Suzuki reveals its own small wagon that’s based on the Toyota Corolla.
The Suzuki Swace wagon has launched in Europe and it is the second new Suzuki model based on one of Toyota’s new TNGA platform cars, following the Suzuki Across (Toyota Rav4) SUV which we’ve already reviewed.Â
The Suzuki Swace is heavily based on the Toyota Corolla wagon – and, like the Across, it features a subtly tweaked radiator grille, restyled front and rear bumpers, new LED headlamps and a tweaked pair of tail lights. Buyers also have their choice of seven paint finishes, including Oxide Bronze Metallic and Dark Blue Mica.
Standard equipment for the entry-level overseas includes 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Buyers also get the same seven-inch digital gauge cluster and eight-inch infotainment system as the Corolla, which offers support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
With the exception of some new leather upholstery, the Swace’s interior is transferred wholesale from the Corolla. Elsewhere in the cabin, buyers also get a couple of cupholders, a pair of USB ports, an ambient lighting system and a 12V accessory socket in the boot.
The range-topping variant adds front and rear parking sensors, park assist, keyless entry and a wireless smartphone charger for the centre console. There’s also a couple of extra safety features, such as a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Swace’s hybrid powertrain is another direct transfer from the Corolla – although Toyota has only supplied Suzuki with the Corolla’s least powerful unit. The system comprises a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a CVT gearbox and a 53kW electric motor, which produce a combined output of 90kW.
As such, the wagon’s 0–100km/h time is a rather pedestrian 11.1 seconds – but, as a trade-off, Suzuki says the Swace’s powertrain will return 4.4L/100km on the WLTP combined cycle. CO2 emissions are equally minimal, with a claimed figure of 99g/km.
Like the Toyota Corolla wagon, the Swace features three drivetrain modes – Normal, Eco and Sport – along with an EV function, which forces the powertrain to run in electric-only mode, providing a couple of kays-worth of emissions free driving.
As with most badge-engineered cars, the Suzuki Swace shares the same level of practicality as its donor vehicle. So, its 596-litre boot capacity is exactly the same as the Corolla’s, and if you fold the rear bench flat, you’ll unlock an identical 1606 litres of capacity and an area large enough to load items up to 1.8 metres long.
Luke Wilkinson
