Suzuki Swift Sport vs Toyota Vitz

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 Swift Sport

1.4 Turbo AT Petrol Automatic

ZAR 493,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 103 kW 🔧 230 Nm ⛽ 15.6 km/l

Toyota Vitz

1.0 XR CVT Petrol Automatic

ZAR 229,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 51 kW 🔧 91 Nm ⛽ 20.5 km/l

＋ Add a 3rd car

At a Glance — Who Wins What

⚡ Performance Swift Sport

⛽ Fuel Economy Tie

🛡 Safety Swift Sport

📦 Practicality Tie

🔑 Ownership Swift Sport

Vitz starts ZAR 469900 cheaper Swift Sport from ZAR 469,900 · Vitz from ZAR 209,990

Key Specs Side by Side

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

Spec	Swift Sport	Vitz
Engine Power	103	51
Torque	230	91
Engine Size	1373	998
Claimed Mileage	15.6	20.5
Ground Clearance	130	145
Boot Space	265	230
Airbags	6	2
Kerb Weight	990	900
Seating Capacity	Available	Available
Warranty	5	3

= leads in this spec

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

🏆 Winner

Swift Sport

/ 100

+25

pts

Vitz

/ 100

High confidence result.

The Bottom Line

Swift Sport dominates this comparison with clear advantages across multiple categories.

Where They Actually Differ

Performance Swift Sport +5 pts

Efficiency Equal

Safety Swift Sport +12 pts

Practicality Equal

Ownership Swift Sport +8 pts

Score Breakdown by Category

🏆 Overall Winner

Swift Sport

Performance 9/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 8/20

Ownership 20/20

Vitz

Performance 4/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 6/20

Practicality 8/20

Ownership 12/20

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

🏆 Overall Winner

Swift Sport

Strengths

More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
Better long-term ownership value

Weak Spots

No obvious weak spots to flag.

Best suited to: Highway Driving

Vitz

Strengths

Nothing stands out clearly here.

Weak Spots

Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Shorter warranty coverage

Best suited to: General Use

Which One's Right for You?

Swift Sport

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Vitz

Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec	Swift Sport	Vitz
Engine	1.4L K14D BoosterJet Turbo 4-Cylinder Petrol	1KR-FE
Engine Type	Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Direct Injection	Inline 3
Engine Code	K14D	Standard
Cylinder Layout	Inline 4 (I4)	Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration	Turbocharged	Turbocharged
Displacement	1373	998
Cylinders	4	3
Valves per Cylinder	4	12
Cylinder Bore	74.0	82.0
Piston Stroke	79.4	92.0
Compression Ratio	10.0:1	10.0:1
Engine Position	Transverse Front-Mounted	Front Transverse
Variable Valve Timing	Dual VVT on Intake and Exhaust	Available
Fuel System	Direct Injection (DI) — BoosterJet	Multi-Point EFI
Turbocharger	Mitsubishi Turbocharged Intercooled	No
Power	103	51
Power @ RPM	5,500 rpm	6000 rpm
Power	138	150
Torque	230	91
Torque @ RPM	2,000–3,500 rpm	4300 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM	6500	Available
Engine Oil Capacity	3.7	Available
Fuel Grade Required	95 RON Unleaded Petrol	Petrol
Top Speed	210	155
0-100 km/h	8.5	14.2
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	Swift Sport	Vitz
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic Torque Converter	CVT
Transmission Type	6-Speed Automatic	Automatic
Number of Gears	6	6
Drive Type	FWD	FWD
Drivetrain Layout	Front Wheel Drive	FF
Final Drive Ratio	4.062:1	Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock	2.5	Available
Clutch Type	Single Dry Plate Diaphragm	Available
LSD Available	Not Available	No
Differential Lock	Not Available	Not Applicable
Transfer Case	Not Applicable	No
Paddle Shifters	Sport Paddle Shifters on Steering Column	No
Drivetrain	Available	Available
Transmission	Available	Automatic CVT

Spec	Swift Sport	Vitz
Length	3890	3785
Width	1735	1695
Height	1480	1530
Wheelbase	2450	2460
Ground Clearance	130	145
Kerb Weight	990	900
Gross Vehicle Weight	1390	1250
Max Payload	420	Available
Front Track Width	1510	1470
Rear Track Width	1510	1455
Turning Radius	4.8	4.7
Number of Doors	5	5
Seating Capacity	5	5
Boot Space	265	230
Boot Space Seats Folded	579	1500
Towing Capacity	0	Not Available
Load Bed Length	0	Available
Load Bed Width	0	Available
Front Legroom	1032	Available
Rear Legroom	890	Available
Front Headroom	965	Available
Rear Headroom	962	Available
Front Shoulder Room	1370	Available
Rear Shoulder Room	1345	Available
Boot Volume	Available	Available
Doors	Available	Available
Seats	Available	Available
Front Overhang	Available	Available
Fuel Tank Capacity	Available	Available
Rear Overhang	Available	Available

