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 Baleno

🛡 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 kW	103 kW
Torque	138 Nm	230 Nm
Engine Size	1462 cc	1373 cc
Claimed Mileage	17.5 km/l	15.6 km/l
Ground Clearance	150 mm	130 mm
Boot / Load Bay	314 l	265 l
Airbags	6	6
Kerb Weight	975 kg	990 kg
Seating Capacity	5	5
Warranty	5	5

= leads in this spec

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 +16 pts

Efficiency Baleno +7 pts

Safety Equal

Practicality Baleno +5 pts

Ownership Equal

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Baleno

Strengths

Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use

Weak Spots

Less powerful engine setup

Best suited to: Fuel Efficiency Family Usage

🏆 Overall Winner

Swift Sport

Strengths

More powerful engine output

Weak Spots

Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage

Best suited to: Highway Driving

Which One's Right for You?

Baleno

Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
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 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 cc	1373 cc
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Cylinder Bore	74.0 mm	74.0 mm
Piston Stroke	85.1 mm	79.4 mm
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	-	Mitsubishi Turbocharged Intercooled
Power	77 kW	103 kW
Power @ RPM	6,000 rpm	5,500 rpm
Power	103 bhp	138 bhp
Torque	138 Nm	230 Nm
Torque @ RPM	4,400 rpm	2,000–3,500 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM	6800 rpm	6500 rpm
Engine Oil Capacity	3.7 l	3.7 l
Top Speed	175 km/h	210 km/h
0-100 km/h	11.5 sec	8.5 sec
Engine Displacement	1462 cc	1373 cc
Engine Displacement Cc	1462 cc	1373 cc
Engine Power kW	77 kW	103 kW
Engine Torque Nm	138 Nm	230 Nm
Max Power kW	77 kW	103 kW
Max Torque Nm	138 Nm	230 Nm
Maximum Power	77 kW	103 kW
Maximum Torque	138 Nm	230 Nm
Engine Config	1.5L K15B 4-Cylinder Petrol	1.4L K14D BoosterJet Turbo 4-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type Config	1.5L K15B 4-Cylinder Petrol	1.4L K14D BoosterJet Turbo 4-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Cylinders	4	4
Engine Valves	4	4
Power kW Rpm	6,000 rpm	5,500 rpm
Torque Nm Rpm	4,400 rpm	2,000–3,500 rpm
0–100 km/h	11.5 sec	8.5 sec
Acceleration 0 100	11.5 sec	8.5 sec
Induction	Naturally Aspirated	Turbocharged
Turbo Type	Naturally Aspirated	Turbocharged
Power Assisted Steering	Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)	Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
Battery Capacity	-	-
Charging Port	-	-
AC Charging Time	-	-
EV Range	-	-
Motor Power	-	-
Motor Torque	-	-
Motor Type	-	-
System Output	-	-
Combined System Power	-	-
Combined System Torque	-	-
Active Exhaust	-	-
Engine Displacement Litres	1462 cc	1373 cc
Engine	1.5L K15B 4-Cylinder Petrol	1.4L K14D BoosterJet Turbo 4-Cylinder Petrol
Fuel Grade Required	93 RON Unleaded Petrol	95 RON Unleaded Petrol
Motor Position	-	-

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Transmission	Automatic	Automatic
Transmission Type	Automatic	Automatic
Number of Gears	4 km/h	6 km/h
Drive Type	FWD	Two-wheel drive
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	-	-
Differential Lock	-	-
Transfer Case	-	-
Paddle Shifters	-	Sport Paddle Shifters on Steering Column
Transmission	Automatic	Automatic
Gearbox Type	Automatic	Automatic
Transmission Speeds	4 km/h	6 km/h
Drivetrain	FWD	Two-wheel drive
Axle Layout	FWD	Two-wheel drive
Automatic Shift Paddles	-	Sport Paddle Shifters on Steering Column
4WD Engagement	-	-
4WD Hi Range	-	-
4WD Lo Range	-	-
Transfer Case Guard	-	-
Low Range	-	-
Front Differential Lock	-	-
Rear Differential Lock	-	-
4WD Selector	-	-
Differential Type Front	-	-
Differential Type Rear	-	-

