A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Swift starts ZAR 254900 cheaperAmaze from ZAR 254,900 · Swift from ZAR 228,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Engine Power
66
60
Torque
110
112
Engine Size
1199
1197
Claimed Mileage
18.2
20.0
Ground Clearance
170
145
Boot Space
420
265
Airbags
2
6
Kerb Weight
980
975
Seating Capacity
Available
Available
Warranty
3
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Swift
52
/ 100
+6
pts
#2
Amaze
46
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Amaze and Swift are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Equal
Efficiency
Amaze
+11 pts
Safety
Swift
+12 pts
Practicality
Amaze
+3 pts
Ownership
Swift
+8 pts
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Swift
Performance
5/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
9/20
Ownership
20/20
Amaze
Performance
5/20
Efficiency
11/20
Safety
6/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
12/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Amaze
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less comprehensive safety features
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
🏆 Overall Winner
Swift
Strengths
Stronger safety package
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Amaze
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Swift
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Ground Clearance
170
145
Wheelbase
2470
2450
Length
3995
3890
Width
1695
1735
Height
1498
1495
Kerb Weight
980
975
Gross Vehicle Weight
1420
1380
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
420
265
Towing Capacity
900
0
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
579
Front Track Width
1550
1480
Rear Track Width
1540
1480
Turning Radius
Available
4.8
Load Bed Length
Available
0
Load Bed Width
Available
0
Front Legroom
Available
1032
Rear Legroom
Available
890
Front Headroom
Available
975
Rear Headroom
Available
967
Front Shoulder Room
Available
1370
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
1345
Max Payload
Available
425
Boot Volume
Available
Available
Doors
Available
Available
Seats
Available
Available
Front Overhang
Available
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
Available
Rear Overhang
Available
Available
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Engine
1.2L i-VTEC Petrol
1.2L Z12E 3-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Inline 3 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Displacement
1199
1197
Cylinders
4
3
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
66
60
Torque
110
112
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Top Speed
170
160
0-100 km/h
14.5
12.5
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 3 (I3)
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code
Standard
Z12E
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
12.0:1
Cylinder Bore
82.0
73.0
Piston Stroke
92.0
95.5
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Power @ RPM
150
5,700 rpm
Torque @ RPM
400
4,300 rpm
Turbocharger
Available
Not Applicable
Engine Position
Available
Transverse Front-Mounted
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
3.1
Power
150
80
Variable Valve Timing
Available
Dual VVT on Intake and Exhaust
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
6500
Engine Type Config
Available
Available
0–100 km/h
Available
Available
Battery Capacity
Available
Available
Charging Port
Available
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Available
Engine Displacement
Available
Available
EV Range
Available
Available
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Transmission
CVT Automatic
CVT Automatic
Drive Type
4x2
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
7
Transmission
Automatic CVT
Available
Differential Lock
Electronic Lock
Not Available
Transmission Type
Automatic
Continuously Variable Transmission
Paddle Shifters
Available
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
Available
4.388:1
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
2.7
Clutch Type
Available
Single Dry Plate Diaphragm
Drivetrain
Available
Available
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Claimed Mileage
18.2
20.0
City Mileage
14
16.1
Highway Mileage
19
23.8
Fuel Tank Capacity
35
37
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Available
0
Auto Start Stop
Available
Not Available
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Distance To Empty
Available
Available
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Available
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Available
Real-world Mileage
Available
Available
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Airbags
2
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Central Locking
Power with Remote
Remote Central Locking
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Available
Alarm System
Available
Standard
Side Impact Beams
Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Available
All Seats
Speed Alert System
Available
Standard — Audible Warning at 120 km/h
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Not Available
Safety Rating
Available
Not Independently Rated
Whiplash Protection
Available
Active Head Restraints on Front Seats
Lane Change Warning
Available
Not Available
AEB
Available
Available
BA
Available
Available
Brake Override System
Available
Available
Curtain Airbags
Available
Available
Driver Airbag
Available
Available
EBD
Available
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Available
Fatigue Detection
Available
Available
Hill Hold
Available
Available
Passenger Airbag
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Available
Side Airbags
