace on their list