A Stylish Step Forward
If you’ve been searching for a compact car that blends urban agility with modern tech, the new 2024 Suzuki Swift deserves a close look. It isn’t just a facelift—it’s a whole new chapter for a car many South African drivers already love. The design has been sharpened, the cabin freshened up, and the engine given a thoughtful update to reflect everyday needs. It now feels more modern and purposeful, without losing the charm that has always made the Swift a popular choice.
Under the Bonnet: Efficiency Meets Simplicity
What’s under the hood might surprise you in a good way. The Swift now runs a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine making around 60 kW and 112 Nm of torque in local spec. It’s paired with either a five-speed manual or a CVT automatic, depending on the trim.
Fuel economy is one of the strong points. Suzuki claims as low as 4.4 L/100 km under favourable conditions for the 2024 Swift. That’s very competitive for what you get—nice if your daily drive is a mix of city and highway, and helpful for keeping running costs low over time.
Inside & On the Road: Practical Meets Fun
Stepping into the Swift, you’ll notice the refreshed interior. The dashboard wraps around the driver, controls are well-placed, and storage spots are sensible. Boot space is rated at 265 litres, expandable to 580 litres when the rear seats fold down.
Handling is nimble too—the Swift’s lightweight architecture (reported around 908 kg) gives it a sprightly feel in traffic or on tighter roads. It feels responsive and easy to drive, which makes everyday trips more enjoyable.
Trim Levels & What You Get
The 2024 Swift is available in three main grades locally: GL, GL+ and GLX.
The GL model offers steel wheels (14-inch), manual transmission only, and a respectable equipment list for its price.
Move up to GL+, and you’ll find alloy wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the CVT option becomes available.
The GLX is the top tier: 9-inch screen, LED headlamps, diamond-cut alloys, plus other enhancements.
Prices locally are from around R219,900 for the GL, through to about R284,900 for the GLX CVT version.
Things to Think About
Of course, no car is perfect for everyone. While the Swift’s engine is efficient, it isn’t a powerhouse so if you’re after hardcore performance, you might look elsewhere. Also, although the claimed fuel figure is excellent, real-world numbers may vary depending on driving style, traffic conditions, and load.
As with many compact hatchbacks, rear-seat space is decent but shorter passengers may prefer these seats only for shorter trips. Also, parking and easy rides are an advantage—this car’s small size works well in tighter city spaces, making it less stressful to manoeuvre and park.
Why It Could Be The Right Choice
If you spend a lot of time in town driving, you’ll appreciate how easy the Swift is to manoeuvre. If you want something with modern tech, decent economy, and low running costs, it ticks those boxes. It’s also good value for what you get, especially with the new features and refreshed design.
In short: the 2024 Suzuki Swift isn’t trying to be the biggest or the most powerful—it’s aiming to be smart about what matters in everyday driving. If that sounds like your kind of car, it’s definitely worth a test drive.
if you want to know more about From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Upgrading Your Vehicle’s Identity then visit our Automobile category.