Spec	Swift Sport	Vitz
Claimed Mileage	15.6	20.5
City Mileage	12.2	16.5
Highway Mileage	18.2	22.0
Fuel Tank Capacity	37	40
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 4
AdBlue Tank Capacity	0	Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop	Not Available	Standard
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	Swift Sport	Vitz
Airbags	6	2
ABS	Standard	Standard
Electronic Stability Control	Standard	Standard
Traction Control	Standard	Standard
Hill Start Assist	Standard	Not Available
Hill Descent Control	Not Available	Not Available
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Standard
ISOFIX Mounts	2 Rear ISOFIX Points	Standard
Brake Assist	Standard	Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Standard	Not Available
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Standard
Alarm System	Standard	Standard
Central Locking	Remote Central Locking with Smart Key	Standard
Side Impact Beams	Standard	Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats	All Seats	Available
Speed Alert System	Standard	Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB	Not Available	Available
Front Parking Sensors	Not Available	Yes
Safety Rating	Not Independently Rated	Available
Whiplash Protection	Active Head Restraints	Available
Lane Change Warning	Not Available	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	Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Available	Available
Side Airbags	Available	Available
TCS	Available	Available
Blind Spot Monitoring	Available	Available
Knee Airbag	Available	Available

Spec	Swift Sport	Vitz
Cruise Control	Standard	Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control	Not Available	Not Available
Lane Keep Assist	Not Available	Not Available
Lane Departure Warning	Not Available	Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring	Not Available	Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Not Available	Standard
Parking Sensors	Rear Ultrasonic Sensors	Not Available
Rear View Camera	Standard	Not Available
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	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	Yes
Reverse Camera	Available	Available
Sport Mode	Available	Available
Adaptive Cruise Control	Available	Available
Park Assist	Available	Available

Spec	Swift Sport	Vitz
Seat Material	Alcantara Sport Seats with Bolstering	Fabric
Seat Adjustment	Manual 4-Way with Sport Bucket Profile	Manual
Heated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Steering Type	Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)	Rack and Pinion
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Not Available
Folding Rear Seats	60:40 Split Fold	Standard
Front Armrest	Standard Sport Armrest	Not Available
Rear Armrest	Integrated in Seat Back	Not Available
Cup Holders	4	4
Rear AC Vents	Not Available	Available
Rear USB Ports	0	Available
Steering Wheel Material	Leather-Wrapped Sport Steering Wheel	Available
Instrument Cluster Type	4.2-inch Colour LCD Info Display	Available
Interior Colour Options	1	Black
Driver Lumbar Support	Not Available	Available
Door Map Pockets	All Four Door Pockets	Available
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	Swift Sport	Vitz
Climate Control	Manual Air Conditioning	Not Available
Power Windows	All Four Windows	All Doors
Keyless Entry	Smart Key System	Standard
Push Button Start	Push Button Start	Standard
Wireless Charging	Not Available	Not Available
Sunroof	Not Available	Not Available
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	Not Available
Automatic Headlamps	Standard	Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers	Standard	Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror	Not Available	Standard
Rear Window Defroster	Standard	Available
Electric Mirror Folding	Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors	Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	Standard — Driver Height Adjustable	Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps	Standard	Available
12V Accessory Socket	1 x 12V Socket	Available
Speed Limiter	Standard	Available
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	5 Years / 150,000 km
Exhaust Finish	Available	Available
Exhaust Type	Available	Available
Front Armrest	Available	Available
Front Power Outlet	150	150
Fuel Consumption Combined	Available	4.9
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	500
Performance Data Logger	Available	Available
Power Mirrors	150	Power Adjustment
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	3 Years / 45,000 km
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	Front
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	Swift Sport	Vitz
Infotainment Screen	7-inch Touchscreen	8-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size	7	Available
Apple CarPlay	Wired Apple CarPlay	Standard
Android Auto	Wired Android Auto	Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Standard
Number of Speakers	4	4
Navigation System	Via Smartphone Mirroring	Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster	4.2-inch Colour LCD	Not Available
USB Ports	2	1
Wireless Apple CarPlay	Not Available	Standard
FM Radio	Standard	Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls	Standard	Available
Voice Recognition	Via Smartphone	Available
AUX Input	Not Available	Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot	Not Available	Available
Audio Controls On Steering	Available	Available
Infotainment Display	Available	Available
Rear Usb	Available	Available
Premium Audio	Available	Available

