New vs used Suzuki Swift: What are the top 3 differences?
The Swift has been a local mainstay for Suzuki ever since it first arrived on local shores more than a decade ago. The third-generation (current) model brought plenty of advances when it arrived here in 2018, and Suzuki has since been keeping this charming supermini up-to-date with regular revisions. Let’s look at the changes wrought with the latest facelift, by comparing a new Suzuki Swift with a used (older) one.
In the timespan between its initial release and the latest update, Suzuki has expanded the Swift range to include a new, turbocharged Sport version, as well as a high-trim GLX variant for the mainstream 1.2-litre range. But the 2021 upgrade is arguably the most important one, because it brought about a big improvement in both safety and comfort.
By comparison, the cosmetic changes are very minor, and almost easy to overlook. The Swift is still cute as can be, so it’s good that they didn’t tinker too much with its appearance. The really important things happened where you can’t see them at first glance.
Related: Shop for new and used Suzuki Swift cars for sale here.
1. Improved safety specifications
The third-generation Swift launched with two airbags and ABS, but not much else in the line of safety add-ons. Given our hazardous road conditions and the generally inept drivers around us, this was a bit of a let-down up till now, especially as some of the Swift’s competitors have featured more-extensive standard safety kit from the outset.
This shortcoming has now been addressed, through the inclusion of stability control across the entire Swift range. There are still only two airbags in the majority of the range, though, with only the Swift Sport featuring 6 airbags as standard.
2. Easier parking
Rear parking sensors only appeared on the 1.2-litre Swifts when the GLX trim level was released in 2019, along with a 7-inch colour infotainment display for this high-trim variant that also acted as display for the rear-view camera.
For 2021, rear parking sensors are fitted to the whole range, while the GLX receives a rear camera resolution improvement. This addition is particularly welcome, given the Swift’s limited rearward sightlines, and will make parking far less stressful in crowded areas.
3. Bold new colours
Of greater significance than the actual styling changes, which amount to little more than a revised grille and the addition of front fog lamps to the GL trim level, are the availability of striking new colour schemes to make the inexpensive Swift look a fair bit more upmarket than before. Specifically, the GL- and GLX trim levels now offer the option of three dual-tone colour schemes.
Fire Red and Arctic White Pearl can be had with a black roof, while the new Midnight Blue Pearl colour can be specified with a white roof. The effect of these dual-tone colour schemes are quite profound, and lift the little Swift’s appearance above its price bracket. On GLX variants, the refreshed appearance is rounded off with new 15-inch alloy wheels with polished faces.
