Eight years after its debut, the XBee gets a full facelift with styling, tech upgrades, and a new mild-hybrid engine
Small cars with a big personality don’t always get much love halfway through their lifecycles, but Suzuki isn’t letting the XBee coast along quietly. The little city car gains sharper styling and a slightly smarter cabin while holding onto its odd mix of pseudo-rugged looks and kei-car proportions. Beneath it all, the drivetrain remains a Swift-sourced mild-hybrid, still offered with the token option of four-wheel drive.
The most noticeable change is the reworked front end, which feels far more current than the outgoing version first launched in 2017. The upright nose now wears semi-circular LED headlights, a slimmer grille, and a more assertive bumper. The silhouette remains almost untouched, though the rear has gained a slightly reshaped bumper and taillights with fresh LED graphics.
Trim Levels With Trinkets
The entry-level MX trim rides on steel wheels with hubcaps, while the flagship MZ upgrades to diamond-cut alloy wheels with an X motif. Buyers can also pick from a wide selection of single- and two-tone color schemes, as well as optional accessories like decals, bumper garnish, and alternative grille patterns.
More: Suzuki Irons Out A New Logo For The First Time In Over 20 Years
Inside, the layout is familiar but there are a few notable upgrades. A new 7-inch digital instrument cluster is fitted as standard and can be combined with an available head-up display and a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen. There is also a new steering wheel with paddle shifters and redesigned A/C vents.
An optional upgrade package adds leather-style inserts on the dashboard and door cards, alongside water-repellent upholstery for the seats and LED interior lighting. Practicality remains a priority with sliding and reclining rear seats, a stain-resistance luggage floor and seat backs, plenty of cubbies and underfloor storage. Equipment can include heated seats, heated steering wheel, and two USB ports.
More: Suzuki’s Flagship SUV Isn’t As Big As You’d Think But Packs A Lot Inside
The XBee rides on the Heartect architecture and is fitted with a new mild-hybrid Z12E 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine already found in the Solio and Swift. The mill generates 81 hp (60 kW / 82 PS) and 109 Nm (80 lb-ft) of torque. It is less powerful but more efficient compared to the turbo 1.0-liter unit of its predecessor and sends power to either the front (2WD) or all four wheels (4WD) via a CVT gearbox.
Improved Drive And Added Tech
The facelifted model benefits from “active cornering support” to reduce body roll and damping adhesives for improved ride quality. Safety equipment has also been upgraded, with Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist fitted as standard. Furthermore, the MZ trim is equipped with an electric parking brake, Hill Descent Control, Grip control, Snow, and Sport modes.
The updated Suzuki XBee is already on sale in Japan. Prices start from ¥2,157,100 ($14,700) for the MX 2WD and climb to ¥2,500,300 ($17,000) for the MZ 4WD, keeping the pint-sized crossover competitive in both style and substance
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio

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