By CarsGuide | Published May 16, 2025

The 2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid is a compact, budget-friendly city car that blends youthful styling, practical features, and mild-hybrid efficiency to compete with the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, MG3 Hybrid, and Mazda 2 Hybrid. Priced at AUD 29,990 (GLX Hybrid), it offers a 9-inch touchscreen, heated seats, and 4.8 L/100 km fuel economy. Built on Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform, it delivers a fun driving experience with a 1.2L 3-cylinder engine and CVT transmission. After a 3-month, 3,000-km test from Sydney’s busy streets to Melbourne’s tight laneways, the Swift Hybrid offers value and charm.

Why Choose the 2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid?

An Australian icon since 1985, the Suzuki Swift has sold over 200,000 units locally, with ~10,000 units in 2024. The 2025 model, a deep facelift of the fourth generation, introduces mild-hybrid technology, replacing the turbocharged GLX with a 1.2L 3-cylinder and hybrid starter generator. At $29,990, it matches the MG3 Excite Hybrid and undercuts the Yaris Hybrid (~$32,490). Despite a 1-star ANCAP safety rating, it compensates with standard equipment and 4.8 L/100 km efficiency. The top 10 reasons below highlight why this city car shines for Australian buyers.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid

1. Affordable Pricing and Value

The GLX Hybrid ($29,990) packs premium features like heated seats, LED headlights, and a 9-inch touchscreen at the price of base rivals. It matches the MG3 Excite Hybrid ($29,990) and saves ~$2,500 versus the Yaris Hybrid ($32,490), offering excellent value.

• Price: $29,990 (GLX Hybrid).
• Rivals: MG3 Excite ($29,990), Yaris Hybrid ($32,490).
• Features: Heated seats, wireless charger included.
• Savings: ~$3,000 vs. Mazda 2 G15 Pure ($32,990).

Why Buy? The Swift’s affordability appeals to Perth first-time buyers, outpacing the Mazda 2’s base trim.
Score: 9.0/10

2. Impressive Fuel Efficiency

The 1.2L 3-cylinder (61 kW, 112 Nm) with a mild-hybrid starter generator achieves 4.8 L/100 km in real-world tests, surpassing the MG3 Hybrid (5.0 L/100 km) but trailing the Yaris Hybrid (3.8 L/100 km). It requires 95-octane fuel, but saves ~$1,500/year at $1.80/L.

• Economy: 4.8 L/100 km (ADR claimed).
• System: Mild-hybrid, boosts engine-off time.
• Fuel Tank: 37L, ~650 km range.
• Savings: ~$1,500/year vs. Mazda 2 (6.0 L/100 km).

Why Buy? The Swift’s efficiency suits Brisbane commuters, rivaling the MG3’s hybrid economy.
Score: 8.8/10

3. Playful and Engaging Drive

The Swift Hybrid retains Suzuki’s fun-to-drive ethos with responsive steering and a light 980 kg kerb weight. The CVT transmission dulls acceleration (~10.5s 0–100 km/h), but the suspension handles bumps well, making it a joy on twisty roads or city streets.

• Engine: 1.2L 3-cylinder, 61 kW.
• Transmission: CVT, paddle shifters.
• Steering: Light, connected feel.
• Suspension: Soft, refined over bumps.

Why Buy? The Swift’s agility excites Adelaide drivers, surpassing the Mazda 2’s softer dynamics.
Score: 8.9/10

4. Compact Yet Comfortable Cabin

At 3.86m long, the Swift offers generous headroom and knee room for 182 cm drivers. Bolstered foam seats with heating ensure comfort, though rear space is tight for adults. Its narrow cabin enhances urban manoeuvrability.

• Front: Ample headroom, soft seats.
• Rear: Fits two adults, cramped for three.
• Seats: Heated, well-bolstered.
• Dimensions: 3.86m long, 1.73m wide.

Why Buy? The Swift fits Melbourne’s laneways, matching the Yaris’s front comfort.
Score: 8.7/10

5. Upgraded 9-Inch Touchscreen

The 9-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and navigation, with a fast interface. Its large bezel and touch-only controls are drawbacks, but physical climate toggles improve usability.

• Screen: 9-inch, sharp and responsive.
• Connectivity: Wireless CarPlay, USB-C ports.
• Controls: Physical climate panel, no volume knob.
• Audio: 6-speaker system, decent clarity.

Why Buy? The Swift’s tech suits tech-savvy Sydney drivers, outpacing the Mazda 2’s 7-inch screen.
Score: 8.6/10

6. Youthful and Practical Design

The Swift’s boxy shape, curvy windscreen, and 16-inch two-tone alloys create a youthful look, enhanced by gloss black accents and LED headlights. The bonnet’s UFO shape is quirky, but tight dimensions (3.86m long, 11.2m turning circle) ease parking.

• Exterior: Boxy, LED headlights, curvy roofline.
• Wheels: 16-inch two-tone alloys.
• Visibility: Excellent, slim pillars.
• Parking: 11.2m turning circle, nimble.

Why Buy? The Swift’s style shines in Canberra’s suburbs, rivaling the MG3’s bold design.
Score: 8.8/10

7. Refined Long-Distance Comfort

A 3-month, 3,000-km test proved the Swift’s refined ride, with a quieter cabin, soft seats, and improved suspension. Adaptive cruise control simplifies highway drives, making it comfortable for coastal road trips.

