New Suzuki Swift Hybrid automatic priced at $24,990
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Suzuki has added a GLS automatic to its Swift mild-hybrid range at an introductory price of $24,990 plus on-road costs, billing it as New Zealand’s most affordable hybrid.
The manual GLS will also be offered at $24,990 plus on-road costs for the remainder of 2026, giving buyers a choice of transmissions at the same price.
“At a time of unprecedented fuel price fluctuations and high living costs, the introduction of this high value model opens up greater access for customers to make meaningful running cost savings,” says Aaron Wales, Suzuki New Zealand Automobile Sales Manager.
The GLS automatic pairs Suzuki’s 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a continuously variable transmission. Engine outputs are 61kW and 112Nm.
Its mild-hybrid system uses an integrated starter generator to assist the petrol engine during acceleration. Energy recovered under braking is stored in a lithium-ion battery, while idle stop-start also helps reduce fuel use.
Suzuki claims combined consumption of 4.3L/100km for the automatic and 4.0L/100km for the manual on the 3P-WLTP cycle. Using those figures and the standard 37-litre fuel tank, it calculates ranges of around 860km and 925km respectively.
Standard equipment includes LED headlights with automatic light sensing and high-beam assistance, LED daytime running lights and heated exterior mirrors. Keyless entry, push-button start and a steering wheel adjustable for both height and reach are also included.
A 9-inch infotainment touchscreen provides wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and integrated satellite navigation.
The safety package includes Dual Sensor Brake Support II, lane-keep assistance, traffic-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control and a weaving alert. There’s also a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, hill-hold control and six airbags, along with child-seat tether points and ISOFIX anchorages.
The new automatic arrives as the Swift continues to lead New Zealand’s light-car segment. Suzuki says it holds a 25.7 per cent share of the class in year-to-date sales, ahead of the Toyota Yaris on 15.1 per cent.
Suzuki is also pointing to the model’s performance in the British What Car? 2026 owner reliability survey. The brand ranked first across 30 makes and 225 models, with the Swift recording a 97 per cent reliability score. The survey covered owners’ experiences with vehicles up to five years old.
The Japan-built Swift Hybrid GLS automatic is available in white, silver and black. It comes with Suzuki’s eight-year/160,000km warranty package and five years’ roadside assistance.
