Suzuki Swift GL Auto 2022 Car Review

Model: Suzuki Swift GL Auto
Engine: 1.2-litre
Transmission: CVT Automatic
Fuel type: Regular petrol
Fuel economy/CO2: 4.8L/100 km, 110g/km
Price: $23,990 + ORC
Clean Car rebate: $2,335.60
Status: Currently available

With the increase in fuel costs and growing concerns about the environment, new fuel-efficient cars are now an even more attractive option for those buyers wanting an affordable new car. This is the perfect time for Suzuki, a marque known for its stylish and frugal small-car line-up to shine. In May 2022, the Suzuki Swift came in sixth place for new passenger registrations (327 units), and fourth most popular year-to-date (1,507 units). The Suzuki Jimny also made the top 20 line-up in 17th spot.

We recently had the opportunity to sample the popular Suzuki Swift GL auto to experience first-hand why so many New Zealanders fall in love with this little hatch. For starters it is a new car – with that new car smell- for just $23,990 + ORC, plus with the Clean Car rebate of $2,335.60 it is even a better buy. If it is the manual, you are after for only $21,990 + ORC, then with the rebate ($2,593.45) you’ll own a new car for under the $20k mark.

The other thing the Swift GL has going for it is fuel economy, at just 4.8L/100km, and a CO2 emissions rating of 110g/km (NEDC (g/km)), it is economical to run while doing its bit to reduce carbon emissions.

Performance and handling

When most of us think of Suzuki Swift we think of fun, economical and easy. We found that while the Swift GL isn’t designed to fly around gravel roads, but rather city streets, overall, it handles well.

Its zippy little four cylinder 1.2-litre engine produces 66kW of power and 120Nm of torque. While not a hot hatch by any means, with its light kerb weight of just 1,365kg, its power to weight ratio enables it to deliver enough zip for accelerating around town. At only 3,845mm long this latest version makes a lot of sense in our increasingly congested cities.

Interior

Getting behind the wheel of all Swift models in the range always feels natural. The visibility is great thanks to the slim front pillars and tall windscreen.

While the controls on the dash seem familiar and easy enough to use, they do seem a tad old-school for a modern vehicle in this price range. There is however a leather steering wheel with cruise, limiter, phone & audio controls, which we expected to see.

In terms of infotainment, it features a touch screen infotainment system that includes everything from built in GPS Satellite Navigation, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and is super easy to navigate.

The interior quality seems understated and a little plastic and bland for a fun hatch, yet it does feel like everything is solid and hard wearing. Perhaps this is why Swifts are also such a popular car further down the line, making the top 20 most popular used-imported cars in 2021 with a total of 2,224 units sold.

The cabin is cleverly designed and roomy with ample storage spaces making it perfect for shopping sprees and the school run. There are four drink holders – plenty for thirsty children on a road trip, and comfortable seating capacity for four adults and a child. If it is a weekend get-away you are after we found the luggage space to be ample with a capacity of 242 litres, and 556 litres if the rear seats are folded down.

Slightly disappointed the Swift GL doesn’t include keyless entry, push-button start or climate control air conditioning, but you can get these on the higher spec RS model, which is an extra $4k at $27,990 + ORC.

Safety

The Suzuki Swift has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which is not only reassuring to see but also ticks the most important box on a buyer’s check list. To support safer driving the Swift GL features Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake override system and Brake Assist. Four airbags and front and rear curtain airbags come standard along with a reversing camera – which came in handy when manoeuvring in and out of Auckland city supermarket car parks – why do they appear to be getting tighter?

Verdict

Suzuki asks “are you ready for this” when promoting the new Swift range of small hatchback. The answer is yes, we were and were certainly impressed. We loved the Swift before, but the newer model feels more agile, and lighter in some way making it easier to navigate around the city, with a feeling of freedom and safety while out on the open road.

The Swift will never have a problem getting you from A to B in style and comfort. And when it comes to safety and price it shouts value for money, and we can see why owners fall in love with this fun little car.

Pros:
Value for money
Economical
Generous headroom
Great visibility
Spacious cabin

Cons:
Doesn’t include keyless entry and push-button start
Manual air conditioning, not climate-control
Plastic feel
Basic interior fabric

Safety systems

• Cruise control
• Hill hold control
• Reverse camera
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
• ABS with EBD
• Brake assist
• Speed limiter
• Daytime running lamps
• Fog lamps
• HEARTECT platform
• Pedestrian protection
• Occupant protection
• Pedal release mechanism
• SRS advanced airbags
• Electronic Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelts
• Child seat tether anchorages
• Child seat ISOFIX anchorages

Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:

• AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
• AA Insurance - aa.co.nz/insurance
• AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
• AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts

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