This past seven days I got to understand why the Suzuki Swift won the best Budget Car award at the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. The car ticks the majority of the of boxes, it super fuel efficient, drives really well and has enough boot space. In terms of the fuel consumption at some point I thought the petrol gauge was not working as I drove the car for quite some time and there was absolutely no movement on the petrol gauge. It lives up to its claimed fuel consumption of 4.9 litres/100km in a combined cycle, which gives it a range of more than 750km on its 37-litre tank.

The Drive

I thoroughly enjoyed how the car drive. When you are behind the wheel it feels sporty and light. Just like its sister (Suzuki Dzire) the Swift is smooth when driving it on the highway. The steering wheel is light and quick. The acceleration and handling of the car is really good, whilst the clutch is really smooth allowing ease on the 5-speed gear box to change gears. You can barely feel that car is moving except for when you drive on a rough surface.

The Interior

The Suzuki Swift looks really small for the outside but you once you are inside it is spacious. There is enough leg, shoulder and head room. The cabin in the car is pretty basic but then again you can’t complain about this on a car that costs less than R200 000. The boot space is sufficient and you can enlarge it by folding the rear seats.

The Swift comes equipped with manual air conditioning, all-round electric windows, power steering, a trip computer, adjustable steering wheel with audio controls, audio system with Bluetooth/USB connectivity and front fog lamps. In terms of safety, all Swift models offer a pair of front airbags, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and ISOFIX seat anchors.

The car is fitted-out with a manual air conditioning and the windows are all electric. It is also equipped with a power steering and a trip computer. The steering wheel is adjustable and has audio controls. The audio system has Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Safety

In terms of safety, all Swift models the car is equipped with front airbags, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and ISOFIX seat anchors.

Price

The new Suzuki Swift is available in six colours and is sold with a 5-year / 200 000 km mechanical warranty and a 2-year / 30 000 km service plan. The price starts from R160 000.

Pat(s)

• The Suzuki Swift sips petrol which is amazing
• It is light and drives really good
• It is priced right

Slap(s)

• The lack of an infotainment systems works against the car.