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Length	3990 mm	3890 mm
Width	1745 mm	1735 mm
Height	1500 mm	1480 mm
Wheelbase	2520 mm	2450 mm
Ground Clearance	150 mm	130 mm
Kerb Weight	975 kg	990 kg
Max Payload	490 kg	420 kg
Front Track Width	1480 mm	1510 mm
Rear Track Width	1480 mm	1510 mm
Turning Radius	4.9 m	4.8 m
Number of Doors	5	5
Seating Capacity	5	5
Boot Space	314 l	265 l
Boot Space Seats Folded	744 l	579 l
Towing Capacity	0 kg	0 kg
Front Legroom	1043 mm	1032 mm
Rear Legroom	900 mm	890 mm
Front Headroom	993 mm	965 mm
Rear Headroom	985 mm	962 mm
Front Shoulder Room	1390 mm	1370 mm
Boot Volume	314 l	265 l
Fuel Tank Capacity	37 l	37 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg	1430 kg	1390 kg
Ground Clearance Mm	150 mm	130 mm
Height Mm	1500 mm	1480 mm
Length Mm	3990 mm	3890 mm
Width Mm	1745 mm	1735 mm
Payload Kg	490 kg	420 kg
Ground Clearance Min	150 mm	130 mm
Ground Clearance Max	150 mm	130 mm
Turning Circle	4.9 m	4.8 m
Turning Circle M	4.9 m	4.8 m
Tare Mass Kg	975 kg	990 kg
Cargo Volume	314 l	265 l
Seats	5	5
Boot Space Seats Folded	744 l	579 l
Load Bed Length	314 l	265 l
Load Bed Width	-	-
Loadbox Length Mm	314 l	265 l
Loadbox Width Mm	-	-
Gross Vehicle Weight	1430 kg	1390 kg
Rear Shoulder Room	1365 mm	1345 mm
Doors	5	5

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Claimed Mileage	17.5 km/l	15.6 km/l
City Mileage	14.3 km/l	12.2 km/l
Highway Mileage	20.8 km/l	18.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity	37 l	37 l
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity	-	-
Auto Start Stop	-	-
Claimed Fuel Consumption	5.7 l/100km	6.4 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km	5.7 l/100km	6.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres	37 l	37 l
Fuel Type	Petrol	Petrol
Average Fuel Consumption	5.7 l/100km	6.4 l/100km
Combined Consumption	5.7 l/100km	6.4 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency	5.7 l/100km	6.4 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined	5.7 l/100km	6.4 l/100km
Real-world Mileage	17.5 km/l	15.6 km/l
Low Range Ratio	-	-
Charging Port Type	-	-
Charging Time AC Full	-	-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct	-	-
AC Charging Power	-	-
Electric Consumption	-	-
Charging Type	-	-
Combined Driving Range	-	-
Range Real World Highway	-	-
Range Real World Mixed	-	-
Range Wltp	-	-
DC Charging Power	-	-

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
ABS	Standard	Standard
Electronic Stability Control	Standard	Standard
Traction Control	Standard	Standard
Hill Start Assist	Standard	Standard
Hill Descent Control	-	-
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Standard
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	-	-
Front Parking Sensors	-	-
Safety Rating	Not Independently Rated	Not Independently Rated
Whiplash Protection	Active Head Restraints on Front Seats	Active Head Restraints
Lane Change Warning	-	-
ABS EBD	Standard	Standard
ESC With Traction Control	Standard	Standard
TCS	Standard	Standard
Hill Hold	Standard	Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags	6	6
Driver Passenger Airbags	6	6
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Standard
Anti Theft Alarm	Standard	Standard
BA	Standard	Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	-	-
Blind Spot Monitoring	-	-
AEB	-	-
Seatbelt Pretensioners	All Seats	All Seats
Driver Airbag	6	6
Passenger Airbag	6	6
EBD	Standard	Standard
Side Airbags	-	-
Curtain Airbags	-	-
Knee Airbag	-	-
Brake Override System	-	-
Airbags	6	6
ISOFIX Mounts	2 Rear ISOFIX Points	2 Rear ISOFIX Points

