Suzuki recently launched its new fourth generation Swift and it’s much more value for money, compared to the third generation, especially the automatic units. One of our team members recently thoroughly compared the two generations, as his family was in the market for a new small hatchback.
Apart from the new class-leading safety features (which includes six airbags for each model across the range), the new Swift also boasts a more fuel efficient 1.2L engine and an array of standard features.
New engine and fuel efficiency
The engine itself is propelled by 3-cylinders, instead of the conventional 4-cylinders from the older model. This new engine only punches out 1kW and 1Nm less than the previous 1.2L engine, yet is far more fuel efficient. This is largely thanks to a lower rpm needed to gain maximum power delivery.
Additionally, our automatic launch model delivered a fuel consumption of 5.2L/100km, considering that the route covered a mixture of passes, town driving, and a brief stint on the highway. This is lower than the 5.9L/100km we achieved in the third generation automatic Swift.
The reason for this, brings us to one of the largest upgrades.
A new automatic gearbox
The largest contributor to this reduction in fuel consumption, is the move towards an automatic CVT gearbox, rather than the AMT of old. Whilst the CVT might not be everyone’s favourite, it works better in smaller cars, rather than larger cars. Hence it is ideal for the little Swift.
Similarly, the CVT gearbox is also much easier to use, rather than the AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). The latter is a considerably temperamental gearbox and not ideal for those who prefer the gearbox to be completely automated.
Not only is this a considerable improvement when it comes to fuel efficiency, and overall drivability, but also another astonishing milestone for Suzuki, seen that the Swift is so affordable.
Good value for money
The third generation 1.2L GLX AMT went on sale in 2021 at R234 900. Taking inflation and the Swift’s considerable upgrades into account, the new price of R284 900 (2-year / 30 000km service plane and 5-year / 200 000km warranty) is not bad for a top spec GLX CVT model.
Yet, our journalist ended up deciding on the GL+ CVT for R259 900 as this model itself already came with a bunch of standard features and proved to be the best value for money.
These include 15-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable and folding door mirrors, a multipurpose steering wheel (to adjust the audio and hands free phone operating), 4 electrically operated windows, remote central locking, front seat height adjustment (which the old model did not have), a 7-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera and an USB port.
Also consider that all the safety features (6 airbags, ABS, with EBD, Brake assist, Electronic Stability Control and ISOFIX points) are carried across the entire Swift range.
We do miss the LED projected headlamps, taillamps, fog lamps, and daytime running lights, as well as the keyless entry / ignition, and automatic climate control of the GLX, yet the GL+ offers far more than it should.
For a full review on the GLX features, head over to our launch article.
Suzuki has outdone itself with the new Swift as it not only proves to be the safest car in its segment, but also proves to be very frugal. The addition of the CVT gearbox makes the new Swift even more reliable and safer to drive.