Suzuki Baleno vs Suzuki Swift Sport

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.

Suzuki Baleno

1.5 GLX AT Petrol Automatic

ZAR 341,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 77 kW 🔧 138 Nm ⛽ 17.5 km/l

Suzuki Swift Sport

1.4 Turbo AT Petrol Automatic

ZAR 493,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 103 kW 🔧 230 Nm ⛽ 15.6 km/l

＋ Add a 3rd car

At a Glance — Who Wins What

⚡ Performance Swift Sport

⛽ Fuel Economy Tie

🛡 Safety Tie

📦 Practicality Baleno

🔑 Ownership Tie

Baleno starts ZAR 469900 cheaper Baleno from ZAR 269,900 · Swift Sport from ZAR 469,900

Key Specs Side by Side

The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Engine Power	77	103
Torque	138	230
Engine Size	1462	1373
Claimed Mileage	17.5	15.6
Ground Clearance	150	130
Boot Space	314	265
Airbags	6	6
Kerb Weight	975	990
Seating Capacity	Available	Available
Warranty	5	5

= leads in this spec

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

🏆 Winner

Swift Sport

/ 100

pts

Baleno

/ 100

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

The Bottom Line

Both Baleno and Swift Sport are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.

Where They Actually Differ

Performance Swift Sport +3 pts

Efficiency Equal

Safety Equal

Practicality Baleno +2 pts

Ownership Equal

Score Breakdown by Category

🏆 Overall Winner

Swift Sport

Performance 9/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 8/20

Ownership 20/20

Baleno

Performance 6/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 10/20

Ownership 20/20

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Baleno

Strengths

More practical for daily use

Weak Spots

Less powerful engine setup

Best suited to: Family Usage

🏆 Overall Winner

Swift Sport

Strengths

More powerful engine output

Weak Spots

Less practical in daily usage

Best suited to: Highway Driving

Which One's Right for You?

Baleno

Large families needing more practicality and usability

Swift Sport

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Engine	1.5L K15B 4-Cylinder Petrol	1.4L K14D BoosterJet Turbo 4-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type	Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated	Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Direct Injection
Engine Code	K15B	K14D
Cylinder Layout	Inline 4 (I4)	Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated	Turbocharged
Displacement	1462	1373
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Cylinder Bore	74.0	74.0
Piston Stroke	85.1	79.4
Compression Ratio	10.5:1	10.0:1
Engine Position	Transverse Front-Mounted	Transverse Front-Mounted
Variable Valve Timing	VVT on Intake Camshaft	Dual VVT on Intake and Exhaust
Fuel System	Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)	Direct Injection (DI) — BoosterJet
Turbocharger	Not Applicable	Mitsubishi Turbocharged Intercooled
Power	77	103
Power @ RPM	6,000 rpm	5,500 rpm
Power	103	138
Torque	138	230
Torque @ RPM	4,400 rpm	2,000–3,500 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM	6800	6500
Engine Oil Capacity	3.7	3.7
Fuel Grade Required	93 RON Unleaded Petrol	95 RON Unleaded Petrol
Top Speed	175	210
0-100 km/h	11.5	8.5
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	Baleno	Swift Sport
Transmission	4-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic Torque Converter
Transmission Type	4-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic
Number of Gears	4	6
Drive Type	FWD	FWD
Drivetrain Layout	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Final Drive Ratio	4.388:1	4.062:1
Steering Turns Lock to Lock	2.8	2.5
Clutch Type	Single Dry Plate Diaphragm	Single Dry Plate Diaphragm
LSD Available	Not Available	Not Available
Differential Lock	Not Available	Not Available
Transfer Case	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters	Not Available	Sport Paddle Shifters on Steering Column
Drivetrain	Available	Available
Transmission	Available	Available

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Length	3990	3890
Width	1745	1735
Height	1500	1480
Wheelbase	2520	2450
Ground Clearance	150	130
Kerb Weight	975	990
Gross Vehicle Weight	1430	1390
Max Payload	490	420
Front Track Width	1480	1510
Rear Track Width	1480	1510
Turning Radius	4.9	4.8
Number of Doors	5	5
Seating Capacity	5	5
Boot Space	314	265
Boot Space Seats Folded	744	579
Towing Capacity	0	0
Load Bed Length	0	0
Load Bed Width	0	0
Front Legroom	1043	1032
Rear Legroom	900	890
Front Headroom	993	965
Rear Headroom	985	962
Front Shoulder Room	1390	1370
Rear Shoulder Room	1365	1345
Boot Volume	Available	Available
Doors	Available	Available
Seats	Available	Available
Front Overhang	Available	Available
Fuel Tank Capacity	Available	Available
Rear Overhang	Available	Available