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Cruise Control	Standard	Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control	-	-
Lane Keep Assist	-	-
Lane Departure Warning	-	-
Blind Spot Monitoring	-	-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	-	-
Parking Sensors	Rear	Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
360 Degree Camera	360-Degree Surround View Camera	-
Autonomous Emergency Braking	-	-
Driver Fatigue Alert	-	-
Traffic Sign Recognition	-	-
Blind Spot Warning	-	-
Emergency Braking	-	-
Pre-Collision System	-	-
Rear View Camera	360-Degree Surround View	Standard
Reversing Camera	360-Degree Surround View	Standard
Reverse Camera Type	360-Degree Surround View	Standard
Around View Monitor	360-Degree Surround View Camera	-
Surround View Camera	360-Degree Surround View Camera	-
Parking Distance Sensors	Rear	Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Parking Sensor	Rear	Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Front Camera	-	-
Adaptive Cruise Control	-	-
Auto Wipers	Standard	Standard
Rain Sensor Wipers	Standard	Standard
EV Mode	-	-
Auto Lights	Standard	Standard
Rear Parking Sensors	Rear	Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Auto Highbeam	-	-
Drive Modes	-	-
Park Assist	-	-
Forward Collision Warning	-	-
Reverse Camera	360-Degree Surround View	Standard
Rear View Camera	360-Degree Surround View	Standard

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	-	-
Ventilated Seats	-	-
Steering Type	Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)	Electric Power Assisted Sport Tuned (EPAS)
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	-	-
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	-	-
Rear USB Ports	0	0
Steering Wheel Material	Urethane	Leather-Wrapped Sport Steering Wheel
Interior Colour Options	2	1
Driver Lumbar Support	-	-
Door Map Pockets	All Four Door Pockets	All Four Door Pockets
Cargo Space	314	265
Boot Space Seats Up	314	265
Boot Space Seats Down	744	579
Seat Count	5	5
Seat Capacity	5	5
Seat Belt Warning	All Seats	All Seats
Seat Trim	Leatherette Seat Covers	Alcantara Sport Seats with Bolstering
Fabric Seats	Leatherette Seat Covers	Alcantara Sport Seats with Bolstering
Leather Accented Seat Trim	Leatherette Seat Covers	Alcantara Sport Seats with Bolstering
Adjustable Driver Seat	Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment	Manual 4-Way with Sport Bucket Profile
Driver Seat	Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment	Manual 4-Way with Sport Bucket Profile
60 40 Split Seat	60:40 Split Fold	60:40 Split Fold
Seat Fold Type	60:40 Split Fold	60:40 Split Fold
Armrest Front	Standard Centre Armrest	Standard Sport Armrest
Armrest Rear	Integrated in Seat Back	Integrated in Seat Back
Rear Seat Centre Armrest	Integrated in Seat Back	Integrated in Seat Back
Interior Colours	2	1
Interior Trim Colour	2	1
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest	-	-
Instrument Cluster Type	Analogue with Digital Trip Display	4.2-inch Colour LCD Info Display
Interior Courtesy Lamps	Panoramic sunroof on GL+, heads-up display on GL+, 9-inch touchscreen on GL+ with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control on GL+, paddle shifters on GL+, dual front airbags standard, ABS standard, rear	Alcantara sports seats with red stitching, flat-bottomed sport steering wheel, 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, sport-specific instrument display with boost gauge and oil temperature, dual exhaust
Driver Seat Adjustment	Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment	Manual 4-Way with Sport Bucket Profile
Passenger Seat Adjustment	Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment	Manual 4-Way with Sport Bucket Profile

