This being the top-of-the-range GLX means it’s kitted out with big-boy goodies, starting with the exterior finished in a controversial Novel Orange (a lot of people were claiming that it is more maroon or dusty red), where you have indicators integrated in the side mirrors, fancy 15-inch alloy wheel designs, LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, a rear windshield wiper, keyless locking/unlocking via a button on the door handles and Keyless start/stop.
Inside the cabin, it is a step up from the mid-spec, meaning you now get new additions of materials such as cruise control, parking distance sensors, a leather-covered steering wheel, and the fingerprint-smudgy piano black accents on the 9″ touchscreen infotainment display, door panels, center console, and even on the leather-wrapped and stitched steering wheel. A bigger touchscreen offers enhanced graphics but remains quite simple to use, along with a more detailed display in your instrument cluster that shows real-time fuel consumption figures and the time—because why would you be late, really?
Leather seats would be a great touch, but I guess the cloth seats get the job done well, too. The start-stop function works quite well but is somewhat intrusive, especially since this is a manual, and you would occasionally pop the gearbox into neutral. No big deal; there’s a button to switch that off easily.
What does this little budget-friendly vehicle pack under the hood? The Swift GLX houses the smaller 1.2L 3-cylinder engine that pushes 60 kW and 112 Nm, which can be had with either this 5-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission.
The manual transmission Swift feels like an evil twin to the CVT because they are polar opposites. Allow me to elaborate: those who enjoy getting to grips with their vehicles are more likely to have a cheeky time behind the wheel of the manual Swift. Although many claim the downsizing in engine cylinders may have cost the car some charm, I reckon that the Z12E has enough sprightliness and produces quite a delightful note when you’re pushing it.
On the other hand, for the driver who could care less about enthusiastic takeovers or occasional naughty double-clutch shifts, you are most likely suited for an automatic transmission, and in this case, the CVT, so you can focus on a no-fuss, easy-to-understand companion that is ready to take you from point A to point B.
Let’s talk pricing. The GLX range still manages to undercut its main rivals, as the fully kitted GLX variant comes in at 294,900. The Suzuki Swift includes a 4-year / 60,000 km service plan for all deal models. Warranty: 5 years / 200,000 km.
The Suzuki Swift, regardless of its designated or chosen transmission, shows big character and makes up for its shortcomings with cool charm and an easy-to-use practical setup. Because numbers do not lie, it has certainly held its own against the competition in the Polo Vivo, which has street cred and popularity, along with the fancier and tech-filled Kia Picanto. It’s a fresh and vibrant alternative offering.