Suzuki Swift Hybrid 2024 - Whether to Buy or Not

rohitroygre on 14/10/2024 - 09:19
Last edited 14/10/2024 - 09:32 by 1 other user

I live in Melbourne Victoria, and I am looking to buy a small car (preferably hybrid) for my family of three (dad, mum and toddler).

We can also opt for a petrol car. The car will be used for very basic purposes like going to buy groceries, parking at train station, etc. I already have a Mazda CX-5 and we just want a very basic small car which is easy to drive and safe enough. We came across a Suzuki Swift Hybrid.

We visited the Suzuki showroom and looked at the car. The showroom guy told us that he will do a good price for us. Can you please suggest how much he should go down in price if we decide to but this (basic model $24,490 drive away)? Also, do you think this is a good car to buy based on our requirements? If not, can you please suggest other options? We can also go for other brands which are more expensive.

Let me know if you have any questions and I will answer them straight-away.

Thank you.

Automotive Car Hybrid Vehicle Suzuki

Comments

            • pegaxs on 14/10/2024 - 10:28
              +5

              @jv: Yet you seem to know now to quote, indent and reply to my comments?

              post the question

              Reply

              Post the next question

              Post another reply…

              We get it, you are shit posting to win some kind of pissing competition on the monthly score board and condensing all these comments into one reply just isn't going to get you to your target.

              While I generally laugh off your rants and inane attempt at comedy, this is even a new low for you, jv.

              • mapax on 14/10/2024 - 11:05
                +3

                @pegaxs: Dang, you got jv penalty boxed. Well, his spamming did, but dang nonetheless…

              • spackbace on 14/10/2024 - 11:43

                @pegaxs: Damn that's a lot of spam comments on a post! Wtf was jv thinking?!

                Side note, so it seems like the Swift 'Hybrid' operates like the Toyota 48V system

                • pegaxs on 14/10/2024 - 13:46
                  +2

                  @spackbace:

                  it seems like the Swift 'Hybrid' operates like the Toyota 48V system

                  From what I understand, unless the 2024 model has had a significant update, the Swift runs a small capacity battery that is recharged from deceleration. This charges a secondary battery that is then used to power and/or assist power hungry vehicle systems, such as the AC, not the drive system like the Corolla/RAV/etc.

                  This power is recouped via what is essentially an oversized alternator or oversized starter motor and fed into this secondary battery.

                  From what I understand, there is no "drive" to the transmission like there is from a traditional hybrid, say like the Corolla or RAV4 does. You cant drive a Swift around on just EV only mode, as there is no linkage from the EV "drive" and the wheels. The only drive that it may (and I use the word "may" very very very loosely) drive, is to "assist" the engine in getting up to speed, it "may" take some of the load off the engine by electrically assisting… but at 12v, that is 9/10th of (fropanity) all. I have read that it can supply "up to" 2.3kW of "assistance", or, once again, 9/10ths of "FA".

                  As to the 48v system, unless that is new for the later model, I am not even sure if that is the model we get here. From what I understand, the model that gets the "48v system" is the upper ranged Swift Sport Hybrid with the larger 1.4l turbo engine. Again, this is only my understanding and I could absolutely be wrong if there is a change in specs for the AU market.

                  • spackbace on 14/10/2024 - 13:47

                    @pegaxs: Ah, by 48V I was referring to the Toyota Hilux/Prado system, which isn't considered as a hybrid and Toyota make sure they don't use that term

                    • pegaxs on 14/10/2024 - 13:51

                      @spackbace: Yep, and I think that is why Suzuki should stop using it as well. This is marketing bullshit 101. Piggy back off of someone else's successful technology. Water it down and down until its almost non-existent and then use the successful companies "catch all" moniker on your own products so people think it's the same thing…

                      The ACCC need to step in and start knocking this shit on the head. Adding "mild" in front of it still doesn't even make it a "hybrid", it's literally a second alternator/starter motor and a second battery. It isnt a "hybrid" anything.

  • pegaxs on 14/10/2024 - 09:31
    +5

    No… It really isnt a hybrid. The starter motor battery is bigger than the hybrid battery.

