Our first Car of the Year award for 2020 is not so much going to one car, but rather the range of which that car is a part. 

In saying this it is fair to say there were cars in the range which really ‘rang the bell’ and happily, one of those was a car which should appeal to the CompanyVehicle readership for its fleet appeal. 

The red-blooded drivers out there, however, will also likely agree with our choice, though more so for the sports version, which – yes alright, I’ll confess, this was a winning point.

Our winner then, for Compact Car of the Year goes to Suzuki, for the Suzuki Swift of 2020. 

Suzuki is no stranger to the Company Vehicle awards, demonstrating the brand’s expertise in producing stunningly good compact cars; and that’s not just our opinion – registrations show that Suzuki owns the segment, and our award endorses the fact. 

Our award is primarily given on the base of the latest vehicle to join the Suzuki Swift range – the hybrid version. 

Technologically speaking, the hybrid is a very clever car and uses a conventional petrol engine with stop-start technology and electric engine assist to deliver a 4.1 litres per 100km fuel figure and 94gm/km emission level. 

At the heart of the hybrid system is the integrated starter generator (ISG) which is powered by a lithium ion battery charged through the deceleration and braking of the car. 

When the car stops, the engine shuts down but the ISG maintains all other electrical systems. Pressing the accelerator sees the ISG act as a starter motor to silently restart the engine, and it is all but impossible to hear it engage. 

As the car begins to accelerate, the ISG assists the engine and reduces fuel consumption and lastly, as the driver
brakes and the vehicle decelerates, the ISG uses kinetic energy to charge the batteries.  

Add to that, the enhancements to the design of the car both inside and out, and the improvements to the engine, the focus on safety upgrades to ensure the safest car possible, recognised by a five star ANCAP safety rating and the Suzuki Swift is a deserving winner of our Compact Business Car of the Year award.