Fresh from its November launch in 2024, Suzuki sent us their new Swift model in the top-of-the-range GLX specification. However, this was no ordinary Swift. In fact, Suzuki sent us their “Cartoon” Swift, painted by artist, Justin Nomad, during the media launch of this new urban commuter. We were even more fortunate to have received the car for the entire festive period.
Here is our “wrap” (pun intended):
Why the Cartoon “wrap”?
“Where / Why did you do this?”, were two of the questions we mostly received during our long-term test with the ‘Cartoon’ Suzuki Swift. Also, it is important to note that this is not a purchasable colour scheme for your new Swift.
Rather, this was an artwork experiment and collaboration between Suzuki South Africa and Justin Nomad during the launch week of the new Swift in November. This art piece and Nomad’s hard work was on public display in Stellenbosch to not only market the new Swift, but to also showcase its cartoon-like characteristic and appeal.
The Swift should be seen as a fun car to drive and spend time in, a feeling we soon associated with this car as we drove through the picturesque Winelands.
Is the new Swift an improvement?
The third generation Swift followed in the footsteps of its predecessors, being one of the main reasons for Suzuki’s success over the past few years; along with the Jimny. The Swift has always been regarded as one of the ultimate commuter cars, a statement which is supported by sales figures and records set over the past few years.
Suzuki has certainly upped the ante with the new Swift, not only making it more technologically savvy, but also making it the safest car in the small hatchback segment.
So impressed were we, that we even purchased one of our own at the beginning of December. Read more about this in our “New automatic Swift has a lot more to offer” article.
All Swift models now have six airbags, along with ABS and EBD, Electronic Stability Control, and ISOFIX points. Add that to the fact that each model has four electrically operated windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors (with built-in turn signals), and driver seat height adjustment (an upgrade from the previous generation); the new Swift is seen as a drastic upgrade from its predecessor.
Along with the safety improvements, the Swift range now also features a CVT automatic gearbox, rather than the old AMT.
During our purchasing procedure, we tested both a 2023 Swift GLX AMT as well as its 2024 CVT version. The CVT greatly improves the drivability of this new Swift and, in our opinion, also further improves the safety.
True to its name, we much rather prefer a manual gearbox, rather than the temperamental AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). The CVT, while not a first choice for many, works well with the small size and light weight of the Swift, allowing one to not be concerned by gearing. The CVT also allows the Swift to accelerate fast enough to overtake traffic; a task proving quite difficult for the AMT alternative.
The three trim levels
Taking the inflation rate into account, Suzuki managed to sell its fourth generation at roughly the same price as its predecessor.
This is astonishing, when all fitted extras are considered. Even the entry-level 1.2 GL MT has features such as electrically folding door mirrors, four electric windows, remote central locking, and rear park distance control. The same cannot be said for many competitors in this segment.
However, when it comes to “bang-for-your-buck”, the GL+ manual and automatic models seem to be our favorite. At just R20 000 more (for the manual transmission), the GL+ has great looking alloy wheels (and a full-sized spare), a multipurpose steering wheel (including volume- and hands-free phone controls), a 7” touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, a rear-view camera, and a USB port.
The GL+ CVT and the GLX Manual are almost similarly priced, yet the latter will include polished alloy wheels with a black undertone, LED projector lights, LED fog lamps, LED daytime running lights, a leather steering wheels, a colour LCD information screen (behind the steering wheel), keyless entry and push / start, automatic aircon, a massive 9-inch touchscreen, and cruise control.
All this for less than R300 000 is quite astonishing.
Prices:
- Swift 1.2 GL (MT): R219 900
- Swift 1.2 GL+ (MT): R239 900
- Swift 1.2 GL+ (CVT): R259 900
- Swift 1.2 GLX (MT): R264 900
- Swift 1.2 GLX (CVT): R284 900
The entire range will be sold with a 2-year / 30 000km service plan, as well as a 5-year / 200 000km warranty.
What is it like to drive?
The new Z12E engine might have one less cylinder (three in total), yet produces a similar power output to its predecessor. Yet, the engine gains its maximum energy at lower revolutions (60kW at 5700 rpm and 112Nm at 4300 rpm), meaning that a lower fuel economy can be expected.
Although we struggled to achieve the claimed figure of 4.1L /100km, our manual GLX achieved 4.8L/100km, whilst our own CVT derivative achieves a consistent 5.2L / 100km. The latter is also largely due to the CVT, rather than the tricky AMT, as well as the overall weight of 917kg.
Bring the 5-speed manual into account, and the Swift almost has a go-kart like feeling in tight spaces. It is easy and nimble to drive, with the steering wheel also being feather light.
Additionally, the new Swift also feels much more planted on the road, and is much more accustomed to rapid Western Cape winds, compared to its predecessor.
Suzukis tend to be happier at higher revolutions and it’s certainly no different with the new Swift, especially if the aim is to conquer a steep hill with four occupants inside. However, what stands out is that the Swift is now more versatile in both urban areas as well as on the highway.
Living with it
We “owned” the new Swift for a total of five weeks during the recent December holidays and truly put it through its paces. From driving up steep hills and on highways with four occupants, to dancing through the tourist traffic. The Swift excelled in all, proving to be a car for everyone, from young adults to older retirees.
Its 265L boot space is perfect to accommodate two suitcases or plenty of shopping bags, for that family get-together over the festive season. Should this not be enough, the rear seats can also be folded down in a 60-40 fashion.
Another key feature is the fact that the driver seat can be height-adjusted; a feature missing from the previous generations. This greatly improves the seating and overall comfort behind the steering wheel.
Furthermore, the 37L fuel tank helped us to cover distances around the 450km mark (in town) on one tank of fuel, whilst out of town driving (highways) will certainly exceed the 500km mark.
For some, the Swift might have its limitations when it comes to space and power delivery, yet this amazing little hatchback should primarily be seen as a quick and quirky urban commuter. Suzuki has truly gone the full distance by making this one of the safest, most fuel efficient, and practical cars on our roads.
