Review: 2025 Suzuki Swift 1.2 Ultra Hybrid ALLGRIP
Let’s face it: the 2025 Suzuki Swift AWD isn’t the first name that springs to mind when you think of mud, rocks and lumpy hillsides. No one’s ever looked at a Swift and gone, “Aye, that’ll conquer Kinder Scout.” But the new 1.2 Ultra Hybrid ALLGRIP might just surprise you.
This unassuming five-door hatchback now comes with mild hybrid tech, four-wheel drive, and that classic Suzuki blend of lightweight simplicity and cheeky underdog spirit. It’s like giving your Jack Russell hiking boots, it won’t outmuscle the big dogs, but it’ll give it a right good go. Let’s get stuck in.
On-Road Ride: Surprisingly Grown-Up
You’d be forgiven for assuming the Swift would feel like a tin of beans on four roller skates. But actually, Suzuki’s done a cracking job here. On smoother A-roads and in town, the Swift is well-mannered and surprisingly refined. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild hybrid doesn’t set your trousers on fire, producing around 83bhp, but it’s lively enough for darting about. The steering is light and direct, making it perfect for city driving and tight country lanes, especially when you're dodging potholes and sheep.
There’s a certain playful agility to it, think wasp rather than butterfly. On twisty B-roads it bobs along with enthusiasm, and the 5-speed gearbox, while old-school in its feel, is pleasingly mechanical. You find yourself driving it with more verve than you’d expect in a car that looks like a wind-up toy.
Noise insulation isn’t quite Lexus-level, but for a car that weighs less than a soggy weekend rucksack, it’s not bad. The engine does get a bit shouty when you really push it, which I actually like, but at least it sounds honest, unlike some overboosted whiny turbo things out there.
Off-Road Capability: More Capable Than It Has Any Right To Be
Now, let’s get one thing straight: the Swift isn’t going to replace your Jimny or scramble up a rutted byway in a blizzard. But, for light green lanes, wet campsites, snowy drives, and rutted farm tracks it’s genuinely competent.
The ALLGRIP system is a part-time 4WD setup that automatically sends power to the rear wheels when the fronts start slipping. There’s no locking diffs or low-range wizardry here, but the lightweight chassis and extra grip give it a surefootedness in slippy conditions that most front-wheel-drive superminis just can’t match.
We took it down a local green lane, nothing too gnarly, but the sort of track that has most hatchbacks spinning and crying. The Swift got through it with minimal fuss, and didn’t even bottom out. Ground clearance isn’t great, so you’ve got to pick your lines, but the AWD system works, and that’s half the battle.
If you live somewhere rural, or just want a car that won’t panic the second it sees a puddle, the Swift’s AWD system is a little gem.
Interior Spec & Comfort: Cosy, But Charming
Slip inside and you’re met with what Suzuki does best, simple, functional, no-nonsense design. No flashy gimmicks, just everything you need in a clean layout. It's not premium, but it doesn’t pretend to be.
The seats in the Ultra trim are comfortable for long journeys, Muddy Madam spent 5-hours in it driving down south and was unusually fine upon her arrival. Rear space is a bit tight for adults over six foot, but fine for the kids or the dog.
Material quality is... serviceable. It’s mostly hard plastics, but they’re solid and wipe-clean, ideal for post-camping cleanup. No plush leather or fancy trims here, but there are some soft-touch bits and stitching that tries to jazz things up.
Kit-wise, the Ultra trim gets a decent spec:
9” infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Heated front seats
Rear camera
LED headlights
Adaptive cruise
Auto emergency braking
It’s basically got all the gear you’d want in a car at this price, and none of the posh fluff you’ll never use.
Infotainment & Controls
The Lane departure warning "SOD OFF.” button is located within easy reach, so that’s nice, as are the heater controls, which is an absolute win.
Practicality: Small but Smart
Let’s not pretend it’s a Skoda Octavia, but it’s clever with its space.
Boot space sits at 265 litres, not massive, but the shape is square and usable. Drop the rear seats and you’ll get just over 950 litres, which isn’t bad for the segment.
Now, the all-important Mud Life test:
Camping gear and general tat? You can cram in a surprising amount if you’re smart with packing. We managed a tent, sleeping bags, a camp stove, folding chairs, and three crates of “necessities” (mostly biscuits and tea), and loads more.
It’s a hatchback, not a van, but for short trips and weekend adventures, the Swift punches above its weight.
Fuel Efficiency: Easy on the Wallet
The mild hybrid gubbins here doesn’t add much electric propulsion, but it helps smooth out stop/start traffic and eke out extra mpg. Official WLTP combined figure is 64.2mpg, and in our real-world testing (a mix of urban, B-road bimbles, and some rough track work), we averaged 58.5mpg. Not bad at all.
It’ll sip fuel gently all week and doesn’t feel gutless doing it. Cheap tax, low insurance, and good fuel economy, this is a car built for tight northern budgets and sensible minds.
Verdict: Mighty Mouse with Muddy Boots
The 2025 Suzuki Swift 1.2 Ultra Hybrid ALLGRIP is one of those rare cars that’s more than the sum of its parts. It’s not fast, it’s not fancy, and it won’t climb the side of Snowdon, but it’s plucky, practical, and genuinely fun to drive.
It fits neatly into the lifestyle of someone who doesn’t need a full-on 4x4 but still wants something that’ll cope with mucky fields, frosty tracks, and the occasional green lane. It’s also a brilliant little commuter car for those who live in the sticks but work in town.
Would we have one as our only car? If you’re a solo adventurer or a small family who camps lightly, absolutely. It’s also a brilliant second car for winter duties or rural errands.
Think of it as the Jimny’s excitable little cousin, less macho, more sensible, but still ready for a bit of rough.
For more details, visit: Suzuki-Cars.co.uk
Price, including options: £22,749