This is the latest incarnation of the Suzuki Swift, which depending on how you look at it, is either the fourth or sixth generation.
Officially, Suzuki calls this the fourth generation because it counts the 2004 model as the first “global” Swift. But if you’ve been keeping score, the Swift badge dates back to 1983.
What is the Suzuki Swift these days?
In a world overflowing with SUVs and crossovers, the Swift is a refreshing rarity. A true supermini, powered by an internal combustion engine.
For those of us who like our cars a bit old school, that’s already something to smile about.
Is the engine also old school?
The 4-cylinder in the Z33 has departed, making way for a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated 3-cylinder, pushing a mind-boggling 81bhp and 112Nm of torque.
Not exactly pulse-pounding, but Suzuki has paired it with a small hybrid battery with an integrated starter generator (ISG) and regenerative braking. This system boosts efficiency and helps with acceleration, making it more sprightly than its predecessor.
Despite this, the Swift remains delightfully lightweight. The mild hybrid tech adds just 7kg, meaning it only weighs a featherlight 945kg.
Sadly, you can’t get the fun manual gearbox in Singapore; we have to settle for a CVT auto.
Is it efficient?
Definitely. Suzuki claims 20.4km/litre, and in testing, I got close to that figure with varied driving – 19.6km/litre over 200 kilometres.
That figure even includes some cheeky acceleration thrown in for good measure. Impressive.
How about the driving bit?
Don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t swift. Suzuki claims they’ve improved the century sprint time by a solid five percent, but you’re still looking at a double-digit figure.
Still, despite being a bit underpowered, it’s actually really good fun. The little three-cylinder engine is quiet at idle but develops a nice, tuneful note as you rev it up.
Push it to the top end and it can feel a little strained, but overall, it’s a keen engine ready to take on the world.
The suspension’s been tweaked from the previous model, and there’s less body roll, but Suzuki hasn’t overcompensated by making it too stiff. The Swift feels natural going through bends, with light but responsive steering.
It’s refreshingly simple – no drive modes, no adaptive suspension wizardry, and even a good old-fashioned manual handbrake. The kind of car you can hop into and happily zip around town without overthinking things. I love it.
One of the most commendable things is its sub-one-tonne weight. It’s this lack of heft that really enhances the driving experience, and the brakes are responsive, providing good feel despite some light regenerative braking.
However, the trade-off is that road noise does creep into the cabin when you hit highway speeds.
The Swift’s lightness helps it skip over most bumps without sending too many jolts into the cabin. Plus, you can only get it with 16-inch alloy wheels, which means a bit more tyre sidewall for cushioning.
It looks kinda… funky
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Suzuki calls this an “all-new” Swift, but it’s built on the same platform as the previous model, which means it’s more of an extensive facelift. The design is a bit like the last Swift, but with a puffier face, as if someone accidentally left the car in a beehive.
Suzuki describes it as “muscular,” but the exaggerated front end, with that curious wraparound bonnet line above the headlights, feels a little more cartoonish than athletic.
Any better on the inside?
The Swift’s interior is something of a throwback (bit like a time capsule from the 2010s), and whether that’s a good or bad thing will depend on your nostalgia and practical levels.
For the most part, that’s actually a plus. You’ve got proper analogue dials that are easy to read, plenty of physical buttons that make adjusting things on the go a breeze, and a separate panel for climate control that’s simple and effective.
And yes, there’s a manual handbrake, perfect for some cheeky handbrake turns in an empty car park.
But there are drawbacks too. The 9.0-inch infotainment system feels a bit outdated, with clunky menus, basic graphics, and a slight lag in response.
Some of the plastics in the cabin feel cheap and scratchy, but considering the Swift’s price tag, that’s something you can probably overlook.
On the plus side, there’s wireless Apple CarPlay as standard, and the new front seats are soft and comfortable.
How’s the space?
It’s pretty much the same size as the previous Swift, which means a 265-litre boot that expands to 589 litres when you fold the rear seats.
The rear doors open wide, making it easy to get in and out, but once inside, taller passengers might find legroom a bit tight.
Smaller, Neater, Lighter
In an era where your choices for simple, small cars are dwindling fast, Suzuki has stuck to its guns with the Swift.
Add in great value for money, and you’ve got yourself a solid little runabout.
Technical Specifications
Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid (2024)
Engine: 1,197cc in-line 3
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 82 bhp
Torque: 112 Nm
Gearbox: 6-Speed (A) CVT
0-100km/h: Unknown
Top Speed: Unknown
Fuel Economy: 20.4 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$146,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Suzuki Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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