REVIEW | Suzuki Swift delivers more than its modest price suggests

The Suzuki Swift has transformed from a promising but underappreciated hatchback into one of South Africa's most beloved vehicles. In the months since its arrival in the country, it has consistently sold over 1,500 units each month. This success owes much to the car's refined and substantial design, while still maintaining its reputation for providing affordable and practical transportation for the masses.

Despite becoming a more modernized model, the latest Swift retains the distinctive visual style of its earlier versions, though some may argue the front end is slightly too bulky.

Inside the Swift, the large touchscreen high on the dashboard creates a "floating" appearance, albeit one with a slightly inflated housing. However, the cabin's overall appearance is neat, and the build quality impresses, with many plastic surfaces being hard and durable. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with physical shortcuts for commonly used functions, and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The climate control system is also easy to operate, and rear legroom and headroom are ample for a vehicle in this category.

Sitting behind the driver's position, the latest Swift feels safer and more planted on the road, offering better overall stability compared to its predecessor. While Suzuki has cut weight to improve ride comfort and stability, the previous Swift's lightness may have been a drawback. The new Swift now features a three-cylinder engine, replacing the previous four-cylinder naturally aspirated unit, which has resulted in reduced fuel consumption, clocking in at 5.4 litres per 100km during testing.

Standard safety features in the Swift include six airbags, ESP stability control, and ABS brakes. Global NCAP has yet to test the new Swift, but the sedan sibling, the Suzuki Dzire, achieved a five-star rating, marking a significant improvement over the previous Swift's one-star assessment. The Swift's engine produces 60kW and 112Nm, and despite gaining weight, it remains surprisingly powerful and enjoyable to drive.

The manual gearbox is particularly engaging, while the CVT option may be preferable for those who prioritize a relaxed driving experience. The Suzuki Swift GLX starts at R276,900 and offers excellent value within its segment, comparable to entry-level models such as the Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Hyundai Grand i10.