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Climate Control	Manual Air Conditioning	Manual Air Conditioning
Power Windows	All Four Windows	All Four Windows
Keyless Entry	-	Smart Key System
Push Button Start	-	Push Button Start
Wireless Charging	Wireless Apple CarPlay	-
Sunroof	-	-
Electric Tailgate	-	-
Automatic Headlamps	Standard	Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers	Standard	Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror	-	-
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	-	Standard
12V Accessory Socket	1 x 12V Socket	1 x 12V Socket
Speed Limiter	Standard	Standard
Payload Capacity	490	420
Trim Level	flagship	flagship
Variant Role	Flagship / premium derivative	Flagship / premium derivative
Ground Clearance Unladen	150	130
Valves Per Cylinder	4	4
Accelerator 0 100	11.5 sec	8.5 sec
Gear Shift Type	4-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic Torque Converter
Diff Lock	-	-
Difflock	-	-
Fuel Consumption Combined	5.7	6.4
Stability Control	Standard	Standard
Vdc	Standard	Standard
Hill Start Assist	Standard	Standard
Seatbelt Reminder	All Seats	All Seats
Surround View Monitor	360-Degree Surround View Camera	-
Sonar	Rear	Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Seat Type	Leatherette Seat Covers	Alcantara Sport Seats with Bolstering
Steering Column Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Steering	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Telescopic Steering	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Rear Seat Split	60:40 Split Fold	60:40 Split Fold
Front Armrest	Standard Centre Armrest	Standard Sport Armrest
Bottle Holders	4	4
Rear Air Conditioning	-	-
Digital Speedometer	Analogue with Digital Trip Display	4.2-inch Colour LCD Info Display
Glove Box	All Four Door Pockets	All Four Door Pockets
Glovebox Cooling	All Four Door Pockets	All Four Door Pockets
Air Conditioning	Manual Air Conditioning	Manual Air Conditioning
Manual Aircon	Manual Air Conditioning	Manual Air Conditioning
Power Mirrors	All Four Windows	All Four Windows
Intelligent Keyless Entry	-	Smart Key System
Remote Central Locking	Remote Central Locking	Smart Key System
Passive Entry Start	-	Smart Key System
Push Button Start	-	Push Button Start
Engine Start Stop Button	-	Push Button Start
Wireless Charger	Wireless Apple CarPlay	-
Panoramic Roof	-	-
Powered Tailgate	-	-
Lift Gate	-	-
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors	Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors	Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors
Rear Defogger	Standard	Standard
Front Power Outlet	1 x 12V Socket	1 x 12V Socket
Power Socket 12v	1 x 12V Socket	1 x 12V Socket
Speed Alert System	Standard	Standard
Sound System	6	4
Steering Mounted Controls	Standard	Standard
Voice Command	Via Smartphone	Via Smartphone
Roof Rack Compatibility	-	-
Rear Wing	-	Rear Roof Spoiler — Sport Design
Remote Side Mirror	Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors	Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Auto-Fold Mirrors
Spare Wheel	Full Size Spare	Space Saver Spare
Rim Size	15 Inches	17 Inches
Stabilizer Bar Front	Standard	Uprated 20mm Sport Anti-Roll Bar
Stabilizer Bar	Standard	Uprated 20mm Sport Anti-Roll Bar
Stabilizer Bar Rear	Standard	Uprated 16mm Sport Anti-Roll Bar
Sub Frame	Monocoque	HEARTECT Sport Monocoque
Service Plan	Not Included	Not Included
Engine Warranty	4 Years	4 Years
Vehicle To Grid	-	-
Vehicle To Load	-	-
One Pedal Driving	-	-
Regenerative Braking	-	-
Regenerative Braking Levels	-	-
Rear Electric Motor	-	-
Battery Preconditioning	-	-
Load Bed Cover	-	-
Tailgate Lock	-	-
Sports Bar	-	-
Canopy Fitment	-	-
Bed Extender	-	-
Skid Plates	-	-
Source Model Column	baleno	swift-sport
Battery Voltage	-	-
Intelligent Battery System	-	-
Front Diff Lock	-	-
Rear Diff Lock	-	-
Loadbox Depth Mm	-	-
Load Bed Light	-	-
Load Bed Steps	-	-
Loadbox Rope Hooks	-	-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets	-	-
Tailgate Damper	-	-
Tow Bar Type	-	-
Launch Control	-	-
Performance Data Logger	-	-
Sport Plus Mode	-	-
Adaptive Dampers	-	-
Engine Start Button Illumination	-	Push Button Start
Unlocking	-	Smart Key System
Walk Away Lock	-	Smart Key System
Walk Away Auto Door Lock	-	Smart Key System
Front Wiper	Standard	Standard
Front Wipers Type	Standard	Standard
Climate Zones	Manual Air Conditioning	Manual Air Conditioning
Auto Dimming Irvm	-	-
Rearview Mirror Inside	-	-
Centre Console	Standard Centre Armrest	Standard Sport Armrest
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner	All Seats	All Seats
Side Impact Bars	Standard	Standard
Engine Start Stop	-	Push Button Start
Common Rail Injection	Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)	Direct Injection (DI) — BoosterJet
TPMS	Standard	Standard
AC Type	Manual Air Conditioning	Manual Air Conditioning
Electric Folding Mirrors	All Four Windows	All Four Windows
Voice Command Support	Via Smartphone Mirroring	Via Smartphone Mirroring
Mirror	Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors	Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Auto-Fold Mirrors
Rev Matching	-	-

