After Toyota revised its Corolla family hatchback and Touring Sports models recently, the Suzuki Swace family estate, which shares the Corolla’s underpinnings, has also been updated. It offers more performance without an impact on efficiency, and additional technology, too.
While the Swace retains the 1.8 hybrid powertrain as its only option (there’s no 2.0 hybrid, as found in the Corolla), the electric motor’s output has increased from 71bhp to 93bhp, so the combined power output now stands at 138bhp. That’s a 15 per-cent increase compared with the old model.
It means performance has improved, with the Swace’s 0-62mph time dropping to 9.4 seconds, 1.7 seconds faster than before. This performance has been possible with no change to the car’s economy or emissions, claims Suzuki, so the updated Swace still returns 64.2mpg and emits 103g/km of CO2.
The revised Swace will usher in a new trim structure, with Motion and Ultra grades replacing the SZ-T and SZ5 specs.
There’ll be more safety tech on offer, with improvements to the collision-warning system’s detection range and the addition of a Safe Exit Assist system, which will warn occupants if they’re about to open a door into the path of a cyclist or a car approaching from the rear. There’s also a new driver-monitoring system to check attention levels, which can bring the car to a stop safely if necessary.
Inside, Suzuki says the infotainment will feature a higher-definition colour screen, while Apple CarPlay connectivity moves from wired-only to wireless integration. New USB-C ports have also been introduced.
Visual changes include a revised rear bumper and new LED tail-lights, while Ultra models feature new LED running lights.
Prices and an on-sale date have not yet been confirmed by Suzuki, but expect the latest Swace to cost a little more than the outgoing £27,509 entry-level model, reflecting the extra tech that’s been added.
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