Suzuki Swift returns 3.0L/100km, 1100+km range in test result

The Suzuki Swift has demonstrated just how efficient a small hybrid car can be, achieving a driving range of more than 1100km in an independent fuel economy test conducted on New Zealand roads.

Tested across a mix of motorway, rural, and urban driving conditions on the North Island, both automatic and manual versions of the fourth-generation Swift returned fuel consumption figures well below their official ratings.

A 1.2-litre petrol-electric Swift GLS with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) recorded an average of 3.3L/100km – a 23 per cent improvement over its claimed 4.3L/100km.

A manual version of the same model achieved 3.0L/100km, beating its official figure of 4.0L/100km by 25 per cent.

Based on the Swift’s 37-litre fuel tank, these results equate to a theoretical driving range of 1121km for the CVT automatic and 1233km for the manual.

Under the bonnet, the 1.2-litre engine produces 60kW of power and 108Nm of torque, and features a high compression ratio of 13.9:1 along with improved thermal efficiency compared to its predecessor.

The tests were conducted by veteran motoring journalist Donn Anderson, who has more than 30 years of experience in fuel economy events, including record-setting runs in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

“While the average driver may not achieve these outstanding driving ranges on a tank of fuel, it does demonstrate how remarkably economical the vehicle can be when driven moderately and with care,” said Anderson.

The test route began and ended in Auckland, encountering heavy traffic and roadworks along the way. Suzuki says these conditions highlighted the benefits of the Swift’s idle stop/start system and integrated starter generator (ISG), which replaces a conventional alternator.

The system recovers energy during deceleration to charge both a lead-acid and lithium-ion battery, while also providing electric motor assistance during acceleration for up to 30 seconds.

The Suzuki Swift is currently the most affordable mild hybrid on sale in New Zealand, with the manual GLS starting from $25,990 plus on-road costs, and GLS Auto priced from $27,990.

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