The little base GL Suzuki Swift model is not a fancy car, nor is it actually so little, and it most definitely is not a high-performance car, but it covers all the bases.
All the basic comfort and convenience features and safety tech are built in, easy to use and works as required. The GL+ and GLX models take things to a whole other level, but for a basic mobility appliance I don’t think you can beat the GL Swift, which has adequate performance and good fuel consumption across the range. It is only available in manual.
Our test car is actually the GL+, which adds 15” tyres and alloy wheels, audio controls on the steering wheel, a 7” touchscreen, rearview camera and smartphone connectivity for an additional R20 000.
Personally, I think the GLX models hit the sweet spot. In addition to the above, the GLX models get 9” touchscreens, LED headlamps, fog lights, daylight running lamps, leather covered steering wheel, colour LCD information display, keyless entry, climate control and cruise control.
The GLX manual costs R264 900, but now you have a number of upgraded parts and luxury items taking it quite a bit upmarket. The CVT “automatic” box adds R20 000 to the price, but is still way under R300 000. The latter would be my choice.
Externally most people won’t notice the differences between the previous generation and the new cars unless they parked next to each other. The crease lines are all sharper, resulting in the round look of previous years being lost. I would say it is a little more aggressive and the helmet effect is a little less, but it still stands out as a Swift.
Similarly the interior looks the same unless you have the two generations next to each other, a case of evolution and not changing for the sake of changing. The interior is practical and appears to be well put together. The seats are comfortable and adjustable enough for most frame sizes. Visibility is good and a comfortable driving position is easy to set up.
Living with the car and driving it in town has been a pleasure and easy to live with. It feels gutsy and is manoeuvrable. Needless to say, it fits into parking spaces and garages.
It is a really great town car, which is quite at home on the open road too. Because the wheels are a decent size, potholes are not such a threat as with some other town cars and one has a bit more steel around you if you should tangle with a minibus taxi or heavier vehicle. It feels reassuringly solid for its size.
The infotainment system is slightly better than normal for this type of car, with easy connectivity for CarPlay and Android Auto. It works quickly and easily.
The Swift now gets a three-pot 1.2 litre normally aspirated petrol engine which sends power to the front wheels and has more usable torque than the previous four-cylinder motor. Suzuki claims 4,4 litres/ 100 km, but that will only apply on the open road. Expect around 5,5 litres /100 km in general driving.
Is it a better car than the previous generation? Yes, it not only drives better, but uses less fuel and appears to be slightly better quality all-round. If you are in the B segment or budget car market you should test drive the Swift.
As I said in the launch report last year, the Swift is well priced compared to its direct competition like the Kia Picanto, Hyundai i10, Volkswagen Polo Vivo, Nissan Magnite and its slightly bigger sister, the Suzuki Baleno,
All Swifts have a five-year or 200 000 km warranty and a two-year or 30 000 km service plan.
There are three grades, GL, GL+ and GLX, and a choice of five-speed manual or CVT “automatic” transmission. The base GL manual is priced at R210 000 while the range topping GLX CVT is R284 900.
