Suzuki’s battery EV e VITARA has won the 2026 RJC Car of the Year Special Award, promoted by the NPO Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (hereinafter, RJC).

The e VITARA is Suzuki’s first global strategic BEV model which was unveiled at Milan, Italy in November 2024, and was showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in India in January 2025.

With the product concept of “Emotional Versatile Cruiser,” the e VITARA features a design that combines a sense of BEV’s advanced technology and strength of an SUV, a BEV powertrain that delivers a nimble and sharp driving experience, an electric 4WD system “ALLGRIP-e” that provides not only off- road capability but also powerful performance, and a newly developed platform “HEARTECT-e” specifically for BEVs.

The reason for the RJC Car of the Year Special Award given to this model is as follows: “Suzuki’s first BEV, which brings together advanced technologies primarily from across Asia and is produced at the latest plant in India. While being a global model to be launched in over 100 countries and regions worldwide, it features a body size and 4WD specifications that can also handle Japan’s diverse road conditions and snowy regions, realizing a vehicle design that is easy to use for anyone”.

Comment by Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation
We are delighted that the e Vitara has been selected for the 2026 RJC Car of the Year Special Award. The e VITARA is Suzuki’s first battery EV SUV to be introduced as a global model in more than 100 countries and regions around the world. Taking this award as an opportunity, we will strive to make the e VITARA a car that is even more beloved by customers worldwide.

Unless you drive a fully electric car, stopping at filling stations to buy fuel is one of motoring’s unavoidable costs – but thanks to HonestJohn.co.uk’s Real MPG data, you can make a more informed choice about which model is best for you when it comes to keeping your fuel costs down. 

HonestJohn.co.uk’s Real MPG figures are compiled from information supplied by over 250,000 of the sites readers, split across different models from the whole spectrum of makes, models, sizes, ages and prices. The higher the number achieved, the lower those fuel bill. 

Based on the latest Real MPG results it’s clear that cars from Toyota, Suzuki and Nissan are proving to be among the most economical on Britain’s roads.

Smaller, lighter cars tend to provide the best MPG figures but that doesn’t mean you’ll need to crowbar yourself in a city-centric model to benefit. HonestJohn.co.uk’s  analysis confirms that many family cars will deliver impressive fuel efficiency in excess of 50mpg, while the very best in our lists below all beat 70mpg.

Petrol cars are by far the most prevalent on British roads at the moment, and Japanese maker Suzuki took the top three Real MPG places for petrol models. The 2015-19 Celerio 1.0 DualJet city car came out on top with a score of 70.1mpg, with the 2016-19 Baleno DualJet in second place at 63.5mpg. Third place went to the 2017-24 Swift 1.0 BoosterJet Hybrid.

The best-performing diesel car was the 2017-2022 Nissan Micra dCi 90, which achieved 69.6mpg in Real MPG scoring, followed by the SEAT Ibiza 1.4 TDI Ecomotive with 66.5mpg. In third place was the 2012-2025 Fiat Panda 1.3 MultiJet, with 66.4mpg overall.

Topping the charts for hybrid cars was Toyota, with the 2021 Yaris Cross 1.5 VVT-i Hybrid achieving a Real MPG figure of 70.5mpg. The 2020-on Yaris Hybrid was a close second at 69.6mpg, with the Suzuki Swace (2021-25) in third place at 65.5mpg.

Getting real-world figures for plug-in hybrid models is more complex, as their fuel economy performance is subjective to how the cars are used, but Real MPG data comes from real-world use, so is from authentic users. The top performing plug-in hybrid among HonestJohn.co.uk readers was the 2017-22 Toyota Prius 1.8 VVT-i Plug-in, with a Real MPG figure of 133.5mpg.

The Hyundai Ioniq 1.6 GDI Plug-in Hybrid came in second, with 129.5mpg, followed by the 2014-2020 Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSi e-tron, which achieved 107.3mpg. 

David Ross, HonestJohn.co.uk Senior Editor, said: “Vehicle manufacturers use a standard process to arrive at MPG figures, known as the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing Procedure, or WLTP. While it is said to closely replicate real-world usage, it’s only in daily use when you can truly assess how economical a car really is, and the Real MPG data has shown us some clear differences between WLTP figures and those achieved by HonestJohn.co.uk readers. One thing is certain, though, and it’s that Japanese brands came out on top for Real MPG performance”. 

