New 2024 Suzuki Swift Hybrid undercuts MG3 to be Australia’s cheapest electrified car: But should it actually be called a hybrid?
The 2024 Suzuki Swift Hybrid mini-car has claimed the crown as Australia’s cheapest electrified new vehicle, undercutting the equally new MG3 in the process.
While only a mild hybrid, which means it can’t run solely on electricity, the entire Swift four model line-up provides electrical assistance to its new 1.2-litre triple-cylinder petrol engine via a belt-driven integrated starter generator and a small 12v lithium-ion battery pack.
Previously the four model Swift range was powered by unassisted ICE powertrains.
Suzuki has already stated the arrival of the Swift hybrid begins its transition to electrical assistance across much of its range.
The manual base model starts at $24,490 drive-away, significantly undercutting the cheapest hybrid model in the new MG3 compact hatch range, which is $27,990 plus on-road costs.
However, the MG3 is a full plugless hybrid that can run on petrol or electricity separately or with them combined.
Previously, the Toyota Yaris compact hatch was Australia’s cheapest new vehicle with electric assistance. The Ascent Sport Hybrid is priced at $28,500 before on-road costs.
The Swift range starts with the $24,490 Hybrid with five-speed manual, climbs to $26,990 for the Swift Hybrid CVT auto, then steps up to $28,490 for the Swift Hybrid Plus auto and tops out with the Swift GLX auto for $29,490.
That compares to $23,990 for the old GL manual, $25,990 drive-away for the old GL auto, $27,490 drive-away for the old Plus auto and $31,290 drive-away for the old GLX Turbo.
So the Swift entry price is up $500 while the flagship is now $1800 cheaper.
Suzuki has forecast sales of 10,000 Swifts per annum with the Hybrid auto accounting for about 60 per cent of volume. If it hits that number it will be the first time the Swift has achieved those giddy heights since 10,921 examples departed showrooms in 2015.
The Swift Hybrid powertrain offers combined outputs of 61kW/112Nm and a fuel economy average of 3.8L/100km as a manual and 4.0L/100km as an auto.
But should it actually be called the Swift Hybrid?
“Is there a hybrid to the drivetrain? Would it be unfair to not call it a hybrid?” responded Suzuki Australia general manager Michael Pachota.
“It’s about improving on performance, which is very hard to do versus our previous car from a consumption and emissions point of view.
“The previous car was also a 1.2-litre engine but it wasn’t a hybrid. Now with the hybrid technology … it’s not about screaming we are a green car.
“We are 18 per cent better from a consumption perspective and 21 per cent better from an emission perspective, so the hybrid part of that car is actually very significant in the performance of that car versus the old car.
“So yes it’s a hybrid.”
The new MG3 Hybrid+ combines a 75kW 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 100kW e-motor and a 1.83kWh lithium-ion battery to offer claimed maximum output of 155kW and a 4.3L/100km fuel consumption average.
