Young Driver, the UK’s foremost under-17s driver-training company, has just taken delivery of its first Suzuki Swifts as part of a 170-car deal with that will see children given more than 150,000 lessons a year in the new model.

After 15 years and nearly 1.5 million lessons, Young Driver has been responsible for dramatically reducing accident rates among its alumni, with only 3.3 per cent of former students being involved in accidents in the first six months after passing their driving test, versus the national average of 20 per cent.

The company, led by motor industry stalwart Ian Mulingani, has been using Vauxhall Corsas to provide in the region of 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. But they felt it was time for a change and looked to Suzuki to step up.

“After reviewing all our options, the Suzuki Swift was the clear winner,” said Ian. “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 other rivals, particularly the outgoing Corsa, which trailed it at every level. We’re now taking on a 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 per cent of its value after three years and 36,000 miles.

“Furthermore, the Swift’s superior cabin ergonomics mean that we can now accommodate drivers from the age of nine, rather than 10 with the Corsa, as long as they are at least 1.4 metres in height.

“Lastly, not only will the Swifts support a more sustainable business model in years to come, and make for happier young drivers, but for the first time it’s given us the confidence to buy our new 170-car fleet outright, rather than through a lease deal.”

And Suzuki UK’s Director Automobile, David Kateley, was quick to see the suitability of the Swift’s design and technology to Young Driver’s students, explaining: “We are delighted to be involved with Young Driver with the supply of 170 new Swift Hybrid cars. They will be put to very good use by its ever-growing group of younger people with their parents wishing to experience an instructed and safe first-car drive at one of their established locations throughout the UK. 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 collaboration will raise even more awareness of the Suzuki brand along with the strong reliability our cars offer”.

To be deployed across all of Young Driver’s venues in the coming weeks, the new Suzuki Swifts have been eagerly anticipated by the company’s 500-strong ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) team.

Senior instructor, Lance Peake, could see benefits for kids getting behind the wheel from the off. He said: “Being 200mm shorter and 30mm narrower than the Corsa, the Swift is more manoeuvrable, and its lower scuttle and widely-adjustable driver’s seat means that even kids who have only just reached our (now lower) 1.4-metre threshold for driving full-size cars will feel more confident and comfortable. The Swift’s remarkably well equipped too with, as standard, sat nav, rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera. It even has heated front seats – a real boon in the winter for kids and instructors!”

Young Driver’s Suzuki fleet will comprise 160 Swift Motion models, powered by a new 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, 12v mild hybrid engine, producing 81bhp, and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. 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.

“Being able to offer a new car with a regular three-pedal arrangement and manual gearshift is so important to Young Driver,” said Ian. “Under-17s still want to learn in cars like the Swift, because the reality is that it’s that type of car that will be affordable and insurable after they pass their tests. In this scenario, electric vehicles remain some way down the line, I’m afraid; we can’t even insure an EV for our programme currently.”

Nonetheless, Young Driver is thoroughly committed to teaching greener driving techniques, and using ICE/mild hybrid cars, like the Suzuki Swift, for maximum efficiency. Based on the manual-transmission car’s official combined fuel consumption of 64.2mpg, the company expects to save just under £20,000 in fuel alone, compared with the less economical Vauxhall Corsa. And with a CO₂ figure of 99g/km, a Swift’s emissions are also considerably lower than that of the 117g/km for the outgoing car.

Young Driver’s first Suzuki Swifts – in a mix of colours including Flame Orange, Burning Red and Cool Yellow – took their bow at the company’s NEC venue this month, with Young Driver’s students instantly warming to the new models.

Katie, 13, from Solihull, who had had four previous lessons in the outgoing Corsa said: “I have a lot more confidence in the Swift, because I get a better view out of the car, and the gears and pedals are lighter to use.”

Kane, 16, was also an instant fan of the Swift after taking lessons in the Corsa since he was 14:  “It’s more sensitive, with better steering, and a smoother engine. Heated seats are nice on a day like this, too.”