Suzuki Swift The Cheapest New Car To Own and Operate

The Suzuki Swift Hybrid is the least expensive new car to own and operate, according to the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland.

The RACQ, equivalent to our AA, evaluated the running costs of 87 cars across twelve different categories. They calculated costs by factoring in fuel, servicing, tyres, registration and insurance. The assessments were based on 15,000 kilometres a year for five years.

The popular five-door hatchback was the overall winner and could help save motorists thousands of dollars in annual running costs.

In New Zealand, the Swift continues to be far and away the most popular new car in the light segment. It has taken 44 per cent of the class this year. That’s over twice as many sales as its closest rival. 

Others agree that it is worthy, Britain’s Northern Group of Motoring Writers naming it their 2024 COTY. They called it a ‘fantastic supermini… and a real joy to drive”.

Here in New Zealand the range kicks off with the self-charging GLS Smart Hybrid 12V ISG manual at $25,990 while the top RSC model is still just under $30k.

Even the base model comes with adaptive cruise, keyless entry and push button start, a factory immobiliser with alarm, and Android Auto and wireless ACP.

The Swift Hybrid is of the self-charging variety so doesn’t need plugging in and there are no additional RUCs involved.

Swift has been Suzuki’s top-selling vehicle globally for the past decade and is a best seller in 169 countries. In India alone, Suzuki sold 206,434 vehicles last month, its best October ever. Swift, naturally, was the top selling new model.