Living with and ‘owning’ the Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX Manual has been an exercise in balance over the 2024/5 Festive season. It’s not a flashy car, nor does it claim to be, but we came to find that it delivers where it matters most.

After a month of driving, covering 1 500 km across bustling Cape Town traffic and a drive up the West Caost, it’s clear that the Swift is a car built for real-world use.

The Daily Routine

Let’s start with the daily routine of commuting in Cape Town’s often chaotic traffic. Here, the Swift’s compact size is a godsend, especially when squeezing into tight parking spots or weaving through lanes. The steering is light, which is perfect for city driving, but it also offers enough feedback to avoid feeling disconnected from the road.

The GLX’s nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system has been a true companion during these commutes. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, syncing my phone for music, calls, or navigation is a breeze. The system makes the experience a bit more pleasant.

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Fuel economy in the city has been respectable, too. While Suzuki claims 4.4 L/100 km under ideal conditions, my real-world figure has been closer to 5.9 L/100 km. Given the mix of stop-start traffic and the occasional burst onto the highway, this efficiency is impressive. It’s reassuring to know that even as petrol prices climb, the Swift remains kind to the wallet.

West Coast, Baby!

The real test came with a 400 km round trip to Lamberts Bay – a small fishing town along South Africa’s West Coast. The drive took me along the N7 highway, where the Swift’s strengths and limitations became apparent.

The 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 60 kW and 112 Nm, may sound modest, but it gets the job done. It’s not a car that begs to be pushed to its limits, but it delivers enough power to keep up with highway traffic comfortably.

Overtaking requires a bit of planning, especially on long stretches of single-lane roads, but the five-speed manual gearbox cogs easily to ensure the right gear is hooked smoothly and confidently.

Cruising at highway speeds, the Swift feels stable for its lightweight 917 kg build, but strong crosswinds can unsettle it slightly. It’s not unnerving, but it’s worth noting if you’re used to heavier vehicles. Road noise creeps into the cabin at higher speeds, but it’s far from intrusive and the sound system has enough impact to drown out outside noises.

The real joy of the Swift on the open road lies in its agility. While it’s not a performance hatchback, there’s something satisfying about how eagerly it responds to inputs. It’s a reminder that driving doesn’t have to be purely functional – it can still be fun.

Living With the Swift

After a month of ownership, certain aspects of the Swift have stood out. The cabin is comfortable and well-thought-out for a car in this price range. The front seats provide decent support, even on longer drives, and the 60:40 split-folding rear seats add a layer of practicality when hauling larger items.

The Swift’s modest dimensions make it a dream in tight spaces. Parallel parking is effortless, and the visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent.

However, no car is perfect. While the Swift excels in city and light highway driving, it’s not particularly suited for those who often travel fully loaded with passengers and luggage. The engine struggles a bit on steep inclines when carrying extra weight, and the gearbox must be worked when trying to maintain momentum on the open road battling trucks on inclines.

But these compromises are minor in the grand scheme of things, especially considering the car’s focus on affordability and efficiency.

The Verdict

The Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX Manual doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It’s not a performance car or a luxury cruiser, but it is an honest, practical, and enjoyable hatchback that delivers where it counts.

In a country like South Africa, where fuel prices and maintenance costs are top of mind, the Swift’s efficiency and reliability make it a solid choice for budget-conscious drivers. Add to that its stylish design, well-equipped cabin, and fun-to-drive nature, and you have a car that feels like a little bit of a treat every time you get behind the wheel.