Although electric cars are growing in number, the range data isn’t yet broad enough to provide a fair comparison. However, HonestJohn.co.uk will launch Real Range soon, based on data gathered from the site’s electric car owners.

A full breakdown of the Real MPG data can be found here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/guides/best-mpg-cars/

Editor of Fleet World Group, John Challen comments: “With an ever-reducing number of non-EV cars in this segment, Suzuki has taken advantage with the new Swift, which sees off the competition thanks to low running costs, a decent spec and an element of fun added in. Value for money guaranteed in a vehicle that ticks a lot of boxes”

Suzuki’s Director Automobile, David Kateley comments: “We are really pleased to receive yet another important award for Swift Hybrid which goes from strength to strength and proves the point once again the popularity of the Suzuki range of cars with all the tech you need to both our business and private customers.

Our hybrid range of cars that offer low emissions, high fuel efficiency, renowned reliability and strong residual values will remain very important for the future to sit alongside e Vitara, the first fully electric Suzuki launching this Autumn”.

The latest model Swift hybrid offers a high level of standard equipment with all the technology you need as well as further increased safety specification. CO₂ emissions are very low too at just 99g/km along with a very competitive price of £19,699 for the Motion model with manual transmission.

Standard equipment for Swift Motion grade is very comprehensive and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, navigation, rear view camera, rear parking sensors, Adaptive Cruise Control, wireless smartphone link display audio, keyless entry & start, Driver Monitoring System, Dual Sensor Brake Support (upgraded), Lane Departure Warning and Weaving Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor and enhanced Traffic Sign Recognition.

Ultra grade adds 16-inch polished alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, rear passenger heater outlet and electric folding door mirrors incorporating side turn indicators.

After 16 years and nearly 1.5 million lessons, Young Driver has been responsible for dramatically reducing accident rates among its alumni, with only 3.3% of former students being involved in accidents in the first six months after passing their driving test*, versus the national average of 20%**.

The company, led by motor industry stalwart Ian Mulingani, provides c150,000 lessons for 10-17-year-olds each year at 72 sites across the UK, with 4-10-year-olds taught in Young Driver’s bespoke Firefly Sports EVs.

“After reviewing all our options to replace the existing Vauxhall Corsa fleet, the Swift was the clear winner,” said Ian. “Our decision was based around three priorities: product quality and durability; low C0₂ emissions and fuel economy; and – of course – driveability and ease of operation for our novice drivers. The Swift stood head and shoulders above its other rivals so we’re now taking on a new fleet of mild hybrid cars that is significantly greener and more economical, easier to drive, better equipped, and, according to CAP HPI’s predictions, will retain an excellent 55% of its value after three years and 36,000 miles.

“Not only will the Swifts support a more sustainable business model in years to come, and make for happier young drivers, but for the first time it’s given us the confidence to buy our new 170-car fleet outright, rather than through a lease deal. Furthermore, the Swift’s superior cabin ergonomics mean that we can now accommodate drivers from the age of nine, rather than 10 with the outgoing car, provided they are at least 1.4 metres in height.

Suzuki GB PLC Director Automobile, David Kateley comments: “We are delighted to be involved with Young Driver with the supply of 170 Swift Hybrid cars. They will be put to very good use by its ever-growing group of younger people with their parents wishing to experience an instructed and safe first-car drive at one of their established locations throughout the UK.

Swift Hybrid is particularly suitable for younger drivers with its compact size and lightweight controls and offers all the efficiency, technology and safety you need. Swift is our best-selling model, and we are confident that our major collaboration will raise even more awareness of the Suzuki brand along with proving the strong reliability our cars offer”.

Young Driver’s Suzuki fleet will comprise 160 Swift Motion models, powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, 12v mild hybrid engine producing 81bhp, and mated to a five-speed manual transmission. A further 10 Swifts have been ordered with optional CVT transmission for young drivers with impaired abilities, who are not able to operate a conventional three-pedal system. All the Swifts are equipped with He-Man Dual Controls.

Young Driver is thoroughly committed to teaching greener driving techniques and using ICE/mild hybrid cars like the Suzuki Swift for maximum efficiency. Based on the manual-transmission car’s official combined fuel consumption of 64.2mpg, the company expects to save just under £20,000*** in fuel alone, compared with the previous fleet and with a CO₂ figure of just 99g/km, Swift’s emissions are also considerably lower than the 117g/km for the outgoing car.