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Claimed Mileage	17.5	15.6
City Mileage	14.3	12.2
Highway Mileage	20.8	18.2
Fuel Tank Capacity	37	37
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity	0	0
Auto Start Stop	Not 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	Baleno	Swift Sport
Airbags	6	6
ABS	Standard	Standard
Electronic Stability Control	Standard	Standard
Traction Control	Standard	Standard
Hill Start Assist	Standard	Standard
Hill Descent Control	Not Available	Not Available
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Standard
ISOFIX Mounts	2 Rear ISOFIX Points	2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Brake Assist	Standard	Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Standard	Standard
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Standard
Alarm System	Standard	Standard
Central Locking	Remote Central Locking	Remote Central Locking with Smart Key
Side Impact Beams	Standard	Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats	All Seats	All Seats
Speed Alert System	Standard — Audible Warning at 120 km/h	Standard
Pedestrian Detection AEB	Not Available	Not Available
Front Parking Sensors	Not Available	Not Available
Safety Rating	Not Independently Rated	Not Independently Rated
Whiplash Protection	Active Head Restraints on Front Seats	Active Head Restraints
Lane Change Warning	Not 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
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Available	Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Available	Available
Side Airbags	Available	Available
TCS	Available	Available
Blind Spot Monitoring	Available	Available
Knee Airbag	Available	Available

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Cruise Control	Standard	Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control	Not Available	Not Available
Lane Keep Assist	Not Available	Not Available
Lane Departure Warning	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	360-Degree Surround View	Standard
360 Degree Camera	360-Degree Surround View Camera	Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Not Available	Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert	Not Available	Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition	Not Available	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
Rear Parking Sensors	Available	Available
Reverse Camera	Available	Available
Sport Mode	Available	Available
Adaptive Cruise Control	Available	Available
Park Assist	Available	Available

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Seat Material	Leatherette Seat Covers	Alcantara Sport Seats with Bolstering
Seat Adjustment	Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment	Manual 4-Way with Sport Bucket Profile
Heated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Steering Type	Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)	Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Not Available
Folding Rear Seats	60:40 Split Fold	60:40 Split Fold
Front Armrest	Standard Centre Armrest	Standard Sport Armrest
Rear Armrest	Integrated in Seat Back	Integrated in Seat Back
Cup Holders	4	4
Rear AC Vents	Not Available	Not Available
Rear USB Ports	0	0
Steering Wheel Material	Urethane	Leather-Wrapped Sport Steering Wheel
Instrument Cluster Type	Analogue with Digital Trip Display	4.2-inch Colour LCD Info Display
Interior Colour Options	2	1
Driver Lumbar Support	Not Available	Not Available
Door Map Pockets	All Four Door Pockets	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
Leather Seats	Available	Available
Memory Seats	Available	Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment	Available	Available
Rear Headrest	Available	Available

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Climate Control	Manual Air Conditioning	Manual Air Conditioning
Power Windows	All Four Windows	All Four Windows
Keyless Entry	Not Available	Smart Key System
Push Button Start	Not Available	Push Button Start
Wireless Charging	Not Available	Not Available
Sunroof	Not Available	Not Available
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	Not Available
Automatic Headlamps	Standard	Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers	Standard	Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror	Not Available	Not Available
Rear Window Defroster	Standard	Standard
Electric Mirror Folding	Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors	Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	Standard — Driver Height Adjustable	Standard — Driver Height Adjustable
Follow Me Home Headlamps	Not Available	Standard
12V Accessory Socket	1 x 12V Socket	1 x 12V Socket
Speed Limiter	Standard	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
Payload Capacity	Available	Available
Performance Data Logger	Available	Available
Power Mirrors	150	150
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	Baleno	Swift Sport
Infotainment Screen	9-inch Touchscreen	7-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size	9	7
Apple CarPlay	Wired Apple CarPlay	Wired Apple CarPlay
Android Auto	Wired Android Auto	Wired Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Standard
Number of Speakers	6	4
Navigation System	Via Smartphone Mirroring	Via Smartphone Mirroring
Digital Instrument Cluster	9-inch Digital Cluster	4.2-inch Colour LCD
USB Ports	2	2
Wireless Apple CarPlay	Wireless Apple CarPlay	Not Available
FM Radio	Standard	Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls	Standard	Standard
Voice Recognition	Via Smartphone	Via Smartphone
AUX Input	Not Available	Not Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot	Not Available	Not Available
Audio Controls On Steering	Available	Available
Infotainment Display	Available	Available
Rear Usb	Available	Available
Premium Audio	Available	Available

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
LED Headlamps	LED Projector Headlamps	LED Projector Headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps	LED DRLs	LED DRLs
Fog Lamps	Front Fog Lamps	Front Fog Lamps
Roof Rails	Not Available	Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design	15-inch Polished Alloy Wheels	17-inch BBS Sport Alloy Wheels (Exclusive Design)
Chrome Exterior Finish	Not Available	Not Available
Body Cladding	Not Available	Not Available
Rear Spoiler	Not Available	Rear Roof Spoiler — Sport Design
Exterior Colour Options	6	4
Roof Type	Standard Fixed Roof	Standard Fixed Roof
Wing Mirror Type	Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors	Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Auto-Fold Mirrors
Rear Wiper	Standard	Standard
Door Handle Finish	Body-Coloured Door Handles	Body-Coloured Door Handles
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	Baleno	Swift Sport
Approach Angle	17	17
Departure Angle	22	22
Wading Depth	0	0
Terrain Modes	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Locking Differential	Not Available	Not Available
Underbody Protection	Not Available	Not Available
Ramp Breakover Angle	0	0
Recovery Hooks	1 Rear Tow Hook	1 Rear Tow Hook
4WD System Type	Not Applicable — FWD Only	Not Applicable — FWD
Hill Descent Control	Available	Available
Ramp-over Angle	Available	Available

