Driving impressions: why the Suzuki Swift deserves its crown as the top hatchback

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.

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

It’s a good-looking little car as well, with the oval radiator grille with a black finish and muscular bumper dominating the front.

The blacked-out A/B pillars provide a “floating roof” element, while the rear, with integrated hatch spoiler and 3D LED tail light clusters, has become a common sight on our roads.

Fitted with 15-inch diamond-cut alloys, our test unit was a Grey Metallic, but I would opt for the blue or red, which provides a better view of the car’s profile and also underscores its fun factor.

Interior

Inside there’s a good old-fashioned analogue instrument cluster with a central colour LCD display allowing you to see consumption (instantaneous and average), range and several other helpful information. 

The seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible and is also linked to the rearview camera.

The rear seats provide a 60:40 split, while boot space is said to be 265 litres and 580 litres with the rear seats folded.

Driving

I found the manually adjustable black fabric seats to be comfortable and had no issues over longer distances, while they also provided decent support in tight and fast corners.

The little three-pot motor proved to be rev-happy and responsive, albeit with some engine thrum in the cabin when pushed hard, but at the national speed limit or pottering around in the suburbs, it’s hardly audible.

Weighing in at less than a ton, the Suzuki Swift is grippy and light on its feet with quick and direct steering, making it easy to steer on the open road or in shopping mall parking bays. 

I do think, though, that loaded with four people and luggage, there’s likely to be a lot of gear changing. Fortunately, the clutch is light and gear changes are slick and easy. 

With short bits of enthusiastic driving combined with regular runs, consumption stood at 5.1l/100km, not too far off the claimed 4.4l/100km.

Safety

Seeing as the Swift is likely to be many people’s first car, safety is paramount, and it doesn’t disappoint with six airbags (front, side and curtain), ABS brakes with EBD, Brake Assist Function, Electronic Stability Programme and rear ISOFIX anchors.

After a few days, there’s nothing not to like about the Suzuki Swift.

It doesn’t pretend to be something that it isn’t. It’s good looking, extremely easy to drive, has everything you need in terms of practicality and specification and with a reputation of reliability and frugalness, it deserves to be a top seller. 

It comes with a two-year/30,000km service plan and five-year/200,000km promotional warranty.