Commenting further, Ian Mulingani said: “What finally tipped the balance for us, though, was product durability,” The fact that Suzuki was rated third out of 31 brands in the What Car? 2024 Reliability Survey, says it all, really. We also have the reassurance of a Suzuki warranty of up to seven years and 100,000 miles.”

*Data from Young Driver survey in which 450 past pupils who had turned 17 in the last three years were questioned about any accidents they’d had since passing their driving test.
** Source of one in five new drivers having an accident within six months of passing their test: https://www.brake.org.uk/get-involved/take-action/mybrake/knowledge-centre/young-drivers
***Based on each vehicle covering 7,000 miles per year. Fuel cost based on an average price of 137.9p/litre.

Baylis Group, a well-established, locally-owned automotive group has opened a new state-of-the-art facility in Staverton. The dealership offers a wide range of both new and used Suzuki vehicles, with over 500 used cars in group stock, including the first electric model, e Vitara, which will be launched this year.

The new dealership, which is located at Meteor Business Park, Staverton has created up to 15 new jobs in the local area, further boosting the local economy.

David Kateley, Director Automobile Suzuki GB PLC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Baylis Group to the Suzuki network. This new dealership will provide customers with even greater access to our award-winning range of vehicles.

“We are confident that Baylis Group will deliver exceptional customer service and provide residents in Cheltenham and Gloucester with a great buying experience.”

Andy Robbins, Director at Baylis Group, added: “We are excited to have now opened our new Suzuki dealership in Cheltenham. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to bring the Suzuki brand to a wider audience in the area, expanding our offering across the South West.

“Suzuki customers will be pleased to see some familiar faces as we have employed a few of the previous Suzuki dealer staff at the new dealership. We look forward to welcoming customers to our new showroom.”

To find out more about the new dealership, please visit: www.baylis.uk.com.

A long-time favourite among consumers across the world seeking a stylish and fun-to-drive hatchback, the Swift has won numerous awards since its introduction as a global model in 2004. The all-new model builds upon the legacy of its predecessors, offering a driving experience that is not only enjoyable but also prioritises comfort, efficiency, and safety. The Swift has been sold in 169 countries and regions with accumulated sales of over 9 million units as of October 2023.

The all-new Swift will go on sale in the UK in Spring 2024 and further details regarding technical specification and standard equipment will be provided in due course.

New Swift Highlights

• Dramatic new exterior and interior design
• Advanced safety features
• New 1.2L engine with 12V mild hybrid system

Dramatic new exterior and interior design
While maintaining the signature looks reminiscent of its predecessors, the new Swift has undergone a dramatic redesign beyond the parameters of past models.

Exterior Styling
The new Swift exudes confidence and adventure with a piano-black grille and L-shaped signature lamps that flow into rounded shoulder lines, highlighted by flared fenders.
Side on, the muscular contours tracing the new Swift’s profile, and the floating design of the roof add a sense of energetic lightness.

The three-dimensional rear combination lamps, and wide rear bumper give the new Swift a stable yet playful look that stands out on the road

Body Colours
The new Swift colour line-up consists of eight single-tone options and four dual-tone options, including new colours Frontier Blue Pearl Metallic and Cool Yellow Metallic. Notably, the new Frontier Blue Pearl Metallic joins the Burning Red Pearl Metallic paint scheme as a deep, vivid, candy-like colour tone, symbolising a new era of Suzuki paint quality. Both colour options consist of a three-layer coating, resulting in a rich texture and highly saturated hues.

Interior Styling
The new Swift offers a spacious and comfortable cabin equipped with ergonomic features to elevate the driving experience.

Inside the new Swift is a cockpit designed for an immersive and ergonomic driving experience, featuring a centre cluster and controls that are subtly angled toward the driver to ensure ease of use. The wraparound, dual-tone black and light-grey dashboard and front door trim, with satin plating and satin dark silver paint accents, give the cabin a sporty, dynamic look.

9-inch Display Audio
The 9-inch HD capacitive touchscreen delivers a quick and accurate response. It features smartphone linkage for both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto through Wi-Fi and USB, voice recognition, Bluetooth® music playback, and also displays information about the vehicle’s status.
*Apple, Apple CarPlay, iPhone and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
*Google, Android, Android Auto and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
*Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc

Advanced safety features
Dual Sensor Brake Support II (DSBS II)
Millimetre-wave radar and a monocular camera are employed to detect vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians in front of the vehicle, and help mitigate frontal, diagonal, and lateral collisions. If a collision seems possible, audio and visual warnings are issued to alert the driver. If the driver brakes with insufficient force, brake assist automatically engages to help slow the vehicle. And if the probability of a collision increases, the system automatically applies brake force to help reduce impact force and mitigate damage.

Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
When adaptive cruise control is activated, the LKA helps the driver maintain the vehicle’s position in the centre of the lane. In addition, if it senses that an adjacent vehicle or structure such as a temporary roadwork barrier or other obstacle is too close to the driver’s vehicle, it provides steering assistance to help maintain a safe distance.

Driver Monitoring System (DMS)
A camera built into the instrument panel monitors the driver’s eyes and face. If the system detects that the driver is drowsy, falling asleep, or looking away from the road, it sounds a warning alarm and displays an alert message on the information display.

Other technological features include:

• Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• eCall

New 1.2L engine with 12V mild hybrid system
The new 1.2-litre petrol 3-cylinder engine in the new Swift features improvements all around, combining enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions, with higher low-speed torque for greater responsiveness and overall performance.

In the new Swift, the engine is paired with the mild hybrid system for further enhanced environmental performance. The hybrid system converts kinetic energy generated during deceleration, and stores it in the lithium-ion battery, and assists the engine when accelerating for higher fuel efficiency.

ALLGRIP AUTO
ALLGRIP AUTO is an automatic four-wheel drive system that engages when it detects a loss of front wheel traction. When front-wheel slippage is detected, a viscous coupling engages to transfer torque to the rear wheels, providing additional traction for driving on snow-covered roads or other slippery surfaces.

SUZUKI CONNECT
SUZUKI CONNECT utilises the vehicle’s data communication module (DCM) to connect users to their vehicles in real time, enabling users to take advantage of convenient functions via the SUZUKI CONNECT smartphone app. For added convenience, some SUZUKI CONNECT functions are now available via the 9-inch display audio screen inside the new Swift.

Major functions:

• Status notification
• Parked car locator
• Driving history
• Geofencing and curfew alert
• Security notification
• Warning light notification
• Periodic maintenance / Recall notification

Suzuki GB PLC has now introduced its 2023 model update Swace in the UK, a stylish and versatile Estate Car with an athletic design, smooth and stable ride comfort and advanced hybrid performance. The latest model now has a higher level of performance with 0-62mph time reduced to 9.4 seconds from 11.1 for the previous model first introduced in November 2020.

For 2023, standard specification is even higher, and the new Motion model includes Emergency Driving Stop system, LED rear lamps, seven airbags, Dual Zone automatic air conditioning, eight-inch LCD colour information screen, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, Smart phone link for wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto device connectivity, rear parking camera, , new digital instrument cluster with three display modes, type C USB port and Dynamic Radar Cruise control.

The new Ultra grade adds updated Bi-LED projector headlights, Safe Exit Assist, Smart Door locking, Front and Rear Park distance sensors, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross traffic Alert, interior ambient lighting, and centre console tray with wireless charger.

A full equipment and technical specification table is included in the PDF document on the Suzuki media website.

Body colours
The Swace is available in seven different colours – Platinum White Pearlescent, Super White, Precious Silver, Black Mica, Dark Blue Mica, Phantom Brown Metallic and Oxide Bronze Metallic.

Advanced driving assist functions
Fully equipped with advanced safety features, the Swace offers confidence and peace of mind for both the driver and passengers on every journey. Additions for the 2023 model update are:

Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS).
EDSS is a newly developed system now fitted as standard equipment that functions while Lane Tracing Assist is activated and helps to monitor the driver to determine if they are inattentive, bringing the vehicle to a stop and activating hazard waring lights if necessary.

Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
Available as standard on the Ultra grade, SEA uses the same technology as Blind Spot Monitor and triggers a warning if a door is about to be opened into the path of an oncoming vehicle or cyclist approaching from the rear when the vehicle is stationary. 

Pre-Collision System (PCS)
Updated for the 2023 model with wider range and additional motorcycle detection, PCS helps prevent collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists by monitoring the road ahead with a millimeter-wave radar and monocular camera to apply braking assist and automatic braking if needed. 

Interior functionality The Swace is equipped with an 8-inch multimedia audio system with AM/FM/DAB radio, Bluetooth® function, and controls on the steering wheel for ease of use. The system is now compatible for wireless Apple CarPlay for iPhone, and a wired connection for Android Auto and MirrorLink for compatible smartphones. A higher definition colour display is also now added for these features. All models now boast an upgraded central 7-inch multi-information display, with the choice of three display modes.