Available
Available
TCS
Available
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Available
Knee Airbag
Available
Available
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Rear
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard Reverse Camera
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Available
Available
Auto Lights
Available
Available
Auto Wipers
Available
Available
Drive Modes
Available
Available
Eco Mode
Available
Available
EV Mode
Available
Available
Reverse Camera
Available
Available
Sport Mode
Available
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Available
Park Assist
Available
Available
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Seat Material
Premium Fabric
Fabric with Leatherette Inserts
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual 4-Way Driver Adjustment
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
Steering Adjustment
Tilt
Tilt Adjustable
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Available
Front Armrest
Yes
Not Available
Cup Holders
4
4
Folding Rear Seats
Yes, 60:40 Split
60:40 Split Fold
Leather Seats
Yes
Available
Interior Colour Options
Black
2
Rear Armrest
Available
Not Available
Rear AC Vents
Available
Not Available
Rear USB Ports
Available
0
Steering Wheel Material
Available
Urethane
Instrument Cluster Type
Available
Analogue with Digital Trip MID
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Not Available
Door Map Pockets
Available
All Four Door Pockets
60 40 Split Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
Available
Cooled Seats
Available
Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Fabric Seats
Available
Available
Front Headrest
Available
Available
Memory Seats
Available
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Rear Headrest
Available
Available
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Climate Control
Manual
Automatic Dual-Zone Climate Control
Power Windows
All Doors
All Four Windows
Keyless Entry
Remote Key
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
150
Payload Capacity
500
Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Available
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
Available
Not Available
Rear Window Defroster
Available
Standard
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Standard — Driver Height Adjustable
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Available
Not Available
12V Accessory Socket
Available
1 x 12V Socket
Speed Limiter
Available
Standard
AC Type
Available
Available
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Available
Aero Kit
Available
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Available
Boot Opener
Available
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Available
Chrome Grille
Available
Available
Climate Zones
Available
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Available
Drag Coefficient
Available
Available
Driver Display
Available
Available
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Available
Engine Check Warning
Available
Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
Available
Engine Warranty
Available
Available
Exhaust Finish
Available
Available
Exhaust Type
Available
Available
Front Armrest
Available
Available
Front Power Outlet
150
150
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
Available
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Available
Gear Shift Type
Available
Available
Glovebox Cooling
Available
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
Available
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Available
Headlamp Washer
Available
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Available
Heads Up Display
Available
Available
Hill Start Assist
Available
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Available
Intercooler
Available
Available
Launch Control
Available
Available
Multi Function Steering
Available
Available
Panoramic Roof
Available
Available
Performance Data Logger
Available
Available
Push Button Start
Available
Available
Rear Defogger
Available
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Available
Rear Seat Split
Available
Available
Rear Wing
Available
Available
Remote Engine Start
Available
Available
Rev Matching
Available
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Available
Roof Antenna
Available
Available
Seat Type
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Available
Service Plan
Available
Available
Service Reminder
Available
Available
Side Steps
Available
Available
Skid Plates
Available
Available
Spare Wheel
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Stability Control
Available
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Available
Steering Response
Available
Available
Tachometer
Available
Available
Tail Lamps
Available
Available
Telescopic Steering
Available
Available
Tilt Steering
Available
Available
Trip Computer
Available
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
Available
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
Available
Vanity Mirror
Available
Available
Voice Command
Available
Available
Voice Command Support
Available
Available
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Infotainment Screen
7-inch Touchscreen
9-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wired Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Standard
Wired Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Bluetooth Audio
Number of Speakers
4
6
Navigation System
Not Available
Not Available
FM Radio
Yes
Standard
AUX Input
Yes
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
9-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
Available
