Driving impressions: why the Swift deserves its crown

CURRENTLY sitting in second place on the vehicle sales charts, it's not for nothing that Suzuki has been hitting the lights out with their refreshingly cheerful portfolio.

- WILLEM VAN DE PUTTE

Chief among those is the Swift that's dominating the passenger car market.

Popular among first-time buyers

It also helps that the brand is selling their cars in the price and categories that South African consumers are spending their money on, starting in the sub R200 000 region, with the most expensive evening out under R550 000.

The B-segment hatchback Swift has also proven popular with first-time buyers, and I know of quite a few people who have bought one for their children going on to study further after school.

We spent some time in the flagship 1.2 GLX, priced at R271 900, and it's easy to understand why they are proving so popular and walked away with the 2025 "Best Budget Car" title in the cars.co.za Consumer Awards.

Engine

Replacing the previous four-cylinder engine, the Swift is now fitted with Suzuki's new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol mill that delivers 60kW and 112NM of torque.

The test unit was fitted with a five-speed manual transmission, although there is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) available as well.

Exterior