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Infotainment Screen	9-inch Touchscreen	7-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size	9-inch Touchscreen	7-inch Touchscreen
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	Wired Apple CarPlay	Wired Apple CarPlay
FM Radio	Standard	Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls	Standard	Standard
Voice Recognition	Via Smartphone	Via Smartphone
AUX Input	-	-
Wi-Fi Hotspot	-	-
Multi Information Display	Analogue with Digital Trip Display	4.2-inch Colour LCD Info Display
Infotainment Screen	9-inch Touchscreen	7-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display	9-inch Touchscreen	7-inch Touchscreen
Display Audio	9-inch Touchscreen	7-inch Touchscreen
Touchscreen	9-inch Touchscreen	7-inch Touchscreen
Smartphone Connectivity	Wired Apple CarPlay	Wired Apple CarPlay
Connected Services	Standard	Standard
Audio Speakers	6	4
Rear Usb	2	2
Front Rear USB Charge Ports	2	2
Audio Controls On Steering	Standard	Standard
Voice Control	Via Smartphone	Via Smartphone
Radio	Standard	Standard
Audio	Standard	Standard
Audio System	Standard	Standard
Wireless Android Auto	Wired Android Auto	Wired Android Auto
Apple CarPlay	Wired Apple CarPlay	Wired Apple CarPlay

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	-	-
Chrome Exterior Finish	-	-
Body Cladding	-	-
Rear Spoiler	-	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	Hatchback	Hatchback
Exterior Colour Options	5	5
Exterior Mirror Electric	All Four Windows	All Four Windows
Panoramic Sunroof	-	-
Auto Headlights	Standard	Standard
Automatic Headlamps	Standard	Standard
Headlamps	LED Projector Headlamps	LED Projector Headlamps
Headlights	LED Projector Headlamps	LED Projector Headlamps
Headlight Type	LED Projector Headlamps	LED Projector Headlamps
Led Headlights	LED Projector Headlamps	LED Projector Headlamps
Headlamp Levelling	LED Projector Headlamps	LED Projector Headlamps
Daytime Running Lights	LED DRLs	LED DRLs
DRL	LED DRLs	LED DRLs
Fog Lights	Front Fog Lamps	Front Fog Lamps
Front Fog Lights	Front Fog Lamps	Front Fog Lamps
Front Fog Lamps	Front Fog Lamps	Front Fog Lamps
Rear Spoiler	-	Rear Roof Spoiler — Sport Design
Exterior Door Handle Colour	Body-Coloured Door Handles	Body-Coloured Door Handles
Load Bed Liner	-	-
Electric Blind Sunroof	-	-
Sunroof Slide	-	-
Sunroof Tilt	-	-
Alloy Wheel Design	15-inch Polished Alloy Wheels	17-inch BBS Sport Alloy Wheels (Exclusive Design)
Exterior Mirror Folding	Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors	Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Approach Angle	17 deg	17 deg
Departure Angle	22 deg	22 deg
Wading Depth	0 mm	0 mm
Terrain Modes	-	-
Locking Differential	-	-
Underbody Protection	-	-
Ramp Breakover Angle	0 deg	0 deg
Recovery Hooks	1 Rear Tow Hook	1 Rear Tow Hook
4WD System Type	FWD	Two-wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	-	-
Off Road Descent Control	-	-
Terrain Response System	-	-
Crawl Control	-	-
Underbody Camera	-	-
Energy Recovery Display	-	-
Terrain Mode Mud	-	-
Terrain Mode Normal	-	-
Terrain Mode Rock	-	-
Terrain Mode Sand	-	-
Off Road Traction Assist	-	-
Skid Plates Transfer Case	-	-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank	-	-
Front Skid Plate Guard	-	-
Rear Skid Plate Guard	-	-
Approach Angle Deg	17 deg	17 deg
Departure Angle Deg	22 deg	22 deg
Ramp-over Angle	0 deg	0 deg
Wading Depth Mm	0 mm	0 mm
Breakover Angle	0 deg	0 deg
Terrain Mode Snow	-	-