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Available
Not Available
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Available
Standard
Voice Recognition
Available
Not Available
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
9
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Not Available
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Available
Infotainment Display
Available
Available
Rear Usb
Available
Available
Premium Audio
Available
Available
Spec
Amaze
Swift
LED Headlamps
Halogen Projector
LED Projector Headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED DRLs
Fog Lamps
Front
Front Fog Lamps
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
15-inch Wheel Covers
15-inch Polished Alloy Wheels
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Finish
Body-Coloured Door Handles
Exterior Colour Options
Pearl White
7
Chrome Exterior Finish
Available
Not Available
Body Cladding
Available
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
Available
Not Available
Roof Type
Available
Standard Fixed Roof
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Manual Fold Black Mirrors
Rear Wiper
Available
Standard
Body Type
Available
Available
DRL
Available
Available
Fog Lights
Available
Available
Front Fog Lights
Available
Available
Led Headlights
Available
Available
Led Taillights
Available
Available
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Available
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Approach Angle
16
17
Departure Angle
18
22
Wading Depth
300
0
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Available
Not Available
4WD System Type
Part-time 4WD
Not Applicable — FWD Only
Underbody Protection
Available
Not Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
0
Recovery Hooks
Available
1 Rear Tow Hook
Hill Descent Control
Available
Available
Ramp-over Angle
Available
Available
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Tyre Size
175/65 R15
185/65 R15
Wheel Type
Steel with Covers
15-inch Polished Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300
258
Spare Wheel Type
Available
Full Size Spare
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
200
Parking Brake Type
Available
Conventional Handbrake
Tyre Load Index
Available
88
Tyre Speed Rating
Available
H
Wheel Rim Size
Available
15 Inches
Brake Type Front
Available
Available
Brake Type Rear
Available
Available
Spare Tyre
Available
Available
Tyre Type
Available
Available
Front Tyre Width
Available
Available
Rear Tyre Width
Available
Available
Wheel Diameter
Available
Available
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam with Coil Spring
Chassis Type
Monocoque
HEARTECT Monocoque Platform
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Standard
Power Steering
Electric
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Column
Available
Tilt Adjustable
Rear Spring Type
Available
Coil Spring
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Standard
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
15,000 km or 12 Months
Approx Service Cost
Low
Approx R2,000–R2,500 per Service
Battery Warranty
24 Months
12 Months
First Service At
5000
1,000 km Inspection
Maintenance Plan
Available
Not Included
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
10,000 km or 6 Months
Service Plan Duration
Available
4 Years
Service Plan Distance
Available
60000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Underbody Rust Protection
Alternator
Available
Available
Battery Type
Available
Available
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
Available
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Warranty Years
3
5
Warranty Kilometers
100000
200000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
3 Years Anti-Corrosion
Basic Warranty
Available
Available
Spec
Amaze
Swift
CO2 Emissions
122
114
Start Stop System
Not Available
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Idle CO2 Output
2.0
Within Euro 5 Limits
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95 RON
93 RON Unleaded
Noise Level
Available
67
Particulate Filter
Available
Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating
Available
Not Independently Rated
Fuel Evaporation Control
Available
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Spec
Amaze
Swift
Real-world City Mileage Min
14
5.5
Real-world City Mileage Max
17
7.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
18
4.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
21
5.5
Owner Review Count
22
0
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Suzuki Swift
wins with 52 pts
vs 46 pts for Amaze
In structured scoring, Swift emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Amaze may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Swift edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Amaze 11 vs Swift 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Amaze 6, Swift 18. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Amaze 12, Swift 20. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Amaze 12, Swift 9. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Amaze 5, Swift 5. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Swift edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Swift scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Amaze and Swift in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Amaze scores 5 vs 5.
Efficiency: Amaze scores 11 vs 0.
Safety: Amaze scores 6 vs 18.
Practicality: Amaze scores 12 vs 9.
Ownership: Amaze scores 12 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Swift
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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