The Suzuki Swift can be considered a bigger and better version of the Suzuki Alto. It has a stylish, sporty body that complements its powerful performance capabilities.  As the Kenyan market opens up to a wider variety of cars, the Swift has established itself as an affordable yet efficient hatchback that rivals the likes of Nissan March, Toyota Passo, and The Mini Cooper.

Additionally, thanks to its sporty design, the Suzuki Swift appeals to both men and women contrary to other small vehicles that are viewed as more feminine. Since its introduction to the market in 2000, this car hit the ground running and has received significant improvements both in design and performance over the years.

Generations

• First Generation (2000-2004)

This generation was powered by Suzuki’s new inline-four gasoline engines. It was available in 1.3- and 1.5-litres, 5-speed manual transmission, or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. It also came with FWD or four-wheel drive. It was classified into the following grades; SE-Z, SG, SF, and SG-F. The first two grades, SE-Z and SG, came with standard features such as power windows, FM Radio, fog lights, and steel wheels. The higher grades aluminum wheels, CD stereo, and remote-controlled side mirrors.

1. Interior Features – power windows, FM Radio, CD stereo
2. Exterior Features – fog lights, steel wheels, aluminum wheels, remote-controlled side mirrors.
3. Safety Features – Front airbags, antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC), Intelligent seat belt reminders

 

• Second Generation (2004-2010)

The second generation was aimed at the global market and came with more commercial designs and features. It’s powered by a 1.3- or 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engines, and a 16-valve VVT giving it 110 horsepower. In terms of design, Suzuki concentrated on a simpler, cost-effective style without compromising its safety and performance. The new generation’s body has torsional rigidity 1.3 times and bending rigidity 2.3 times that of the old model. It’s available in the following grades; XE, XG, XS, XG L-Package, and XE Style. The base models come equipped with power windows, CD stereo, fog lights, and steel wheels while the higher grades are equipped with headlights adjustment, aluminum wheels, leather steering wheel, rear seat headrest, driver/passenger seat heater, fuel consumption display, electric side mirrors, air condition, side mirror indicators, and keyless start.

1. Interior Features – power windows, CD stereo, headlights adjustment, leather steering wheel, rear seat headrest, driver/passenger seat heater, fuel consumption display, air condition, and keyless start
2. Exterior Features – fog lights, steel wheels, aluminum wheels, electric side mirrors, side mirror indicators
3. Safety Features – Front airbags, head-protecting side curtains, antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC), Intelligent seat belt reminders

 

• Third Generation (2010-2017)

The 2012 Suzuki Swift comes with two engine options, these are; a 1.2 Litre DOHC VVT engine and a 1.6 Litre DOHC VVT engine. These are linked to either a 5-Speed manual transmission, a 6-Speed manual transmission, a 4-Speed automatic transmission or a CVT, and available in both 2WD and 4WD. It’s available in the following grades; XG, XL, XS, RS, and Sport. The base models come equipped with idling stop, 15-Inch steel rims, Keyless entry, smart start, Radio/DVD player, steering controls, and halogen headlights. The higher grades are equipped with 16-Inch alloy rims, smart entry, smart start, Radio/DVD player, sharper steering, suspension dampers, and aero body kit.

1. Interior Features – idling stop, smart start, Radio/DVD player, steering controls, smart start, Radio/DVD player, sharper steering
2. Exterior Features – 15-Inch steel rims, Keyless entry, halogen headlights, 16-Inch alloy rims, smart entry, suspension dampers, and aero body kit.
3. Safety Features – Dual front airbags, driver knee airbags, side airbags, head-protecting side curtains, Antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC), Intelligent seat belt reminders

• Fourth Generation (2017-present)

The current generation of the Suzuki Swift comes with a 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4- Litre 3-cylinder petrol or diesel engine linked to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. It’s available in the following grades; XG, XL, RS, HYBRID ML, and HYBRID RS. Some of the features in the base models include 15-Inch steel rims, Keyless entry, smart start, Radio/DVD player, steering controls and halogen headlights while the higher grades come with a front grille, bumper (front and rear), spoiler (side under, roof end), rear fog lights and cutting 16-inch aluminum wheels. One of the major changes in this generation is the design. Suzuki adopted a more rigid, angular design that was also used in the eighth generation of the Suzuki Alto. This resulted in a 120 kg lighter vehicle with better performance and driving experience.

1. Interior Features – smart start, Radio/DVD player, steering controls and halogen headlights
2. Exterior Features – 15-Inch steel rims, Keyless entry, halogen headlights, front grille, bumper (front and rear), spoiler (side under, roof end), rear fog lights, 16-inch aluminum wheels.
3. Safety Features – monocular camera, infrared radar, false start suppression function, lane departure warning, sway warning, preceding vehicle start notification, high beam assist, SRS curtain airbag & front seat SRS side airbag, adaptive cruise control, rear seat belt force limiter & pretension, driver’s seat armrest

Maintenance Costs In Kenya

The Suzuki Swift is a rather economical vehicle compared to other cars in its category. It has great fuel consumption averaging 20 km per Litre for the third-generation model. Additionally, it requires maintenance every 10,000 km for minor services and 15,000 km for major services.

Reliability In Kenya

With proper use and care, the Suzuki Swift is unproblematic. It can withstand rough roads due to its 4WD capabilities. Despite being a small, light car, it’s pretty stable which means it’s not prone to rolling. Many people have noted that the Suzuki Swift drives very well and offers the driver an enjoyable driving experience. Therefore, this is a good choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance car with a sporty feel.

Suzuki Swift Alternatives you can buy in Kenya: Toyota Passo, Nissan March, Mazda Verisa and Mini Cooper

Price of the Suzuki Swift in Kenya and where to buy it: https://topcar.co.ke/vehicle/2013-suzuki-swift-review/

Import the Suzuki Swift in Kenya: https://topcar.co.ke/import-your-car/