The Suzuki Swift has carved a niche in the compact car segment, appealing to a broad spectrum of car buyers with its blend of efficiency, fun, and practicality. The latest models, the Swift GL Auto, Swift RS Auto, and Swift RS Two Tone, bring incremental improvements that enhance Swift’s longstanding reputation. This Suzuki Swift review will delve deeper into what makes each new model of the Suzuki Swift range a strong contender in today’s market.
The Good
- Engine Options: There’s something for everyone. You’ve got the 1.2-litre if you care about saving gas and the 1.0-litre turbo if you want some pep in your step.
- Fun to Drive: Whether you’re dodging potholes in the city or hitting those country curves, this thing handles it like a champ.
- Gas Mileage: It’s a gas sipper, not a guzzle; even the turbo is surprisingly fuel efficient.
The Bad
- Plain Jane Interior: It’s straightforward inside, which is excellent for ease of use but won’t dazzle anyone looking for something flashy.
- Backseat Squeeze: Not a tonne of room in the back. It’s fine for kids or short trips, but your tall friends might start to grumble.
- Rough Ride on Bumpy Roads: It’s mostly smooth sailing, but when the road gets bad, you’ll know about it.
What’s Under the Hood?
Starting with the engines, the Swift models are tailored to offer a choice between economy and performance. The Swift GL Auto base model is equipped with a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine, delivering a modest 66 kW of power and 120 Nm of torque. This engine is best suited for drivers looking for reliability and fuel efficiency. It is ideal for bustling city drives and daily commuting, boasting a fuel economy of 4.8 L/100km.
On the other hand, the Swift RS models are fitted with a zippier 1.0-litre turbocharged engine, pushing out 82 kW and a more robust 160 Nm of torque. This setup provides a more spirited driving experience, making the Swift not just a practical urban vehicle but also a joy to drive on open roads, although this comes with a slight increase in fuel consumption to 5.1 L/100km.
How Does the Swift Drive?
The Suzuki Swift is a zippy little car that’s a blast to drive, whether you go for the basic GL Auto or the sportier RS models. Its compact size and tight steering make it perfect for city driving; you can easily whip around tight corners and squeeze into parking spots. But it’s not just an urban runabout.
The Swift’s chassis is tuned to be sporty yet comfortable. Take it out on a twisty backroad, and it feels planted and responsive, giving you a nice connection to the pavement through the well-tuned steering. The RS turbo models really bring the fun with some extra punch under the hood.
Don’t think the Swift’s small size means it rides like a wagon. The suspension does a decent job soaking up bumps, even if you’ll feel bigger potholes and rough patches a bit more than in a larger car. It’s a firm yet forgiving ride.
The front struts and rear torsion beam keep things simple and affordable while delivering good handling. Electronic stability control is also there to help if the roads get slick.
The bottom line is that the Swift packs a tonne of driving fun into a tiny, city-friendly package. It’s agile, has a nice sporty edge, and keeps you comfortable and secure, whether in traffic or carving up a scenic backroad. For its size and price, it really over-delivers on smiles per mile.
What’s the Interior Like?
The Swift’s interior is nothing you haven’t seen before; in fact, it’s rather plain, but with this simplicity comes a level of user-friendliness that’s much appreciated. You’re not getting luxury vehicle opulence, but the cabin uses quality materials that can take a beating. The layout is ergonomic and sensible, with all the controls laid out where you’d expect them for easy access.
The infotainment system in the centre stack is modern and intuitive. It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which sync your smartphone seamlessly for navigation, music, calls, and more without hassle. Even technophobes can get their phones paired up without too much head-scratching.
Space-wise, the Swift makes smart use of its compact footprint. There’s a surprising amount of room up front, and there is plenty of leg and headroom for passengers. The rear seats are par for the course in this size class; fine for kids, but taller adults will feel a bit pinched on longer trips. But that’s the trade-off for having a small car that’s so manoeuvrable in the city.
Overall, the no-fuss interior gets the basics right with quality materials, simple controls, and space optimisation. It won’t wow you with flash, but it is well-executed for its mission as an affordable, functional compact car.
How Safe is the Swift?
Safety is no joke with the Suzuki Swift, achieving a five-star ANCAP Safety Rating. Suzuki loaded it with the essentials like six airbags strategically placed to protect you from all angles, anti-lock brakes to help you stay in control, and electronic stability control to prevent nasty skids when the roads get slick.
The higher-end RS models take it even further with some cutting-edge driver assistance tech. Adaptive cruise control automatically keeps a set distance from the car in front. A lane departure warning tells you if you’re straying over the line. Automatic emergency braking can hit the brakes if it senses an imminent collision that you’re not reacting to.
The Swift isn’t messing around when it comes to safety equipment, both at the core level and with the latest advanced systems on the RS. Suzuki clearly prioritised loading this compact with solid protection features to keep passengers secure. For a little car, it really brings the goods on the safety front, appealing to those who want peace of mind along with an affordable ride.
What are the Running Costs?
With fuel efficiency more important than ever, these Suzuki Swift models demonstrate significant fuel efficiency that appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. The Swift GL Auto delivers an efficient 4.8 L/100km, while the Swift RS Auto and Swift RS Two Tone maintain a competitive fuel consumption rate of 5.1 L/100km.
This efficient use of fuel helps reduce overall emissions, benefiting both the environment and your wallet. Suzuki’s commitment to fuel efficiency showcases its dedication to eco-friendly solutions without compromising the vehicle’s performance or the driving pleasure it offers.
Suzuki Swift Specifications
Engine Specifications
| Specification | Swift GL Auto | Swift RS Auto | Swift RS Two-Tone |
| Engine Type | 4-cylinder | 3-cylinder | 3-cylinder |
| Displacement | 1242 cm³ | 998 cm³ | 998 cm³ |
| Max Output (kW/rpm) | 66/6000 | 82/5500 | 82/5500 |
| Max Torque (Nm/rpm) | 120/4400 | 160/1500-4000 | 160/1500-4000 |
Performance Specifications
| Specification | Swift GL Auto | Swift RS Auto | Swift RS Two-Tone |
| Fuel Consumption (L/100km) | 4.8 | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| CO2 Emissions (g/km) | 110 | 119 | 119 |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-stage auto | 6-stage auto |
| Drive System | Front-wheel | Front-wheel | Front-wheel |
Dimensions and Capacity
| Specification | Swift GL Auto | Swift RS Auto | Swift RS Two-Tone |
| Overall Dimensions (mm) | 3845x1735x1495 | 3845x1735x1495 | 3845x1735x1495 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2450 | 2450 | 2450 |
| Fuel Type | 91RON+ | 95RON+ | 95RON+ |
| Towing Capacity (kg) | 650 | 650 | 650 |
*Specification data was pulled directly from the Suzuki website.
Closing Thoughts on the Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift is a great little car that doesn’t break the bank. No matter the model you go for, this compact vehicle packs a surprising punch for its size. Don’t let the Swift’s tiny footprint fool you. It’s a riot to ride around town or blast down a twisty backroad. Inside, you won’t be in for any surprises, but the simplicity is satisfying, and the use of space makes you forget how small this car really is.
Suzuki crammed a ton of substance into the Swift’s small, affordable package. This zippy little runabout is perfect for urbanites, small families, or anyone wanting day-to-day grins without breaking the bank. If you’re on the hunt for a Swift or another compact car, we have a range of compact used cars for sale online. Check out our catalogue online or swing by one of our yards today.
