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 237900 cheaperIgnis from ZAR 237,900 · Swift from ZAR 228,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Ignis
Swift
Engine Power
61
60
Torque
113
112
Engine Size
1197
1197
Claimed Mileage
13.5
20.0
Ground Clearance
180
145
Boot Space
400
265
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
855
975
Seating Capacity
5
Available
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Ignis
55
/ 100
+3
pts
#2
Swift
52
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Ignis and Swift are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Equal
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Ignis
+3 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Ignis
Performance
5/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
20/20
Swift
Performance
5/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
9/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Ignis
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Family Usage
Swift
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Ignis
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Swift
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Ignis
Swift
Engine
1.2L K12M 4-Cylinder Petrol
1.2L Z12E 3-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Inline 3 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code
K12M
Z12E
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 3 (I3)
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Displacement
1197
1197
Cylinders
4
3
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Cylinder Bore
73.0
73.0
Piston Stroke
71.5
95.5
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
12.0:1
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)
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Power
61
60
Power @ RPM
6,000 rpm
5,700 rpm
Power
83
80
Torque
113
112
Torque @ RPM
4,200 rpm
4,300 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM
6500
6500
Engine Oil Capacity
3.3
3.1
Fuel Grade Required
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Top Speed
152
160
0-100 km/h
14.0
12.5
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
Ignis
Swift
Length
3700
3890
Width
1690
1735
Height
1595
1495
Wheelbase
2435
2450
Ground Clearance
180
145
Kerb Weight
855
975
Boot Volume
260
Available
Seats
5
Available
Doors
5
Available
Boot Space
400
265
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
579
Seating Capacity
5
5
Front Track Width
1550
1480
Rear Track Width
1540
1480
Towing Capacity
1500
0
Gross Vehicle Weight
1600
1380
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
Number of Doors
Available
5
Max Payload
Available
425
Front Overhang
Available
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
Available
Rear Overhang
Available
Available
Spec
Ignis
Swift
Fuel Tank Capacity
32
37
Claimed Fuel Consumption
5.3
Available
Claimed Mileage
13.5
20.0
City Mileage
10.2
16.1
Highway Mileage
15.8
23.8
Emission Standard
EURO 6
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Available
0
Auto Start Stop
Available
Not Available
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Distance To Empty
Available
Available
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Available
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Available
Real-world Mileage
Available
Available
Spec
Ignis
Swift
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Available
Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission
5-Speed Automated Manual (AMT)
CVT Automatic
Transmission Type
Automatic
Continuously Variable Transmission
Number of Gears
5
7
Clutch Type
Single Dry Plate with Electronic Clutch Actuator
Single Dry Plate Diaphragm
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
Not Available
Transmission
Automatic CVT
Available
Final Drive Ratio
3.909:1
4.388:1
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
2.7
Drivetrain
Available
Available
Spec
Ignis
Swift
CO2 Emissions
120
114
Start Stop System
Not Available
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Noise Level
68
67
Fuel Octane Requirement
93 RON Unleaded
93 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
Ignis
Swift
Tyre Size
175/65 R15
185/65 R15
Wheel Rim Size
15 Inches
15 Inches
Tyre Load Index
84
88
Tyre Speed Rating
H
H
Spare Wheel Type
Space Saver Spare Wheel
Full Size Spare
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Front Brake Disc Diameter
228
258
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
180
200
Parking Brake Type
Conventional Handbrake
Conventional Handbrake
Wheel Type
15-inch Alloy Wheels
15-inch Polished Alloy
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
Ignis
Swift
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam with Coil Spring
Chassis Type
Monocoque
HEARTECT Monocoque Platform
Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Column
Tilt Adjustable
Tilt Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Torsion Beam
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
Standard
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
Standard
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Spec
Ignis
Swift
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Airbags
6
6
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Central Locking
Standard
Remote Central Locking
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Available
BA
Standard
Available
TCS
Standard
Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard — Front
Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Available
AEB
Standard — Low Speed AEB
Available
Fatigue Detection
Not Available
Available
Brake Assist
ABS with EBD
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Available
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Standard
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
Brake Override System
Available
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Available
Knee Airbag
Available
Available
Spec
Ignis
Swift
4WD System Type
Not Applicable — FWD Only
Not Applicable — FWD Only
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Approach Angle
0
17
Departure Angle
0
22
Ramp Breakover Angle
0
0
Wading Depth
0
0
Underbody Protection
Not Available
Not Available
Recovery Hooks
1 Rear Tow Hook
1 Rear Tow Hook
Locking Differential
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Available
Available
Ramp-over Angle
Available
Available
Spec
Ignis