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Tyre Size	185/65 R15	195/45 R17
Wheel Type	15-inch Polished Alloy Wheels	17-inch BBS Sport Alloy Wheels (Exclusive Design)
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 mm	300 mm
Rear Brake Drum Diameter	200 mm	259 mm
Tyre Load Index	88	81
Tyre Speed Rating	H	Y
Spare Wheel Type	Full Size Spare	Space Saver Spare
Wheelbase Mm	2520 mm	2450 mm
Braked Towing Capacity	0 kg	0 kg
Towing Braked Kg	0 kg	0 kg
Tyre Pressure Monitoring	Standard	Standard
Tyre Pressure Display	Standard	Standard
Hydraulic Brake Assist	Standard	Standard
Autonomous Emergency Brake	-	-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls	Standard	Standard
Wheel Material	15-inch Polished Alloy Wheels	17-inch BBS Sport Alloy Wheels (Exclusive Design)
Wheels	15-inch Polished Alloy Wheels	17-inch BBS Sport Alloy Wheels (Exclusive Design)
Brake Type Front	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear	Drum	Solid Disc
Spare Tyre	Full Size Spare	Space Saver Spare
Spare Wheel Size Type	Full Size Spare	Space Saver Spare
Handbrake Type	Conventional Handbrake	Conventional Handbrake
Electric Park Brake	Conventional Handbrake	Conventional Handbrake
Tyre Type	185/65 R15	195/45 R17
Wheel Size Type	15 Inches	17 Inches
Wheel Diameter	15 Inches	17 Inches
Fifth Wheel Prep	-	-
Steering Wheel Phone Controls	Standard	Standard
Leather Steering Wheel	Urethane	Leather-Wrapped Sport Steering Wheel
Steering Wheel Trim	Urethane	Leather-Wrapped Sport Steering Wheel
Brakes	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Cornering Brake Control	Standard	Standard
Auto Brake Hold	Conventional Handbrake	Conventional Handbrake
Parking Brake Type	Conventional Handbrake	Conventional Handbrake
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls	Standard	Standard

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
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)
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
Front Suspension Type	MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring	MacPherson Strut — Sport Tuned
Suspension	MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring	MacPherson Strut — Sport Tuned
Rear Suspension Type	Torsion Beam with Coil Spring	Torsion Beam — Sport Tuned Dampers
Rear Axle Type	Torsion Beam with Coil Spring	Torsion Beam — Sport Tuned Dampers
Shock Absorbers	Telescopic Gas Dampers	Bilstein Sport Telescopic Gas Dampers
Chassis Material	Monocoque	HEARTECT Sport Monocoque
MagneRide Damping	-	-
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring	MacPherson Strut — Sport Tuned
Steering Column	Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable	Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable

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	Not Included	Not Included
Service Plan Distance	Not Included	Not Included
Anti-Rust Treatment	Underbody Rust Protection	Underbody Rust Protection
Service Intervals	15,000 km or 12 Months	15,000 km or 12 Months
Battery Type	-	-
Gear Shift Indicator	-	-

