Our long-term test of the Swace continues with some longer-journey trials.

The Swace solely comes a 122hp 1.8-litre hybrid, paired up with a CVT

P11d (BiK): £29,094 (24%) MPG/CO2:64.2mpg/103g/km Test MPG: 51.3mpg

We’ve spoken in previous reviews about the Swace’s round-town capabilities – and the efficiencies therein from its hybrid powertrain – but it’s also undertaken some longer journeys of late.

Basically a rebadged version of the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, the Swace solely comes with the Corolla’s 122hp 1.8-litre hybrid and CVT transmission; the 184hp 2.0-litre hasn’t been included.

It’s not particularly quick but it’s definitely capable of bursts of acceleration; however, floor it and it goes a bit free-spinning and hunts around for the right ratio until you either back off the throttle or stay at a constant speed. It can also feel a bit strained under duress, so it’s best left to cruising or urban use – where its economies shine out.

While it’s not the most dynamic car in its class, it does offer benefits in terms of a stable, comfortable and compliant ride. I’m finding it particularly composed over the increasingly pitted roads in our local area; with some tauter test cars, I’ve become accustomed to bracing myself, even at very low speeds, for the rough areas of road that I can’t avoid if there’s a car coming the other way. I now barely notice them with the Swace and it feels comfortable.

I’m also loving the powertrain when it comes to refuelling; the 43-litre fuel tank isn’t breaking the bank to refill and I’m getting more efficient levels of consumption than I was with diesels – around 51.3mpg and that’s with predominantly round-town journeys. I’m definitely a convert to hybrids.