    • jv on 14/10/2024 - 09:36
      -1

      It really isnt a hybrid.

      It's a ‘mild-hybrid’

      3.8-4 l/100km

      • Murkymerv on 14/10/2024 - 09:38
        +2

        JV , "you've done it again".

      • pegaxs on 14/10/2024 - 09:51
        +7

        It's not even that. The regular Swift is 4.8l/100km.

        Power is: 61kW/112Nm hybrid vs 66kW/120Nm regular

        The "hybrid" part of the system is integrated into the starter motor and is used to charge a 12v10Ah battery pack. This pack is then used to power some of the onboard vehicle system like the AC. It does NOT drive the vehicle. It is basically a second alternator and second battery to share electrical load on accessories, NOT the vehicle drive system.

        So, calling it a "mild hybrid" is even disingenuous and almost an outright lie. There is nothing more going on here than false advertising with Suzuki getting a bit loose with using the word "hybrid" in their vehicle sales material.

        So, "mild" hybrid, my arse.

        • jv on 14/10/2024 - 09:54
          -6

          The regular Swift is 4.8l/100km.

          So this uses less fuel, which is the whole point of being hybrid.

          • JDMcarfan on 14/10/2024 - 10:15
            +3

            @jv: but nearly all of the less fuel is more likely due to the new engine in the car and not the hybrid system.
            Suzuki marketing this as a hybrid is a joke and a pisspoor stab at trying to get Toyota market share for a half-arsed product.
            I say this as a Suzuki owner

            OP based on username I assume you are Indian, and thus have an affinity to the swift nameplate.
            If you don't like the feel of a Yaris hybrid (buy new near new, if <25k budget), my 2c would be to get a run-out 'old' gen Swift GLX turbo.
            The engine is likely to be much more robust and is super peppy/fun to drive, and won't be asthmatic.
            Looks wise this new gen is nearly identical to the old one with a super inflated price tag for a base model engine.

            • jv on 14/10/2024 - 10:33
              -1

              @JDMcarfan:

              all of the less fuel is more likely due to the new engine in the car and not the hybrid system.

              proof ?

          • pegaxs on 14/10/2024 - 10:18
            +3

            @jv: It's not due to the "hybrid" setup… that's for sure.

            The regular swift is a 4 cylinder engine, vs 3 cylinder "hybrid" (and I use the word hybrid as a model designation, not as a reference to its drive system) and the regular Swift has more "power", and how do you get more "power"? By using "more fuel"…

            The fact of the matter is that the "Swift Hybrid" is not a "hybrid drive" system, but a marketing stunt to part the gullible from their cash thinking they are getting a "hybrid" when what they are getting is a car with two alternators and two 12v batteries.

            So, on that, your savings would be (IF you could drive at EXACTLY the combined consumption rating for each vehicle…) for the Aussie average of 12,000km per year;

            Swift (regular) 576 litres of fuel a year.
            Swift (Hybrid) 480 litres. (A saving of 96 litres or less than 2 litres a week)

            At an average of $1.75/litre for fuel, you would save $168/year on fuel.

            The RRP for the base in each variant with auto transmission is $25,990 regular, $26,990 "hybrid"

            At a $1,000 premium, it would take 6 years of doing 12,000km/year (or roughly 72,000km) to get any ROI.

            Oh, and did I mention that it's not an actual "hybrid", mild or not.

              • pegaxs on 14/10/2024 - 10:45
                +1

                @jv:

                Power is: 61kW/112Nm hybrid vs 66kW/120Nm regular

                You do understand how the laws of thermodynamics work, yeah?

                To make "moar power" (mP), you need bigger "boom" (bB). To make bigger "boom" you need "moar fuel" (mF). Bigger "boom" already need "moar fuel", ergo, "moar power" need "moar fuel".

                bB = mP
                bB = mF
                ergo
                mP = mF

  • oscargamer on 14/10/2024 - 09:39

    Would you buy an EV?

    • pegaxs on 14/10/2024 - 11:03
      +3

      This is actually a good question… For about $4k (or less for a demo model) more, they could be in an MG4 and spend virtually nothing on fuel. for even less, they could be in a used Nissan Leaf and pocket about $5k in cash if all it is being used for is as a second car for shopping and going to work.

