If you’re the type who winces at the thought of crawling through morning traffic with a clutch pedal, the Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX Auto might just be your antidote to urban fatigue.

While it shares the same platform and engine as its manual sibling, this version swaps the gear-shifting for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) – and that simple change transforms the way it fits into everyday life.

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Let’s start with the drive. The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine under the bonnet isn’t a powerhouse, delivering 61 kW and 113 Nm of torque, but paired with the CVT, it’s tuned for smooth, fuss-free commuting. No jolting gear changes, no sudden surges – just a steady, consistent pull that’s perfect for city driving. You’ll notice it especially in traffic.

The CVT does a brilliant job of easing forward with minimal input, and if you’re gentle on the throttle, the revs stay low and the cabin remains impressively quiet. Sure, if you floor it, the engine note does get a bit strained (as CVTs tend to do), but for most daily scenarios – school runs, shopping mall missions, or the N1 snarl – the setup works beautifully.

A Polished Experience

The GLX trim also adds a fair bit of polish to the experience. You get a crisp 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, push-button start, and rear parking sensors.

The cabin design is minimal, yes, but well thought out and easy to live with. Materials are mostly hard plastic, but they’re neatly put together, and the build quality feels solid for a car in this segment.

Space up front is decent, and the rear is comfortable enough for two adults or three kids. The boot isn’t huge (268 litres), but it’ll handle groceries, weekend bags, or a school backpack without issue.

Where the Swift GLX Auto really shines is in its running costs. Suzuki claims 4.9 L/100 km, and even in real-world conditions with a mix of city and occasional highway driving, you can expect figures hovering around 5.5 to 5.9 L/100 km. It’s refreshingly frugal. That’s not to say the Swift is all about efficiency.

There’s still a fun, nimble feel to the way it drives. The light body and tight turning circle make it easy to chuck around corners or slip through small gaps in traffic. It might not be fast, but it’s definitely cheerful.

In Summary

So, who’s it for? The GLX Auto is for people who want driving to be easy. It’s for commuters, young families, or downsizers who want reliable, affordable, no-drama transport with just enough tech and flair to feel modern.

It’s not the kind of car that demands attention – but it quietly wins your appreciation, one smooth, fuel-efficient kilometre at a time.