So, you’re in the market for your first car. Here’s why we think the latest Suzuki Swift hatchback is the ideal choice for many new drivers in South Africa…
Considering the sheer volume of models and derivatives available on South Africa’s new- and used-vehicle markets, choosing your first car is by no means simple. But certain vehicles stand out as excellent choices for new drivers and the Suzuki Swift is one such example.
Suzuki is known as the industry’s small-car expert. While the Swift isn’t the most compact model in the Japanese automaker’s burgeoning range, we’d argue it is one of the very best options as a first car. After all, this model took the title of the Best Budget Car of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards (CarsAwards), sponsored by Absa.
The AOL-series Suzuki Swift is far more spacious inside than traditional city cars, offering comfortable seating for 5 occupants. It also boasts a claimed luggage capacity of 265 litres, a figure that can be expanded to 948 litres by folding down the rear bench. Let’s take a closer look at why the Swift might just be your ideal first car…
4 reasons why the Suzuki Swift is an ideal first car
1. The Suzuki Swift is compact and easy to drive
Like its forebears, the AOL-series Suzuki Swift is simple to drive, making it perfect for new drivers. The 5-speed manual derivatives feature an easy-to-modulate clutch and a positive gearshift action. Variants equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) are even more straightforward to pilot.
Most derivatives feature high-profile tyres and 145 mm of ground clearance, useful traits when traversing South Africa’s pothole-laden roads. Furthermore, this exceptionally manoeuvrable hatchback’s light steering, tight turning circle, good visibility and compact exterior dimensions make it a cinch to park.
2. The Swift offers good handling ability
Imagine a vehicle being conjured into a tyre-decimating drift. The model that popped into your head was likely some sort of high-powered, rear-driven sportscar, a configuration renowned for (sometimes uncontrolled) oversteer. In contrast, front-wheel-drive vehicles such as the Suzuki Swift generally exhibit entirely predictable handling characteristics. In fact, the Suzuki Swift is one of the best-handling cars in its class
The latter is exactly what you want as a new driver (snap oversteer, conversely, is precisely what you don’t want). In addition, the Swift’s modest peak outputs of 60 kW and 112 Nm won’t easily overwhelm the front wheels. That said, these maximum figures are more than sufficient for everyday use considering the vehicle’s sub-1-tonne kerb weight.
3. Plenty of standard safety kit
Safety equipment is an important consideration with any vehicle purchase. But we’d argue it’s even more crucial when it comes to your first car. Thankfully, all derivatives in the AOL-series Swift come standard with the safety essentials, including 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, electronic stability control, rear ISOfix child-seat anchors, 3-point seatbelts (with audible and visual reminders) and even rear parking sensors.
4. The Swift is affordable to buy and run
Price is another key consideration when shopping for your first car. Since most new drivers are relatively young, affordability is particularly important. Just like earlier versions of Suzuki’s popular hatchback, the current Swift offers strong value on both the new- and used-car markets.
This hatchback also holds the potential for impressive fuel economy. Suzuki claims a figure as low as 4.4 L/100 km in the case of the manual derivatives and 4.6 L/100 km for the CVT-equipped variants.
Though the latest Z12E engine – a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder unit – is not yet as well-proven as the ubiquitous K12M 4-pot motor used in the A2L-series predecessor, Suzuki Auto SA does offer a lengthy 5-year/200 000 km warranty (plus a 2-year/30 000 km) service plan for peace of mind. In addition, Suzuki these days boasts an extensive local dealer network.
Finally, while insurance premiums will obviously depend on the driver’s specific circumstances, the Swift’s affordable price-tag means it should be relatively inexpensive to insure for the average owner.
Find a Suzuki Swift on Cars.co.za!
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