Driving in the city and out in the country are two very different types of journeys that require different features from your car. A city commute involves a lot of waiting in stop-start traffic, compared to driving along open country roads, where traffic is more free-flowing. City roads are typically narrower, and you have to share these roads with a myriad of cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. That’s why the perfect cars for driving in the city are usually light, compact and have excellent fuel economy.
If you’re looking to buy a car for your urban commute to work in the city or for your day-to-day activities, we’ve got you covered. We take you through our 3 best cars for tackling the concrete jungle and the 5 essential things a vehicle must have to bring a smile to your face when you are sitting in traffic…again.
Best city driving car #3: Vitara Hybrid JX 2WD
Coming in at number 3 is the Vitara Hybrid JX 2WD. When you have to spend 30 minutes or more sitting in rush hour, you’ll truly appreciate the benefits of the light and airy feel of its cabin. This small SUV is surprisingly spacious providing you and your ride-sharing passengers with plenty of head and leg room for a comfortable cruise into work.
Sporting the latest generation 1.4 L BoosterJet Turbo engine with a 48V Suzuki Smart Hybrid system, this SUV delivers smooth transitions in stop-start city traffic, and plenty of pick-up when you are traversing the motorways.
Plugging in to charge, not necessary with this hybrid technology and neither are frequent fuel stops, as on average the Vitara Hybrid (JX Manual 2WD) uses only 5 litres per 100km travelled (3P-WLTP conversion). On take-off and acceleration, the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) system assists the engine by reducing your fuel consumption and when you brake, it self-charges the battery. When cruising, the battery also helps to power all of the additional electrical systems like safety features, air conditioning, Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity.
Fully equipped with the latest technologies, the Vitara Hybrid is designed with the safety of you and your carpool crew in mind. You’ll find a range of driver-assistance features perfect for handling the urban jungle, including automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning and prevention, weaving alert and adaptive cruise control with stop and go. Other features designed to keep you safe and sound include a large touchscreen display that incorporates a multimedia infotainment system with built-in reverse camera. Combined with rear cross traffic alert, you’ll find reversing out of tight spaces and parallel-parking a dream.
The Vitara Hybrid easily pairs with your smartphone apps for satellite navigation, calling and music streaming, so skipping to your favourite song and answering calls can be simply done with the touch of a button on the steering wheel. And if you find all this connectivity is running your phone flat, the Vitara Hybrid includes a USB port for you to charge your smart devices while you’re on the go.
All these features combined – the ample space, innovative technology, excellent fuel economy, advanced safety features and exceptional driving experience, make the Vitara Hybrid one of our top cars to drive in the city.
Best city driving car #2: Ignis LTD Auto
Up next is the super-compact SUV, designed to tackle roads, streets, avenues, lanes, crescents and terraces with confidence, the Ignis LTD Auto. It’s a car that can be used for your day-to-day living and for the quick weekend getaway. It’s equipped with a higher than usual seating position to give you a clear view of everything in front and around your car, with the added benefit of making it easier to get in and out – which comes in handy if you’re not quite as limber as you used to be.
The Ignis LTD’s compact engine with Dualjet technology and continuously variable transmission offer you the agility and efficiency you need to master the hustle and bustle of inner city travel. In terms of fuel consumption the Ignis LTD Auto is super economical at 5.4 litres per 100km (3P-WLTP conversion) with a potential range of 661km for $100 petrol (at $2.80 per litre). That should cover your regular commute to work plus a weekend out and about visiting friends before having to fill up.
The advanced safety system on board the Ignis LTD will give you peace of mind whether you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper or free-flowing traffic, with its six airbags, ESP, and ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution to boost your stopping power. The speed limiter function is really handy once the traffic is moving, allowing you to set a maximum speed so you won’t get any of those annoying traffic camera tickets. The Ignis LTD also includes the added safety feature of a reverse camera to make parking in those tight spaces a cinch.
