Swift beats factory figures

The new fourth-generation Suzuki Swift has proved to be a “real petrol miser” in an independent fuel-economy test conducted on North Island roads.

A 1.2-litre petrol-electric Hybrid GLS CVT automatic achieved average fuel consumption of 3.3l/100km over a mixture of motorway, rural open roads and city streets – a 23 per cent improvement over the official factory figure of 4.3l/100km.

Its GLS manual gearbox sibling did even better with an average of 3l/100km in the local fuel testing. This was 25 per cent more frugal than its factory figure of 4l/100km.

Both tests were carried out by Donn Anderson, who has been involved in fuel-economy events for more than 30 years and has completed record-breaking runs in the UK and New Zealand. 

Four years ago, Anderson achieved an average 4.2l/100km in the third-generation Swift mild Hybrid CVT automatic and says there are worthwhile fuel-economy improvements with the recently introduced 2024 model with its new Z12E three-cylinder, long-stroke engine. 

It boasts a relatively high compression ratio of 13.9 to 1 and better thermal efficiency than the previous four-cylinder equivalent with an identical capacity of 1,197cm3.

The new power unit with variable-valve technology and four valves per cylinder has fewer components, is lighter and has reduced friction losses. All contribute to its fuel economy.

The 200km test route, which began and ended in Auckland, encountered heavy traffic and roadworks disruption that necessitated frequent stop-start driving. When these hold-ups were encountered, the Swift’s engine shut down and restarted automatically, which proved a useful advantage.

Suzuki’s integrated starter generator (ISG) replaces a conventional alternator reduces fuel consumption by providing supplementary motor power for up to half a minute. It uses the energy of deceleration to generate electricity for charging the lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries.

It also functions as a generator and electric motor to restart the engine and provide electric-motor assistance during acceleration. The ISG monitors brake-pedal depression during deceleration to maximise the level of regeneration.

“The engine stopping and restarting is almost imperceptible,” says Anderson. “Restarting is via a belt-drive system that eliminates gear noise produced by conventional starter motors. Occupants are usually unaware the motor has stopped and then restarted.”

Anderson concentrated on decelerating as much as possible to conserve fuel and found the new, larger information screen an asset in reducing fuel consumption.

Within the instrument cluster, a discreet symbol illuminates when the lithium-ion battery is charging during deceleration, while the central-mounted screen details average, instant fuel consumption and fuel-economy history.

He adds: “Increased low-speed torque and enhanced combustion assists in the easy-going nature of the new engine.” 

The new continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the latest Swift is lighter and more compact than its predecessor with an infinite number of possible ratios available. 

It proved to be smooth and flexible on the fuel-economy run, displaying an ability to cruise at 100kph with the engine turning at little more than 2,000rpm.

Despite a modestly sized 37-litre fuel tank, the fuel-economy test revealed the Swift Hybrid can comfortably exceed a range of 1,000km between refuelling when driven moderately and with care.

Anderson says the performance of the five-speed manual gearbox Swift Hybrid is also highly creditable. 

“There are now so few manual transmission cars available, but the GLS manual is a fine exception with its refined gearbox that’s quiet and easy to use with its light action. The 3l/100km economy achieved is an exceptional result for a mild hybrid and confirms there’s still a place for the manual gearbox.”

While using less fuel, the Swift Hybrid range is also cleaner running with lower emissions. The 96gCO2/km official result for the GLS CVT is 9.4 per cent lower than the outgoing third-generation model.

The Swift GLS manual has launched with an introductory price of $25,990 plus on-roads while the CVT starts $27,990.