Suzuki Swace – swagger and grace

WHEN a person moves with both swagger and grace he (or she) is, according to the Urban Dictionary, to have swace.

Suzuki has a car model called the Swace, though the Japanese motor manufacturer would probably prefer another popular explanation of the word’s meaning – that something is responsible and trustworthy with a high regard for justice and honesty.

That description certainly fits well with the perception of the brand by its patrons given that Suzuki has been named the No 1 automotive company in six of the last nine bi-annual assessments by the Institute of Customer Service.

To put that statistic into perspective the next motor manufacturer was some 26 places behind Suzuki, who finished joint eighth overall in the latest index from 260 organisations including the likes of John Lewis, M & S (Food) said and First Direct.

The Swace is Suzuki’s first mid-size estate model and is part of a collaborative business agreement with fellow Japanese car maker Toyota.

Based on the latter’s smart looking Corolla Touring Sports estate, but costing in the region of £800 less for what is a more exclusive car due to Suzuki’s plan to only sell 2,000 units a year, the Swace has just been updated with a host of features designed to enhance its appeal.

While there’s plenty of new tech plus a hike in the amount of standard kit the stand-out upgrade concerns the car’s 1.8-litre petrol engine – the only unit available.

Assisted by a more powerful electric motor, up from 53kW to 70kW, there’s 15 per cent more punch with maximum power up from 122bhp to 140bhp.

And it’s really noticeable when you drive the car, highlighted during our test drive through the Peak District with its uphill stretches and tight bends.

Where the previous model, which was launched at the back end of 2020, struggled a tad to cope with the steeper gradients the latest Swace was never under any stress as well as feeling well balanced and smooth at all times.

Acceleration from 0-62mph is improved to 9.4 seconds from 11.1 and the official Combined fuel return of 62.7mpg and CO2 emissions figure of 102g/km is only slightly up on the outgoing model.

You can also adjust the Swace’s performance to suit driving conditions thanks to the three drive modes of Normal, Eco and Sport, and the car can also run on electric power alone by engaging EV mode, albeit for just a few miles.

Inside, the Swace takes on a less is more approach with an upmarket yet simple cabin design centred around comfort, space and practicality.

That means ample room for five passengers plus a 596-litre boot with carpeted floorboard that can be fixed in a lower position to store taller items and is also reversible with a resin backside for stowing wet or dirty items.

The car’s rear can also be extended into a fully flat space using a lever to fold down the second row seats and create up to 1,232 litres of luggage space, which is impressive.

Suzuki has upgraded to two trim levels – now called Motion and Ultra – with extra kit, reflected by the new pricing structure of £28,999 (Motion) and £30,799 (Ultra).

Standard spec on the new Motion model includes an Emergency Driving Stop system, LED rear lamps, dual zone auto air con, eight-inch colour info screen, heated front seats and steering wheel, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, rear parking camera and Dynamic Radar Cruise control.

Pay the added £1,800 for Ultra and that brings in extras like Bi-LED projector headlights, Safe Exit Assist, Smart Door Locking, front and rear park distance sensors, blind spot monitor and a wireless mobile phone charger.

It all adds up to a classy looking and well kitted out family-friendly model that feels and drives like a premium estate car.