The Swift is a plucky hatchback that seemingly offers good value for money. Should the Swift be on your budget car shortlist?
This 2014 Suzuki Swift review will help you make an informed buying if you are looking to buy a first-generation Swift on the used car market.
Suzuki Swift – Quick Specs
| Engine | 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol |
| Power | 63 kW |
| Torque | 113 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Wheels | 14-inch steel wheels |
| 0-100km/h | 12.5 seconds (estimate) |
| Fuel economy | 5.7 L/100 km (claimed) |
We like:
. Fun to drive
. Value for money
. Exceptionally light on fuel
. Doesn’t feel cheap
We dislike:
. Boot is a little small, but that’s a minor gripe
Also consider:
. Hyundai i10
. Renault Sandero
. Ford Figo
. Toyota Etios
. Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Where does the Suzuki Swift fit in?
The Swift is an admirable little car. It’s well-equipped, has a sporty drive and boasts interior space rivaling many bigger cars. Like most things in South Africa, inflation and exchange rate have made the great Swift 1.4 hover dangerously close to the R200k mark.
In an effort to counter spiraling costs, Suzuki South Africa launched the 1.2 entry-level model as well as the sedan Dzire, which we drove at the launch earlier in 2014. I’m behind the wheel of the Swift 1.2 hatchback and despite it coming in substantially cheaper than its bigger-engined sibling, offers just as much fun and specification.
What’s the Swift like to drive?
There’s a rev-happy 1.2-litre engine under the curved bonnet and it delivers 63 kW and 113 Nm. There’s a great five-speed manual gearbox and changing gears in the Swift is an effortless affair. Drive enthusiastically and the car responds with eagerness. At sea level, the car has a sporty drive and it’s most enjoyable. Few entry-level cars are this fun to drive.
Thanks to a superb chassis, the Swift 1.2 can be driven briskly and loves being thrown around corners. The best part is you can drive like a hooligan and won’t be punished with ridiculous fuel consumption. Suzuki claims 5.7 L/100 km on the combined cycle, but on our test route down to Cape Point and back, the car returned 4.7 L/100 km – a fantastic result.
Space and specification
Being a Suzuki, specification is quite generous. There’s a USB port with radio controls on the steering wheel, trip computer with consumption readouts, central locking, electric windows and front fog lamps. Safety wise, there’s ABS with brake assist and dual airbags for the driver and passenger.
The cabin is spacious and airy, and taller folk will not be uncomfortable in the Indian-built Suzuki Swift 1.2. The boot size may be a little on the smaller side, but you can increase its dimensions by folding the seats down.
Conclusion
As far as entry-level cars go, we found the Swift 1.2 to be a near-perfect offering. It’s fun-to-drive characteristics are thrown in with fair specification and outstanding fuel economy. If you can look past the Made In India sticker, this should be on your shopping list if you’re after a fun and affordable car.
How much does the Suzuki Swift cost in South Africa?
R136 900 puts you behind the wheel of the Swift 1.2 GL manual. There’s a lower-specced 1.2 GA available for R126 900 which does away with the radio.
The price includes a warranty against any defects for a period of 3 years or 100 00 km. There’s also a three year anti-corrosion cover as well as a 2 year / 30 000 km service plan.
Second Opinion
The Swift 1.2 is happy to have you rev the nuts off of it all day long and it’s actually quite rewarding and entertaining to do it. Contrarily, if you drive it respectfully it’s super fuel efficient. It’s a true Japanese simple hatchback – built to outlast its competition – Ashley Oldfield
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different Suzuki Swift models available in South Africa?
The 2025 Suzuki Swift in South Africa is available in three main derivatives: the GL, a new mid-tier GL+, and the top-end GLX.
What is the engine and performance of the new Swift?
The new Swift is powered by a Z-Series (Z12E) 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. This engine produces 60 kW of power and 112 Nm of torque, and is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
What is the price of the new Suzuki Swift in South Africa?
The starting price for the 2025 Suzuki Swift is approximately R219,900, with the top-end GLX model priced around R284,900.
What safety features are standard on the 2025 Suzuki Swift?
Standard safety features across all models include six airbags, hill-hold control, ABS, electronic stability control (ESC), and ISOfix child-seat anchors.
What warranty and service plan are included with the Swift?
The vehicle comes with a 5-year/200,000 km warranty and a 2-year/30,000 km service plan.
Related content
Review Articles
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL Review (2018)
Suzuki Swift Sport Review (2019)
Comparison Articles
Suzuki Swift vs Hyundai Grand i10 (2023) What To Buy
Suzuki Swift vs Kia Picanto (2014) What To Buy
Suzuki Swift Sport (1st-, 2nd- & 3rd-gen): Classic Comparison
Buyer’s Guide
Suzuki Swift Buyer’s Guide (2011-2018)
Suzuki Swift Buyer’s Guide (2018-2024)