      If anything, the Swift is NOT a "hybrid" and for $27k~ish, you could get into a REAL hybrid, like a slightly used, almost newish, 2 or 3 yo Corolla or Yaris Hybrid for that price.

  • Murkymerv on 14/10/2024 - 09:40

    Personally I'd be going for petrol myself , how much are you really saving with hybrid?
    These cars are very economical as is , but that's your choice.

    • jv on 14/10/2024 - 09:45
      -2

      how much are you really saving with hybrid?

      Petrol 4.6 to 6.1L/100km.

      Hybrid 3.8-4 l/100km

      So saving of approx. 18%-35% in fuel costs…

      If you do about 20,000km in a year, that is approx. 160 to 420 litres saved.

      • pegaxs on 14/10/2024 - 10:39

        lol @ Swift buyers doing 20,000km in a year… Why not make it 40,000… or 100,000km?? At 100,000km/year you would be saving about 1,000 litres of fuel… ZOMG!! That's like $2,850 if you bought Premium 98 @ $2.85/litre. SAVINGS!!!

        At the "Australian average" of about 12,000km/year, you would save less than 100 litres of fuel. @ $1.75 fuel average, it's a saving or about $170 a year.

        You cant just make up unrealistic numbers and call it "savings" based on stupid, made up numbers. Most Swift drivers are using it as a second car for shopping, commuting or kid school taxi, not as an interstate freight vehicle… FFS.

        • jv on 14/10/2024 - 10:42
          -1

          it's a saving or about $170 a year.

          Which is the whole point of driving a hybrid. Especially for Greenies…

          • pegaxs on 14/10/2024 - 10:46
            +1

            @jv:

            Which is the whole point of driving a hybrid.

            Yeah, but it not a "hybrid".

            • jv on 14/10/2024 - 10:46
              -2

              @pegaxs: Take that up with the ACCC then…

  • brendanm on 14/10/2024 - 09:40
    +11

    Why would you spend $25k on something that drives 5km to the shop.

    Used Nissan leaf, Prius etc.

  • onetwothreefour on 14/10/2024 - 09:54
    +9

    I'm a fan of JV but some days are harder than others…

    • Murkymerv on 14/10/2024 - 10:37
      +1

      He's only a celebrity on this site , otherwise it's Mr nobody.

      • onetwothreefour on 14/10/2024 - 12:42
        +1

        yeah but you can say that about a lot of people I guess.

  • Benoffie on 14/10/2024 - 10:30
    +2

    Im not sure Id worry about the Hybrid version.

    Had a Swift whilst raising a kid (6" teen) and they are great. Theyll fit a pram, shopping, car seats and cranky teenagers no issues. Theyll do 200k km without skipping a beat so long as you treat them right.

    Fuel wise, they run on an oily rag. Less than 5L/100km. And thats why a Hybrid isnt worth it as the payback isnt there.

    Get a nicer GLX or whatever it is now and enjoy.

      • Benoffie on 14/10/2024 - 10:36

        They can buy a green one and pop a sticker on the back window? 💚

  • overthinking on 14/10/2024 - 11:03
    +3

    If you're buying a Suzuki, get a petrol.

    If you're adamant on a hybrid, get a Toyota.

    Just my 2 cents after owning a Suzuki and driving many Toyota Hybrids.

  • geekcohen on 14/10/2024 - 11:39
    -1

    I am looking to buy a small car (preferably hybrid) for my family of three (dad, mum and toddler).

    Family of 3 for now. Consider the future and maybe get something bigger. Most likely going to be similar in fuel efficiiency, just a bit more in cost.

  • Euphemistic on 14/10/2024 - 12:06
    +1

    Halve your budget. Buy used. Put (bigger) savings aside for a smidgen extra fuel and save for an EV in 3 years.

  • theHMASfriendship on 14/10/2024 - 12:15
    +2

    Who censored jv, let them cook!