Swift
Service Interval
15,000 km or 12 Months
15,000 km or 12 Months
Approx Service Cost
Approx R1,800–R2,200 per Service
Approx R2,000–R2,500 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
Ignis
Swift
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
Ignis
Swift
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Bluetooth Audio
Navigation System
Google Maps via CarPlay/Android Auto
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Multi-Information Display (MID)
9-inch Digital Cluster
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
9-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size
9 Inches
9
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless CarPlay
Not Available
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Wired Android Auto
USB Ports
2 USB
2
Number of Speakers
4
6
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Standard
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wired Apple CarPlay
FM Radio
Yes
Standard
Voice Recognition
Available
Not Available
AUX Input
Yes
Not Available
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
Ignis
Swift
Rear AC Vents
Not Available
Not Available
Seat Material
Premium Fabric with Contrast Stitching
Fabric with Leatherette Inserts
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual 6-way
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual 4-way
Available
Interior Colour Options
Black
2
Leather Seats
Available
Available
Seat Adjustment
Available
Manual 4-Way Driver Adjustment
Ventilated Seats
Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Available
Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
Steering Adjustment
Available
Tilt Adjustable
Ambient Lighting
Available
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
Available
60:40 Split Fold
Front Armrest
Yes
Not Available
Rear Armrest
Available
Not Available
Cup Holders
Available
4
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
Fabric Seats
Available
Available
Front Headrest
Available
Available
Memory Seats
Available
Available
Rear Headrest
Available
Available
Spec
Ignis
Swift
Power Windows
Standard
All Four Windows
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
15W Wireless Charging
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Standard
Not Available
Heads Up Display
Not Available
Available
AC Type
Manual Air Conditioning
Available
Panoramic Roof
Not Available
Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Available
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
150
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Not Available
Payload Capacity
500
Available
Climate Control
Yes
Automatic Dual-Zone Climate Control
Push Button Start
Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Standard
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
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
Hill Start Assist
Available
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Available
Intercooler
Available
Available
Launch Control
Available
Available
Multi Function Steering
Available
Available
Performance Data Logger
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
Ignis
Swift
Rear Wiper
Standard
Standard
Body Cladding
Black Plastic Wheel Arch Cladding
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
6
7
Body Type
Hatchback
Available
DRL
LED DRL
Available
Led Headlights
LED Projector Headlights
Available
Led Taillights
LED Tail Lamps
Available
Fog Lights
Standard
Available
Front Fog Lights
Standard LED
Available
Rear Fog Lights
Standard
Available
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Finish
Body-Coloured Door Handles
LED Headlamps
Available
LED Projector Headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED DRLs
Fog Lamps
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
Roof Rails
Available
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
Available
15-inch Polished Alloy Wheels
Chrome Exterior Finish
Available
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
Available
Not Available
Roof Type
Available
Standard Fixed Roof
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Manual Fold Black Mirrors
Spec
Ignis
Swift
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Available
Reverse Camera
Rear View Camera
Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Available
Auto Lights
Standard
Available
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Available
360 Degree Camera
Optional
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Available
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Rear View Camera
Available
Standard Reverse Camera
Drive Modes
Available
Available
Eco Mode
Available
Available
EV Mode
Available
Available
Sport Mode
Available
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Available
Park Assist
Available
Available
Spec
Ignis
Swift
Real-world City Mileage Min
6.0
5.5
Real-world City Mileage Max
7.5
7.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
5.0
4.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
6.5
5.5
Owner Review Count
5
0
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Suzuki Ignis
wins with 55 pts
vs 52 pts for Swift
In structured scoring, Ignis emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Swift 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 Ignis 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: Ignis 0 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: Ignis 18, 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: Ignis 20, 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: Ignis 12, Swift 9. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Ignis 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 Ignis edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Ignis 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 Ignis and Swift in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Ignis scores 5 vs 5.
Efficiency: Ignis scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Ignis scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: Ignis scores 12 vs 9.
Ownership: Ignis scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Ignis
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
Get Best Price
We'll Contact You
Fill in your details and a dedicated executive will reach out shortly.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
An executive will contact you shortly. Thank you for your interest.