For the Ultra model, a Qi wireless charging pad is available as standard in the front console to charge smartphones and both models now have two USB type C terminals and an AUX terminal within easy reach of the driver and front passenger. 

Cabin comfort
The cabin offers versatility and comfort to support the active lifestyles of both its driver and passengers. With a generous tandem distance of 928 mm between the front and rear seats, the rear cabin comfort and legroom is one of the best in its class.

Convenient storage spaces can be found throughout the cabin, offering ample room for storing small items such as phones and drinks in both the first and second rows.

Luggage space

The large 596-litre luggage compartment provides ample room for a variety of luggage or recreational items. For added versatility, the rear carpeted floorboard can be placed in a lower position to store taller objects and is also reversible with a resin backside that can be used for stowing wet or dirty items. The compartment can be easily expanded into a fully flat space by using the remote folding lever to fold down the second-row seats. Privacy needs are addressed with a detachable tonneau cover that can be retracted with a single touch, and the luggage compartment is equipped with auto-illuminating lights and DC12V accessory socket for added convenience.

Hybrid performance The Swace’s upgraded hybrid system combines a powerful electric motor with a 1.8 litre petrol engine exclusively designed for hybrid system use, delivering a seamless driving feeling with powerful acceleration as well as excellent fuel economy and low emissions. The hybrid system optimally drives the Swace with the motor, engine or both depending on driving conditions. Electric motor power has been increased to 70kW from 53kW which has in turn resulted in a higher level of torque to 185Nm from 163Nm previously.

EV drive mode Leveraging its higher output motor and large battery capacity, the Swace is equipped with an EV drive mode function. In EV drive mode, the vehicle is driven solely by its electric motor with power supplied from the battery. This mode can be used for driving short distances without having to worry about noise or emissions, especially in residential areas early in the morning and late at night, or in garages and indoor parking areas.

Driving comfort
Swace offers smooth driving comfort and stable, responsive handling with a low centre of gravity design and finely tuned suspension. The low bonnet line and location of the hybrid battery beneath the rear seats help give the car its low stance, reducing body roll around corners, improving stability and contributing to a smoother ride.

Drive mode select. The drive mode select function allows the driver to adjust the vehicle’s performance to suit driving conditions. The Swace is equipped with three modes – NORMAL, ECO or SPORT.

NORMAL mode: Provides an optimal balance between ride comfort, stability and fuel economy, and is suitable for normal driving.    

ECO mode: Helps the driver accelerate in an eco-friendly manner and enhance fuel economy through more gradual throttle response and minimal air-conditioning use. This mode is useful during stop-and-go city driving.   

SPORT mode: Controls the hybrid system to provide quick and powerful acceleration, making it suitable for when agile driving response is desired, such as on winding roads.

The Pastel Blue and red striped car with its famous number 7 decals which was Sheene’s race number was in a state of disrepair after being found stored in a barn covered in Hay Bales and was extensively and well restored by the next owner, an ex-Suzuki Marketing Director who returned the LJ to its exact specification.

The car was later sold privately and then purchased by Suzuki Dealer CMW in Sussex who used it for showroom display with some occasional road use. In 2013 it was sold at auction into a private collection of road and race cars and recently came up again in the Silverstone Auctions catalogue for a sale being held at the NEC Classic Car Show.

As a very important part of its company history and to accompany the collection of Sheene’s race motorcycles, Suzuki wasted no time in heading to the NEC. The famous LJ80 attracted a high level of interest at the show and after a brief but busy auction, Suzuki made the winning bid to secure the car. 

The LJ80 is powered by an 800cc four cylinder engine and, with a little choke applied to its carburettor, started first time and was driven out of the NEC. It features a soft top hood with removable side screen doors and has Suzuki’s well renowned high and low ratio gears for off road use.

Suzuki GB PLC Managing Director Nobuo Suyama comments:
We are very excited and proud to own this famous vehicle again some 42 years after we supplied it to Barry Sheene and his racing team. With 1979 being our first year of car sales in the UK, this now has pride of place in our showroom and will be used at our cross divisional events in the future along with the collection of race motorcycles. Our thanks again to the team at Silverstone Auctions for making us aware of this important car in our global company history which spans 102 years and Suzuki Motor Corporation celebrated 50 years of its iconic four wheel drive vehicles in 2020.