The lockdown has hit South Africans hard. Many of us have had to make do with much smaller monthly budgets and many parents are scaling down in order to make ends meet. This includes getting rid of large, gas-guzzling SUVs and buying small compact crossovers, compact sedans, or entry-level hatchbacks instead.
The entry-level segment of the market is especially cutthroat, and every new competitor comes with a skillset to lure potential buyers away from other brands. Suzuki's Swift is one of the top-performers in the sales department because of a number of reasons.
Here's why it makes a great car for small families.
1. Low fuel consumption
Most manufacturers' claims for fuel economy are downright outlandish, but the Swift has always been very accurate with their fuel usage claims. Suzuki, as a brand, proved that all of their cars are fuel-economy stars in the recent WesBank SA Fuel Economy Tour.
“Suzuki was the most frugal competitor overall in three of the five days of competition, and it won six of the seven classes in which it competed. The competition ended with an average fuel consumption figure of 5.097 litres/100 km for Suzuki's top-performing Baleno 1.4 GLX MT (the class winner with 5.0840 litres per 100 km), Ignis 1.2 GLX MT (5.0931 litres) and Swift 1.2 GLX MT (5.1138 litres).” — Suzuki SA
Even the Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4T is a frugal fuel-consumer, obtaining an average of 7.2 litres per 100 km in the week it spent with us - in town!
2. Space and features
The Swift has a decent amount of legroom on the rear bench, which is a blessing when the kids are out of their child/booster seats and heading off to "big school". Once the kids reach their teenage years, it's even more important that there's room for growing legs. Two fully-grown kids (or adults!) won't find a reason to complain, but seating three adults in a row is not really an option unless it's just for a quick lift somewhere, and on the odd occasion. ISOFIX child seat anchorage points can be found on the outer rear seats.
The boot is not massive at 268 litres, but it's perfectly sufficient for two large school bags as well as a kitbag or backpack (or two), along with other loose items such as jackets and other odds and ends.
As for the standard mod-cons, only the entry-level GA model makes do without steering wheel switches and Bluetooth/USB ports. It has a trip computer, though. Other standard features on this model include remote central locking, air-conditioning, child locks, and electric windows in front and in the back.
The GL model is the sweet spot in the range. It comes with the necessary connectivity kit such as Bluetooth, USB/AUX ports, steering-mounted switchgear, electrically retractable side mirrors, and a split and folding rear seat. It's affordable, considering what's included.
Related: Pre-launch road-test video! The new Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL
GLX models have 15-inch alloys, parking sensors, a full-colour 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a rearview camera display in the touchscreen when the car is put into reverse. Other luxuries in the cabin include automatic climate control and a keyless access system with Start/Stop button.
Sport models have everything as above, but gain larger alloy wheels, red accents inside, and that sprightly 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine with 103 kW and 230Nm, of course.
3. Solid build quality
For a car in this price range, the interior is hard-wearing and solidly put together. The switchgear feels like it's built to last, which is important if your toddlers (with their curious little fingers) spend a fair amount of time in the car. The seat material feels durable and the seats are supportive.
4. Safety
The Swift has the necessary safety equipment such as ABS, brake assist, and 2 airbags. The Swift Sport models have more safety kit such as stability control, hill-start assist (automatic models) and six airbags. Fog lamps are standard on all but the entry-level model. GLX and Sport models get park distance control as well as a rearview camera, but only Sport models have daytime running lamps, a light sensor, LED headlights and automatic headlight levelling.
5. Performance
You can expect decent performance from the 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine. In a world where most cars in this price range have naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre engines, it's nice to know that R176 900 can still buy you a useful amount of kiloWatts (61) and 113 Nm of torque. The manual non-turbo models will take 12 seconds to reach 100 km/h from 0 and the automatic models, 13.5.
Swift Sport models are much quicker out of the starting block but also cost plenty more. You can read my Suzuki Swift Sport review here.
Verdict
The Swift makes the grade as reliable family transport with the added bonus of fun-to-drive dynamics. We would opt for the Swift 1.2 GL (R194 900) as it offers the most features and value for the price.
Current pricing
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GA, R176 900
Suzuki Swift GL, R194 900
Suzuki Swift GL Special Edition, R207 900
Suzuki Swift GL auto, R209 900
Suzuki Swift GLX, 213 900
Suzuki Swift GLX auto, R229 900
Suzuki Swift 1.4T Sport, R336 900
Suzuki Swift 1.4T Sport auto, R365 900
The Swift is sold with a 3-year / 100 000km warranty and a 2-year /30 000 km service plan. The Swift Sport has a 4-year/60 0000 km service plan. (Pricing correct at the time this article was published, but is subject to change without notice.)
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