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

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
CO2 Emissions	133 g/km	147 g/km
Start Stop System	-	-
Hybrid System Type	-	-
Noise Level	68 dB	70 dB
Fuel Octane Requirement	93 RON Unleaded	95 RON Unleaded
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)
CO2 Emissions G Km	133	147
Particulate Filter	Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)	Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Real-world City Mileage Min	6.0 l/100km	7.0 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Max	8.0 l/100km	9.5 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min	4.5 l/100km	5.0 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max	6.0 l/100km	7.0 l/100km
Owner Review Count	0	0

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Body Style	Hatchback	Hatchback
Model Year	2026	2026
Production Status	published	published
Segment	Hatchback	Hatchback
Vehicle Type	Hatchback	Hatchback
Dealer Stock Note	Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup	Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Color Note	Pearl Arctic White, Metallic Grandeur Grey, Metallic Midnight Blue, Pearl Burning Red, Solid White	Champion Yellow, Super White Pearl, Speedy Blue, Midnight Black Pearl, Burning Red Pearl
Model Introduced Year	2022	2019
Generation	Second generation globally launched in 2022; entirely new platform and body compared to the first-generation Baleno; shares K15B engine with Fronx, Ertiga, XL6, and Grand Vitara for parts commonality	ZC33S-series Swift Sport — third generation of the Sport nameplate globally; K14D BoosterJet replaces the naturally-aspirated M16A used in the previous generation; significant step change in performance and specification over the prior model
Facelift History	Second-generation Baleno launched in SA in 2022 as a full redesign on a new platform — wider, longer, and significantly better specified than the first-generation model; no facelift of the second generation yet	Current K14D BoosterJet-engined Swift Sport generation launched in SA in 2019; AT variant added to the SA range in 2021; no major mechanical updates since launch; specification aligned with global ZC33S series
Facelift Launched Since	2022	2021
Facelift Version Ending	Current	Current
Drivetrain Note	-	Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.4 Turbo AT

Spec	Baleno	Swift Sport
Price Source	South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list	South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Price Zar	341900 ZAR	493900 ZAR
Pricing Role	Current listed price	Current listed price
Starting Price	341900	493900
Starting Price Zar	341900	493900
Ownership Role	Flagship	Flagship

Overall Verdict Score

Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.

Weighted / 100

Verdict readout

Swift Sport leads by 2 points

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

Winner 61 /100

Lead 2 points

Data 94% confidence

#1 Winner

Swift Sport

94% data confidence 2 strong categories

Best at Safety 76 Check Performance 50

Performance 50

Efficiency 60

Safety 76

Practicality 50

Ownership 71

Leads by 2 points

Baleno

94% data confidence 2 strong categories

Best at Safety 76 Check Performance 34

Performance 34

Efficiency 67

Safety 76

Practicality 55

Ownership 71

Performance 24% Safety 22% Practicality 22% Efficiency 17% Ownership 15%

Category leaders What moves the verdict

Performance Swift Sport +16 Efficiency Baleno +7 Safety Level Practicality Baleno +5 Ownership Level

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

Why this score View full breakdown

Overall Winner

Swift Sport

Performance 50/100

Efficiency 60/100

Safety 76/100

Practicality 50/100

Ownership 71/100

Baleno

Performance 34/100

Efficiency 67/100

Safety 76/100

Practicality 55/100

Ownership 71/100

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 Suzuki Swift Sport wins with 61 pts vs 59 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 67 vs Swift Sport 60. 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 76, Swift Sport 76. 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 71, Swift Sport 71. 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 55, Swift Sport 50. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: Baleno 34, Swift Sport 50. 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 34 vs 50.

Efficiency: Baleno scores 67 vs 60.

Safety: Baleno scores 76 vs 76.

Practicality: Baleno scores 55 vs 50.

Ownership: Baleno scores 71 vs 71.

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 Bottom Line

Where They Actually Differ

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Baleno

Swift Sport

Which One's Right for You?

Baleno

Swift Sport

Full Specs, Side by Side

Overall Verdict Score

Swift Sport leads by 2 points

Swift Sport

Baleno

Swift Sport

Baleno

So, Which One Should You Buy?

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Questions Buyers Usually Ask

In Depth — Breaking It All Down