Suzuki’s UK range isn’t the first place you would look for a hybrid estate car, so the Suzuki Swace may have escaped your notice. After all, the marque’s expertise in small cars and rugged 4x4s is what’s ensured a steady stream of loyal customers visiting the often still family-owned, traditional dealers.

Suzuki’s attempts to introduce bigger models have not, generally, lasted beyond one generation. Not because the cars were inherently bad, but because the customers know what to expect from their Suzuki dealer. Things are changing, however, with the help of the brand’s new business partner Toyota.

The tie-in has allowed Suzuki to engage in a spot of badge engineering. The company’s expanded model range now offers a very capable plug-in hybrid SUV (based on the Toyota RAV4) and this spacious self-charging hybrid estate. In case you couldn’t tell, it uses the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports as its starting point. Changes are minimal, stretching to a new radiator grille, fresh LED headlights and restyled bumpers.

The reason for the Swace’s existence is clear. Suzuki needs to offer a car with a low CO2 output to trim its average fleet emissions and allow its 4x4s to remain affordable for customers. To stick with driver’s expectations, it needs strong fuel economy and competitive pricing. For a legacy of happy customers and longevity there are few better starting points than ‘the best-selling, most popular car… in the world.’

As well as its Toyota-badged cousin, the Swace is up against some tough rivals including the excellent Skoda Octavia Estate, sweet-driving Ford Focus Estate and the reliable and safe Korean twins, the Kia Ceed Sportswagon and Hyundai i30 Tourer.

Inside, the Swace is comparable to the two lower grades of Corolla. As with the Across/RAV4, the biggest difference is that Suzuki’s selection of models is simpler. For example, the Swace is only available with a 1.8-litre petrol hybrid powertrain, while the Corolla can be specified with a more potent 2.0-litre unit.

There are just two models to choose from, Motion and Ultra – and even after industry-wide price hikes the Suzuki Swace cost less than £30,000. That’s less than the entry-level Corolla and even though Suzuki’s seven-year/100,000 mile warranty is a little shorter than Toyota’s 10-year offering, it’s arguably just as relevant because both packages have the same mileage cap.

Over the next few pages, we’ll assess each aspect of the Suzuki Swace, considering its practicality, interior quality, comfort, driving experience and running costs. We’ll then offer our final verdict on the car and let you know whether you should spend your money on one. Click through to the next page to learn more.