Suzuki Swift Hybrid updated for 2020 with mild changes [Update]

The 2020 Suzuki Swift Hybrid was launched in the home market of Japan this year and gets updated design and features. In this story, we discuss the feature changes and the angle of the Indian launch based on what we know.

Exterior & Interior

Changes on the outside are limited to a new 3D-effect grille design and alloy wheels (different ones for the Sport variant) and the inside gets an updated 4.2-inch MID that now displays the speed, and a 360-degree view monitor.

  • 3D-effect grille replacing the honeycomb design
  • Grille chrome outline deleted and a single chrome bar divides the grille
  • New alloy wheel design with thinner spokes
  • 2 new two-tone colours – orange and yellow (similar to the Swift Sport’s communication colour) on a black roof

Platform & Engine

The Swift Hybrid was launched in Japan 3 years ago and is technically the same car today. The Swift Hybrid gets a powerful motor and a large battery pack to enhance the pick-up and fuel economy, and is a step above the SHVS technology as the motor can independently spin the wheels.

The K12C 1.2-litre petrol engine continues to do duty with the same power and torque outputs (91 PS/118 Nm). The same mild-hybrid and full-hybrid (SZ) variants continue with the latter getting an electric motor that makes 13.6 PS and 30 Nm of torque. While there’s a 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT and a CVT on offer in other variants, the Swift SZ comes only available with a 5-speed AMT and in a 2WD layout. The Swift SZ returns a mileage of 28.6 km/l in the JC08 cycle and 23.0 km/l in the WLTC cycle.

The electric motor of the Suzuki Swift Hybrid is wired to a 100V Li-Ion battery pack placed under the boot floor and a 5-speed AGS (AMT). Unlike the Suzuki Swift mild-hybrid, the Suzuki Swift Hybrid operates in electric mode as well and returns a higher fuel efficiency (28.6 km/l as opposed to 25.2 km/l in the JC08/23.0 km/l as opposed to 21.0 km/l in WLTC). The hybrid system takes over in idle stop-start, torque assist and regenerative braking to improve fuel efficiency.

Prices of the new Swift start from 15,35,600 yen (Rs 10.88 lakh) ex-showroom in Japan.

Suzuki Swift Hybrid displayed by Maruti at Auto Expo 2020 – Image Gallery

There are not many optical changes between the regular and hybrid, the latter is distinguished with ‘Hybrid’ badges on the front and side, blue accents on the gear stalk and instrument panel. The car also has an ‘eco’ mode button on the side of the steering wheel.

Swift Hybrid FAQ

What is the Suzuki Swift Hybrid mileage?

The Suzuki Swift Hybrid returns a fuel economy of 28.6 km/l (JC08)/23.0 km/l (WLTC).

When will Maruti Swift Hybrid launch in India?

There is no plan to launch a Maruti Swift Hybrid, but a Maruti Swift mild-hybrid could arrive in showrooms in the coming months.

Maruti Swift Hybrid for India?

Though the car was part of the Auto Expo 2020 lineup and Maruti has included full hybrids in its Mission Green Million initiative, there are no plans for its launch as the hybrid system makes the car very expensive (the cost of the battery, motor and power electronics over and above the standard Swift would push the price close to INR 10 lakh). The Swift Hybrid will probably remain a Japan-only model for the foreseeable future.

Currently there is no government subsidy for hybrid vehicles under FAME II and the GST is identical to an IC-engined vehicle. That said, the Hybrid variant will be a sensible alternative for customers who use their cars for city and long-distance trips, now that the company has discontinued the diesel engine.