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Tyre Size	185/65 R15	195/45 R17
Wheel Type	15-inch Polished Alloy	17-inch BBS Sport Alloy
Wheel Rim Size	15 Inches	17 Inches
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Drum	Solid Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter	258	300
Rear Brake Drum Diameter	200	259
Parking Brake Type	Conventional Handbrake	Conventional Handbrake
Tyre Load Index	88	81
Tyre Speed Rating	H	Y
Spare Wheel Type	Full Size Spare	Space Saver Spare
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	Baleno	Swift Sport
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring	MacPherson Strut — Sport Tuned
Rear Suspension	Torsion Beam with Coil Spring	Torsion Beam — Sport Tuned Dampers
Chassis Type	Monocoque	HEARTECT Sport Monocoque
Power Steering	Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)	Electric Power Assisted Sport Tuned (EPAS)
Steering Column	Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable	Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
Front Spring Type	Coil Spring	Coil Spring — Sport Rate
Rear Spring Type	Coil Spring	Coil Spring — Sport Rate
Front Anti-Roll Bar	Standard	Uprated 20mm Sport Anti-Roll Bar
Rear Anti-Roll Bar	Standard	Uprated 16mm Sport Anti-Roll Bar
Shock Absorber Type	Telescopic Gas Dampers	Bilstein Sport Telescopic Gas Dampers

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Service Interval	15,000 km or 12 Months	15,000 km or 12 Months
Approx Service Cost	Approx R2,000–R2,500 per Service	Approx R2,500–R3,500 per Service
Battery Warranty	12 Months	12 Months
Maintenance Plan	Not Included	Not Included
Engine Oil Change Interval	10,000 km or 6 Months	10,000 km or 6 Months
First Service At	1,000 km Inspection	1,000 km Inspection
Service Plan Duration	4 Years	4 Years
Service Plan Distance	60000	60000
Anti-Rust Treatment	Underbody Rust Protection	Underbody Rust Protection
Alternator	Available	Available
Battery Type	Available	Available
Gear Shift Indicator	Available	Available

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Warranty Years	5	5
Warranty Kilometers	200000	200000
Roadside Assistance	5 Years Roadside Assistance	5 Years Roadside Assistance
Anti-Corrosion Warranty	3 Years Anti-Corrosion	3 Years Anti-Corrosion
Basic Warranty	Available	Available

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
CO2 Emissions	133	147
Start Stop System	Not Available	Not Available
Hybrid System Type	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Noise Level	68	70
Fuel Octane Requirement	93 RON Unleaded	95 RON Unleaded
Particulate Filter	Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)	Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)
Euro Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating	Not Independently Rated	Not Independently Rated
Idle CO2 Output	Within Euro 5 Limits	Within Euro 5 Limits
Fuel Evaporation Control	Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)	Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Real-world City Mileage Min	6.0	7.0
Real-world City Mileage Max	8.0	9.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Min	4.5	5.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Max	6.0	7.0
Owner Review Count	0	0

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 Suzuki Swift Sport wins with 55 pts vs 54 pts for Baleno

In structured scoring, Swift Sport emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Baleno may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

Buyers Also Looked At These

Other comparisons that people in the same boat tend to check out.

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

On our scoring the Swift Sport 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: Baleno 0 vs Swift Sport 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: Baleno 18, Swift Sport 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: Baleno 20, Swift Sport 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: Baleno 10, Swift Sport 8. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: Baleno 6, Swift Sport 9. 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 Sport edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.

The Swift Sport 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 Baleno and Swift Sport in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: Baleno scores 6 vs 9.

Efficiency: Baleno scores 0 vs 0.

Safety: Baleno scores 18 vs 18.

Practicality: Baleno scores 10 vs 8.

Ownership: Baleno scores 20 vs 20.

Final structured scoring gives Swift Sport the advantage in this comparison.

Suzuki Baleno vs Suzuki Swift Sport

Suzuki Baleno

Suzuki Swift Sport

At a Glance — Who Wins What

Key Specs Side by Side

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

Swift Sport

Baleno

The Bottom Line

Where They Actually Differ

Score Breakdown by Category

Swift Sport

Baleno

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Baleno

Swift Sport

Which One's Right for You?

Baleno

Swift Sport

Full Specs, Side by Side

So, Which One Should You Buy?

Other Comparisons Worth Checking

Buyers Also Looked At These

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

In Depth — Breaking It All Down