• Ride: Smooth, absorbs bumps well.
• Seats: Soft foam, supportive.
• Cruise Control: Simple, non-intrusive.
• Noise: Reduced vs. previous Swift.

Why Buy? The Swift’s comfort suits Gold Coast road trippers, matching the Yaris’s refinement.
Score: 8.7/10

8. Loaded Standard Features

The GLX Hybrid includes heated seats, wireless charger, leather steering wheel, LED headlights, and paddle shifters, rare at $29,990. It lacks a digital cluster or rear vents, but offers more than the Mazda 2 Pure at a similar price.

• Features: Heated seats, wireless charger.
• Wheels: 16-inch alloys, stylish.
• Steering: Leather, multifunction.
• Lighting: Full LED, auto high beams.

Why Buy? The Swift’s equipment appeals to Hobart value-seekers, surpassing the Mazda 2’s base kit.
Score: 8.9/10

9. Modest but Functional Boot

The 265L boot accommodates weekend luggage for couples, though it’s smaller than the Yaris (344L). 60/40 split-fold seats and a low load lip add versatility, but limited cabin storage (small cupholders, no armrest) is a drawback.

• Boot: 265L, expandable via 60/40 seats.
• Storage: Small cupholders, wireless charger bay.
• Doors: Tiny bottle holders, no pockets.
• Access: Low lip, easy loading.

Why Buy? The Swift’s boot suits Darwin urbanites, though it trails the MG3 (300L).
Score: 8.5/10

10. Solid Ownership Benefits

Suzuki’s 5-year/unlimited-km warranty is reliable, though shorter than MG’s 10-year offer. Capped-price servicing (~$400/year) is competitive, and Suzuki’s ~200 Australian dealers ensure accessibility. Reliability aligns with Suzuki’s strong Drive.com.au ratings.

• Warranty: 5-year, unlimited km.
• Servicing: ~$400/year, capped.
• Dealers: ~200 Australian locations.
• Reliability: High, per Drive.com.au.

Why Buy? The Swift’s ownership perks attract Adelaide buyers, rivaling the Yaris’s service costs.
Score: 8.6/10

Comparison Table: Swift Hybrid vs. Rivals

Feature	2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid (GLX)	2025 Toyota Yaris Hybrid	2025 MG3 Hybrid	2025 Mazda 2 Hybrid
Price (AUD)	$29,990	$32,490	$29,990	$32,990
Engine	1.2L 3-cyl + Mild-Hybrid (61 kW)	1.5L 3-cyl + Hybrid (85 kW)	1.5L 4-cyl + Hybrid (141 kW)	1.5L 3-cyl + Hybrid (85 kW)
Fuel Economy	4.8 L/100 km	3.8 L/100 km	5.0 L/100 km	4.0 L/100 km
0–100 km/h	~10.5 seconds	~9.5 seconds	~8.0 seconds	~9.7 seconds
Boot (L)	265	344	300	286
Infotainment	9-inch touchscreen	8-inch touchscreen	10.25-inch touchscreen	7-inch touchscreen
Safety Rating	1-star ANCAP	5-star ANCAP	5-star ANCAP	5-star ANCAP

Notes: Prices per Australian MSRPs; economy per ADR/real-world tests.

Drawbacks to Consider

• 1-Star ANCAP Rating: Weak crash performance, lacks driver attention alert.
• Mild-Hybrid Limits: No electric-only mode, less smooth than Yaris.
• Small Fuel Tank: 37L, refills every ~650 km.
• Limited Cabin Storage: Tiny cupholders, no rear armrest.
• No Digital Cluster: Analog dials feel dated vs. MG3’s digital screen.
• CVT Transmission: Thrashy under acceleration.

Buying Tips for Australian Buyers

• Choose GLX Hybrid: $29,990 for max features and efficiency.
• Test Drive: Feel the steering and suspension in urban settings.
• Budget Fuel: Plan ~$1,500/year for 15,000 km at 4.8 L/100 km ($1.80/L).
• Compare Rivals: Evaluate Yaris ($32,490) or MG3 ($29,990).
• Seek Deals: Look for EOFY 2025 incentives, saving ~$2,000.
• Visit Dealers: Suzuki’s ~200 Australian showrooms ensure support.

Who Should Buy the 2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid?

• First-Time Buyers: Sydney drivers seeking affordable fun.
• City Commuters: Melbourne users needing easy parking.
• Budget Shoppers: Brisbane buyers wanting value-packed features.
• Efficiency Seekers: Perth commuters craving 4.8 L/100 km.
• Young Drivers: Adelaide enthusiasts desiring youthful styling.

The 2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid is a value-driven city car that blends 4.8 L/100 km efficiency, playful handling, and modern tech for Australian buyers. At $29,990, its heated seats, 9-inch touchscreen, and refined ride shine, despite a 1-star ANCAP rating and limited storage. From Canberra’s roundabouts to Darwin’s streets, the Swift delivers simplicity and charm, competing with the Yaris and MG3. Ready for a budget-friendly hatch? The Swift Hybrid awaits.

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Sources:

• YouTube: Long-term test! Suzuki Swift Hybrid 2025 review: Is this new city car better than the next-gen MG3?
• Suzuki.com.au
• CarsGuide
• Drive.com.au
• CarExpert
• WhichCar
• X posts: May 31, 2024; August 29, 2024 (excitement for Swift’s efficiency and pricing)