2018 Suzuki Swift

Suzuki Swift

Suzuki’s Swift really is the B-segment hatchback for real South Africans — students, first-jobbers, anyone hacking across town on the daily grind who refuses to drive something that feels bargain-basement. You get a 1.2-litre petrol up front (no diesel, but who’s crying?), and there’s a choice of manual, CVT, or semi-automatic. That’s not just box-ticking — it means if you’re stuck in Sandton traffic or doing Jo’burg-to-Pretoria runs, there’s a Swift that won’t make you want to gnaw your knuckles. On paper at least, it fights the usual suspects: Polo Vivo, Starlet, Kiger. But the Swift’s lighter chassis and CVT option give it an edge those rivals mostly can’t match at the same price. Looking at the numbers, you’re not short of options. There are 173 Swifts on offer, from as low as R119,900 for the bargain hunters to R389,900 for something fresh off the dealership floor. The real action sits with the GL+ CVT — 39 cars between R229,900 and R269,900 — which is the spec I’d have if you pack smart and want comfort without the price shock. The GL+ manual sits just behind, both in price and popularity. What’s worth flagging is the mileage: 24,773 km on average across used cars is almost suspiciously low. These Swifts are barely run in, which is rare in this segment. Also, there’s a near-even split between new (79) and used (94) cars, so you’re not stuck with clapped-out ex-rental stock. For the money, you get a more modern, lighter car than a Polo Vivo, with the bonus of a proper auto for city life — and that’s the point.