• Good visibility and space up front
• High quality build, and mostly logical controls
• May not be low enough for all tastes

How is the quality and layout?

If you’re stepping into a Suzuki Swace from a Vitara or a Swift, you’ll appreciate the difference in material quality. The Swace’s interior is very well made, albeit lacking in colour. Most controls fall easily to hand, though, and there are some truly well thought-out touches, such as the wireless smartphone charging cradle. It’s generous enough for a max-sized phone and correctly angled to prevent your device from flying into the footwells when cornering.

The fully digital gauge cluster in 2023 models can also be customised with three different dial designs, although it lacks the flair and flexibility of Volkswagen Group or Stellantis digital dashboards. Framed by angular, reasonably thin windscreen pillars it feels futuristic, but not gimmicky, and you start to feel the Swace is more than just an appliance once you settle in.

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Front seat occupants get the best view, but those in the rear are hardly neglected. There’s plenty of head and legroom in the back, plus enough width for three adults. There’s enough storage space, but the design of the cubbies is rather conventional when compared to rivals such as the VW Golf Estate. That car has swanky smartphone pockets on the front seat backs.

Even the boot trim is well made and properly finished, making the estate car versatility feel like an extra ability, rather than a utilitarian afterthought.

Infotainment and tech

This is where you’ll want to wait for a 2023 Swace order. The new car’s infotainment screen is a big upgrade. You get a higher-resolution 8.0 inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay (complementing the wireless charger of Ultra models). Although relatively basic, the sound quality is good, and the interface responsive. You can tell the panel could hold a larger display – for that you’ll want a Corolla – but it really doesn’t need it.

Comfort

• Comfortable and spacious interior
• Rides well, and is refined unless working hard
• Adaptive cruise aids feeling of calm

For drivers used to the prevalence of SUVs, the Swace’s low roof might be discouraging. That’s mitigated by a fairly high driving position even at the lowest setting. It means less dazzle from oncoming cars, but taller drivers may find it feels cramped, height-wise. Supportive seats have relatively simple adjustments, and the fabric interior is breathable and pleasant on long drives – both front seats and the steering wheel are heated, too.

Rear seat occupants will appreciate the same supportive cell-like foam pattern and generous base, and the angle of the seat back means adults won’t be forced bolt-upright. The door does not open particularly wide, so longer-limbed passengers, or fans of platform boots will try a few ways of getting in before finding the right approach.

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Overall the Suzuki Swace is a very relaxing car, with good ventilation, nicely-weighted controls and effective adaptive cruise. It’s easy to find a comfortable driving position and does its best to let you stay settled, rather than jarring over bumps or blocking the view at junctions.