Spec	Swift Sport	Vitz
LED Headlamps	LED Projector Headlamps	Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps	LED DRLs	Standard
Fog Lamps	Front Fog Lamps	Not Available
Roof Rails	Not Available	Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design	17-inch BBS Sport Alloy Wheels (Exclusive Design)	Not Available
Chrome Exterior Finish	Not Available	Not Available
Body Cladding	Not Available	Not Available
Rear Spoiler	Rear Roof Spoiler — Sport Design	Not Available
Exterior Colour Options	4	Pearl White
Roof Type	Standard Fixed Roof	Available
Wing Mirror Type	Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Auto-Fold Mirrors	Available
Rear Wiper	Standard	Available
Door Handle Finish	Body-Coloured Door Handles	Chrome Finish
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	Swift Sport	Vitz
Approach Angle	17	25
Departure Angle	22	23
Wading Depth	0	600
Terrain Modes	Not Applicable	Available
Locking Differential	Not Available	Available
Underbody Protection	Not Available	Available
Ramp Breakover Angle	0	Available
Recovery Hooks	1 Rear Tow Hook	Available
4WD System Type	Not Applicable — FWD	Part-time 4WD
Hill Descent Control	Available	Available
Ramp-over Angle	Available	Available

Spec	Swift Sport	Vitz
Tyre Size	195/45 R17	185/60 R15
Wheel Type	17-inch BBS Sport Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Rim Size	17 Inches	Available
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Disc
Rear Brake Type	Solid Disc	Drum
Front Brake Disc Diameter	300	300
Rear Brake Drum Diameter	259	Available
Parking Brake Type	Conventional Handbrake	Available
Tyre Load Index	81	Available
Tyre Speed Rating	Y	Available
Spare Wheel Type	Space Saver Spare	Compact
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	Swift Sport	Vitz
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut — Sport Tuned	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Torsion Beam — Sport Tuned Dampers	Torsion Beam
Chassis Type	HEARTECT Sport Monocoque	Monocoque
Power Steering	Electric Power Assisted Sport Tuned (EPAS)	Electric
Steering Column	Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable	Tilt Adjustable
Front Spring Type	Coil Spring — Sport Rate	Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type	Coil Spring — Sport Rate	Available
Front Anti-Roll Bar	Uprated 20mm Sport Anti-Roll Bar	Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar	Uprated 16mm Sport Anti-Roll Bar	Available
Shock Absorber Type	Bilstein Sport Telescopic Gas Dampers	Available

Spec	Swift Sport	Vitz
Service Interval	15,000 km or 12 Months	15,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost	Approx R2,500–R3,500 per Service	Approx R3,200
Battery Warranty	12 Months	Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan	Not Included	Optional
Engine Oil Change Interval	10,000 km or 6 Months	Available
First Service At	1,000 km Inspection	5000
Service Plan Duration	4 Years	Available
Service Plan Distance	60000	Available
Anti-Rust Treatment	Underbody Rust Protection	Available
Alternator	Available	Available
Battery Type	Available	Available
Gear Shift Indicator	Available	Available

Spec	Swift Sport	Vitz
Warranty Years	5	3
Warranty Kilometers	200000	100000
Roadside Assistance	5 Years Roadside Assistance	3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty	3 Years Anti-Corrosion	6 Years
Basic Warranty	Available	3 Years / 100,000 km

Spec	Swift Sport	Vitz
CO2 Emissions	147	115
Start Stop System	Not Available	Standard
Hybrid System Type	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Noise Level	70	67
Fuel Octane Requirement	95 RON Unleaded	Unleaded 95 RON
Particulate Filter	Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)	Available
Euro Emission Standard	Euro 5	Available
Green NCAP Rating	Not Independently Rated	Available
Idle CO2 Output	Within Euro 5 Limits	2.0
Fuel Evaporation Control	Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)	Available

Spec	Swift Sport	Vitz
Real-world City Mileage Min	7.0	6.5
Real-world City Mileage Max	9.5	8
Real-world Highway Mileage Min	5.0	5
Real-world Highway Mileage Max	7.0	6
Owner Review Count	0	4

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 Suzuki Swift Sport wins with 55 pts vs 30 pts for Vitz

In structured scoring, Swift Sport emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Vitz 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: Swift Sport 0 vs Vitz 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: Swift Sport 18, Vitz 6. 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: Swift Sport 20, Vitz 12. 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: Swift Sport 8, Vitz 8. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: Swift Sport 9, Vitz 4. 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 Swift Sport and Vitz in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: Swift Sport scores 9 vs 4.

Efficiency: Swift Sport scores 0 vs 0.

Safety: Swift Sport scores 18 vs 6.

Practicality: Swift Sport scores 8 vs 8.

Ownership: Swift Sport scores 20 vs 12.

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

Suzuki Swift Sport vs Toyota Vitz

Suzuki Swift Sport

Toyota Vitz

At a Glance — Who Wins What

Key Specs Side by Side

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

Swift Sport

Vitz

The Bottom Line

Where They Actually Differ

Score Breakdown by Category

Swift Sport

Vitz

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Swift Sport

Vitz

Which One's Right for You?

Swift Sport

Vitz

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