Much like the Vitara Hybrid, the Ignis has got you covered once you are sitting behind the wheel with the easy to access on board entertainment and information system. Once you connect your smartphone, you can map out your destination, play your favourite tunes and answer important calls hands-free – all from the large digital touchscreen or by using voice control or the controls on your steering wheel.
The Ignis LTD’s compact SUV design, excellent fuel economy and advanced safety features make it a functional and fun car for your urban commute, and with its unique look you’ll always be able to find it in a crowded parking building.
Best city driving car #1: Swift Hybrid RS Auto
Taking up the top spot as the best car for conquering the rush hour with a smile is the Swift Hybrid RS Auto. It not only has all the functionality and personality of the Swift that everyone loves, but it now comes with some really cool hybrid technology.
Similar to the Vitara Hybrid, you will find the same Suzuki Smart Hybrid fuel-saving system under the hood. In the Swift Hybrid RS this comes in the form of a 1.2 L petrol engine that works alongside the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). The Swift Hybrid has excellent potential fuel efficiency at 4.7 litres per 100km (3P-WLTP conversion) and at the same time, it reduces your carbon emissions making it the cleaner, greener and swifter way to drive.
On a busy commute, protection and prevention are essential to getting you to your final destination in one piece. The Swift Hybrid is kitted out with a whole host of safety features, including 6 airbags, lane departure and prevention technology, AEB and blind-spot monitoring. And when it comes time to parking in those tight inner city parking buildings, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors and electrically folding door mirrors will ease those nerves.
Why not avoid the gridlock and find the quickest journeys around town by connecting your favourite navigation app to the large touchscreen display. Using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, listen easily to your favourite tunes or pick up calls, perfect for keeping you (and your passengers) safe and smiling when you find yourself stuck in queues of traffic.
To sum it all up, the Swift Hybrid RS has all the ‘Swift-ness’ of the original –and with smart hybrid technology, it’s unrivalled as our most economical and efficient car to drive in the city.
5 Features for Your Urban Commute
If your lifestyle revolves around driving in the city, then these are the most important features you should look out for when choosing a commuting companion that will suit your needs:
Visibility
With cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians all sharing the already narrow roads with you, your car needs to have good all-round visibility. Look for a car that you can confidently see out the front and sides, has a reverse camera for the back, and helps with all your blind spots to avoid an accident.
Manoeuvrability
Big bulky cars can be your worst nightmare when it comes to city driving – the narrow roads, packed car parks and tight parking facilities are a pain to deal with. For city driving, find one that’s light, compact and easy to operate. Being able to navigate in and around sharp turns and tight parking spaces, makes the significant time you spend in the car smooth and stress-free.
Parking Assistance Technology
Space is at a premium in cities and urban areas and let’s face it, parking buildings are a nightmare. It’s no wonder technology to help parking easier has become a sought after feature for those who live and work in the city. With the help of reverse camera technology and parking sensors, you can avoid those little scrapes and dings and keep an eye out for pedestrians as well.
Fuel Economy
The constant accelerating and braking thanks to stop-start city traffic can seriously deplete your fuel tank, let alone your bank balance. Finding a car with excellent fuel economy is essential. Every dollar saved on your daily commute can go towards the fun you’ll have on your next weekend away.
Interior Comfort
Chances are you’ll be spending lots of time in your car when you’re stuck in traffic, and the last thing you want to be is uncomfortable. Take the time to consider the interior space and layout of the car you are looking at. Check there’s enough head room and leg room for you and your passengers and enough easy-to-reach spaces for your bags, snacks and drinks.
The Vitara Hybrid, Ignis and the Swift Hybrid are our 3 recommended Suzuki cars for city driving and urban commutes. These cars all have all-round visibility, superb manoeuvrability, helpful parking assistance technology, excellent fuel economy and comfy interiors – making driving around the city a breeze.
If you’re thinking about buying a new car and you’re not sure which model is right for you, check out our Complete Guide to Buying a New Car to help you find the vehicle that suits your needs.