  • TimmyTims on 14/10/2024 - 13:42
    +1

    I have a 2019 model Suzuki mild hybrid car and the mild hybrid is Extremely temperamental.
    It's activated maybe 10% of the time I'm in the car. I don't know if it's because of the cold outside temp, if the battery is dying (purchased the car 2nd hand), if it's actually working properly or any other.

    In other words, don't buy a Suzuki just because of the "hybrid feature".

  • shxhshzhz on 14/10/2024 - 16:57
    +1

    Brand new MG4 EV $30990, ideal for the short trips you do as range won't matter. Difference in price will be covered by no petrol cost.

    Otherwise, get any economical used car for much cheaper than $20k

    • Euphemistic on 14/10/2024 - 18:06
      +1

      If they buy MG4 i wouldn't be surprised if it became the main car, not the second car.

  • daison on 14/10/2024 - 19:19
    +2

    I think this new gen 'hybrid' swift is a marketing fail tbh. As others have said the 'hybrid' isn't really contributing to the power at the wheels like a normal hybrid. Instead it's used to power some of the internals. The fuel savings would be more due to the new engine. The old swift was pretty good value and reliable. If there's still some stock that would be an option. If you just want a small run about I'd go for a kia picanto. Solid little car and sips fuel

    • Ade99 on 15/10/2024 - 07:54

      Lots of safety kit and nice to have toys for the $$$

  • dkwon10 on 15/10/2024 - 08:30

    Mild hybrid is such a scam… Currently looking at a second hand mx30 hybrid but fuel consumption claim is 6.5L/100km what a joke

  • sumyungguy on 15/10/2024 - 09:30

    Appeals to me and possibly to you for these reasons: low weight 948 kg means long tyre life (your Mazda is 66% heavier); 9.6m turning circle is more than 2m tighter than your CX-5; base model is manual; 3-cylinder engines are fabulous for city cars.

  • Theowondercat on 15/10/2024 - 13:18

    Avoid all Hybrids is my opinion.

    Why would you punish yourself for the worst of both worlds? Get one or the other. ICE or EV. Ging hybrid is exposing yourself to both. Two headaches instead of one and for what? Saving 2 litres of fuel?
    Go EV instead. Ignore all this range anxiety and fire nonsense. Just wait till 2025 and all the competition thats coming. Some awesome models but if you cant wait the best buy atm is the mg4 at 31k on road (27.5k in WA after rebate).
    Pretty soon, every ICE car will be like an old vhs or dvd player except needing constant servicing. Hybrids will be even worse. They cant do one thing well. Why have 2 inferior solutions. These new EV's are insanely good.

    • daison on 15/10/2024 - 22:49
      +2

      Every taxi Toyota Camry hybrid that's done hundreds of thousands of kms think differently. Plug in hybrids are a great choice till battery tech catches up. Best of both worlds. Petrol cars aren't going anywhere soon. And those EVs that people are expecting in 2025 are just more unproven, unbacked, unrefined tech you'll be gambling your money and time with.

      • Euphemistic on 16/10/2024 - 10:51

        We are past first gen EVs. The tech is there. Batteries last long enough, and unless you travel more than twice the range in a day regularly, charging is fast enough. For a city runabout, theres pmenty of range and overnight charging on a normal wall socket will be enough for most regualr commuters.

        What is this tech you are waiting for? The my grail of solid state batteries? It won't be a massive game changer such that current EV owners will ditch their car just because 'better'.

        Of course unknown Chinese brands are a risk, but there's plenty of mainstream brands that have models avaiable OS, just a matter of getting them here.

        • daison on 16/10/2024 - 21:14

          I'm waiting for petrol car parity in terms of convenience, comfort, price and reputation. I want a battery powered $32k hatch the size of a swift that can go 500km, do 80% charge in under 10min, doesn't weight 2000kg and made from a reputable brand like toyota, mazda or even suzuki. The only way it'll get there is a significant change in the way we power the engines.
          An EV would suit me well because it would utilize alot of daytime charging using solar. But the market just isn't there for me yet and I can't imagine it will be before 2030. The new swift isn't really a hybrid and I can't imagine they'd release something new so soon. And kia have no electric picanto plans till 2030.

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