Young Driver, a leading UK provider of driving lessons to under-17s, has agreed a £2m deal to add 170 Suzuki Swifts to its fleet.

L-R: Suzuki Automobile’s MD David Kateley with Ian Mulingani, MD of Young Driver

Expected to deliver considerable fuel cost savings, the vehicles replace the existing Vauxhall Corsa fleet and also mark the first time that Young Driver has bought its vehicles outright rather than through a lease deal.

The first batch of Swift mild hybrid models, which replace the existing Vauxhall Corsa fleet, has already been deployed and will be used to give the UK’s youngest motorists an introduction to driving.

Young Driver, led by motor industry stalwart Ian Mulingani, provides around 150,000 lessons for 10-17-year-olds each year at 72 sites across the UK, with 4-10-year-olds taught in Young Driver’s bespoke Firefly Sports EVs.

Mulingani said: “After reviewing all our options to replace the existing Vauxhall Corsa fleet, the Swift was the clear winner.

“Our decision was based around three priorities: product quality and durability; low CO2 emissions and fuel economy; and, of course, driveability and ease of operation for our novice drivers. The Swift stood head and shoulders above its other rivals so we’re now taking on a new fleet of mild hybrid cars that is significantly greener and more economical, easier to drive, better equipped, and, according to Cap HPI’s predictions, will retain an excellent 55% of its value after three years and 36,000 miles.”

They’re also expected to save the business just under £20,000 in fuel alone, compared with the previous fleet, while a CO2 figure of 99g/km means the Swift’s emissions are also considerably lower than the 117g/km for the outgoing car.

Mulingani added: “What finally tipped the balance for us, though, was product durability. The fact that Suzuki was rated third out of 31 brands in the What Car? 2024 Reliability Survey says it all, really. We also have the reassurance of a Suzuki warranty of up to seven years and 100,000 miles.”

The Swift’s cabin ergonomics also means the business now accommodate drivers from the age of nine, rather than 10 with the outgoing car, provided they are at least 1.4m in height.

Young Driver’s Suzuki fleet will comprise 160 Swift Motion models, powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, 12V mild hybrid engine producing 82hp, and mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

A further 10 Swifts have been ordered with optional CVT transmission for young drivers with impaired abilities, who are not able to operate a conventional three-pedal system. All the Swifts are equipped with He-Man Dual Controls.

David Kateley, Suzuki GB PLC director automobile, said: “Swift Hybrid is particularly suitable for younger drivers with its compact size and lightweight controls and offers all the efficiency, technology and safety you need. Swift is our best-selling model, and we are confident that our major collaboration will raise even more awareness of the Suzuki brand along with proving the strong reliability our cars offer.”