WITH the current fashion for SUVs and ‘crossovers' seemingly never-ending, it was a simple pleasure to get behind the wheel of the Suzuki Swace - a versatile and stylish estate car.

It was like going back in time, but I mean that in the nicest possible sense.

The product of a collaboration with Toyota and based on the latest Corolla, the latest model now has a higher level of performance with 0-62mph time reduced to 9.4 seconds from 11.1 for the previous model first introduced in November 2020.

For 2023, standard specification is even higher, and the trim names have changed.

Built in Britain, the new Motion model includes a new Emergency Driving Stop system, that functions while Lane Tracing Assist is activated and helps to monitor the driver to determine if they are paying attention and bringing the vehicle to a stop and activating hazard waring lights if necessary, LED rear lamps, seven airbags, dual zone automatic air conditioning, an easy to use eight-inch LCD colour information screen, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, a smartphone link for wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto device connectivity, a rear parking camera, a new digital instrument cluster with three display modes, and a new automatic cruise control system.

The new Ultra grade adds updated Bi-LED projector headlights, Safe Exit Assist, which sounds a warning if a door is about to be opened into the path of an oncoming vehicle or cyclist approaching from the rear, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, ambient lighting, and centre console tray with wireless charger.

The 596-litre luggage compartment provides ample room for a variety of luggage or recreational items. To add versatility, the rear carpeted floorboard can be placed in a lower position to store taller objects and is also reversible with a resin backside that can be used for stowing wet or dirty items - such as the family dog!

The compartment can be easily expanded into a fully flat space by using the remote folding lever to fold down the second-row seats. The luggage compartment is equipped with auto-illuminating lights and DC12V accessory socket for added convenience.

Convenient storage spaces can also be found throughout the cabin, offering ample room for storing small items such as phones and drinks in both the first and second rows.

There's also integrated roof rails for simple roof carrier mounting, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The cabin is comfortable with plenty of room for driver and passengers as, like the Corolla, the rear cabin comfort and legroom is among the best in its class - it is a proper five-seater.

The Swace's hybrid system now combines a 70kW electric motor - up from 53kW - with a 1.8-litre petrol engine designed exclusively for hybrid use. Torque is up from 163Nm to 185Nm, ample for a car of this size.

Three driving modes can be selected - 'Normal', 'Eco' or 'Sport' alongside a fully electric 'EV mode'. However, there's probably very little need for anything than Eco and Normal.

There's not bucketloads of performance, especially with its CVT auto gearbox, which Suzuki's engineers have worked hard to make quieter from inside the cabin, but it is comfortable and stable with fairly responsible handling, helped by a low centre of gravity and finely tuned suspension.