As one of the latest entries into the local best-sellers list, the Suzuki Swift is proving to be very popular among buyers who want a nice-to-drive, economical and affordable small hatchback. While the mainstream (non-Sport) variants all employ the same engine, there are notable trim differences between them. We compare their standard equipment, to see which one offers the best value for money.
When the latest Suzuki Swift arrived on our shores back in 2018, some buyers bemoaned the demise of the previous-generation’s 1.4-litre engine. This left the Swift range with only a 1.2-litre engine in two trim levels, and vacated a slot higher up in the model range for those who want a little something extra in terms of modern conveniences.
But, towards the end of 2019, Suzuki added a new derivative to cap the mainstream Swift range. This gave the 1.2-litre Swift an improved spread of equipment, and introduced some nice large-car features to the new Swift. It’s still powered by the same engine, with outputs of 61 kW and 113 Nm across the range.
Of course, buyers with the financial wherewithal could always opt for the hot-shot Swift Sport, but its much higher pricetag puts it out of reach of budget-oriented buyers. Fortunately, the new high-trim Swift offers many of the fancy things you’d find in a Sport, but still with a fairly affordable pricetag. Let’s explore the different Suzuki Swift trim levels, to find the sweet spot for value among the 1.2-litre cars.
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GA
Price: R 166 900
This is the entry point to the Swift range, and comes with the bare minimum of luxuries. You’ll find unadorned steel wheels hiding in the wheel wells, and no audio system of any kind. It’s not as stripped-out as you might imagine, though, as some convenience items still made their way past the cost-cutters’ knives. The Swift 1.2 GA is however only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Standard equipment
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
- Power steering
- Driver and front passenger airbags
- Air conditioning
- Power steering
- Trip computer
- Electric windows all round
- Height adjustable steering wheel
- 14-inch steel wheels with 165/80R14 tyres
- ISOFIX child seat mounts (rear)
- Remote central locking
- Heated rear window
- Rear window wiper
- Halogen clear headlights with integrated indicators
- Rear LED combination lamps
- LED high-mounted stop lamp
- 3 Cup holders in the centre console (2 in front, 1 in the rear)
- 5 year/100 000 km warranty
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL
Price: R 183 900 (manual)
This is the mid-level trim, and can be had with either the 5-speed manual gearbox or an automated manual transmission (AMT) with the same number of cogs (for R 14 500 extra).
Standard equipment
The Swift 1.2 GL has the same baseline features as the 1.2 GA, then adds the following items:
- Blacked-out A- and B- (roof) pillars
- Front fog lamps
- Plastic full-size wheel covers
- Upgraded cloth seat upholstery
- USB/Aux/Bluetooth Audio system with steering-wheel controls
- Body-coloured door mirrors
- Electric side mirror adjustment
- Tachometer
- Passenger-side vanity mirror
- Chromed inside door handle trim and parking brake release button
- Silver centre console inlay.
- Luggage area cover
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX
Price: R202 900 (manual)
This is the most opulent 1.2-litre Swift, and is also available with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or the 5-speed AMT (at a R 15 000 price premium).
Standard equipment
The Swift 1.2 GLX has all the features found in the 1.2 GL, but with the addition of the following:
- 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/65R15 tyres
- Leather-covered steering wheel
- Outside temperature display
- Climate control air conditioner
- 7-inch colour touchscreen infotainment display
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear-view camera
- Speaker upgrade to include 2 dash-mounted tweeters
- Keyless entry with engine start/stop button
Verdict
While the basic Swift 1.2 GA offers enough to keep its occupants comfortable, there’s no denying that the mid-level GL offers a lot more in terms of everyday luxuries and cosmetic upgrades to justify its R 17 000 premium over its junior sibling – especially with its standard audio system and higher-quality cloth upholstery.
By contrast, the 1.2 GLX demands a R 19 000 premium over the 1.2 GL, but mainly distinguishes itself with that colour touchscreen, parking sensors and rear-view camera. Of course, its stylish alloy wheels also improve its appearance, and visually moves the GLX rather more upmarket. Seen in this light, GLX trim makes a lot of sense, and brings easier parking within reach of more people.
However, the sweet spot is in the middle of the range, where the GL ditches the “poverty-spec” feel of the GA, without costing too much extra. That’s where the smart budget-minded shopper’s money would go, especially seeing as it still slips in below the R 200 000 psychological barrier with either gearbox. Flashy types who can afford it will adore the GLX, though, and it’s very competitively priced and well-equipped in relation to its natural market opponents. But, as strong as the value proposition in the GLX may be, the best value buy is still the Swift 1.2 GL.
* Pricing was accurate at the time of publication, but may change without prior notice.
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