Natalie Middleton hands the keys back to our Swace long-termer.

The Swace proved very easy to live with over the five months we tested it

P11d (BiK): £29,094 (24%) MPG/CO2: 64.2mpg/103g/km Test MPG: 51.7mpg

Much has been said about the role of hybrids as a ‘stepping stone – particularly since the Government brought forwards the ICE ban to 2030 but gave a five-year stay of execution for hybrids. And after several months driving the Suzuki Swace hybrid, I have to say it’s a stance I agree with.

Basically a rebadged version of the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, the Swace proved very easy to live with over the five months we tested it, thanks to its “self-charging” hybrid – it’s a term that’s often derided among EV enthusiasts for being misleading but it does seem to help some drivers with distinguishing from plug-in hybrids.

Not perhaps spirited or dynamic, but the Suzuki was comfortable and easy to drive and felt well built and practical. Moreover, I averaged 51.7mpg over my time behind the wheel – in predominantly urban environments and actually exceeding the economy I’d normally see in an average diesel. That’s without any changes to my driving style either – and with accommodating a boot load of luggage for the annual family holiday.

It’s now been replaced on our fleet by a fully electric SUV and while the latter has markedly increased eco and financial benefits, it’s also proving to come with some everyday lifestyle changes. The fact that I could just get in and drive the Swace hybrid on business or leisure shows how hybrids rightfully have a place in the UK new car market for the time being.