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* This is a rough guide only — your actual monthly repayment will depend on your credit score, bank charges and loan terms. Get a proper quote from your bank or dealer before committing.

Last checked on 2026-05-09 • Verified by the Hagalu team

Suzuki Swift — 1.2 GLX CVT

The definitive Swift — fully loaded, CVT smooth, zero compromises.

The Swift 1.2 GLX CVT is the range-topping variant of the fifth-generation Swift and the most complete small hatchback Suzuki SA sells in the sub-R360,000 segment. It combines the full GLX specification — 15-inch alloys, auto A/C, AEB, lane-departure warning, auto high-beam — with the CVT's smooth, effortless city and highway performance. For buyers who want everything the Swift range has to offer and are not manual-gearbox purists, this is the straightforward choice. The CVT in GLX context makes particular sense: the car's safety systems are most useful in city stop-start traffic, where the CVT's no-clutch convenience also has maximum impact. AEB preventing a rear-end collision is a far more meaningful event in a traffic queue than on an open road. The GLX CVT is priced at approximately R345,000–R360,000, positioning it directly against the VW Polo 1.0 TSI Comfortline and Toyota Starlet 1.5 XS CVT. Against the Polo, the Swift GLX CVT offers comparable safety technology, marginally better fuel economy, and a more rewarding chassis. The Polo offers stronger dealer density and superior residual values — a genuine trade-off that SA buyers need to evaluate against their ownership plans. Interior quality at GLX trim is competitive: the 7-inch touchscreen is responsive, the auto A/C system is accurate, and the 268L boot handles weekly grocery trips without compromise. The rear seat is comfortable for two adults on trips under two hours; three adults in the rear requires tolerance on longer journeys. For the single professional, young couple, or household with a larger second car, the Swift GLX CVT is a compelling primary vehicle: it handles every daily task with efficiency and composure while costing meaningfully less to run than anything from Golf or Focus class. This specific configuration has been engineered to balance practical capability with realistic ownership costs across SA driving conditions. The transmission type, engine displacement, and trim level combine to create a variant that serves a specific buyer profile without compromise. The Glx Cvt variant of the Swift brings specific engineering tuning and equipment configuration to address particular buyer priorities. This variant combines automatic transmission provides smooth operation in all traffic conditions with front-wheel drive prioritizes efficiency and daily driving comfort. Transmission selection meaningfully impacts daily driving character. Manual variants appeal to enthusiasts wanting direct control over gear selection and engine braking. Automatic variants suit buyers prioritizing daily convenience without sacrificing efficiency. Each configuration delivers proven reliability through years of operational service. Drivetrain configuration addresses specific geographic and usage patterns. Front-wheel drive variants maximize fuel efficiency and interior space allocation. Four-wheel drive variants provide capability for weekend adventure and inclement weather confidence. Buyers select configurations matching their anticipated driving patterns and regional conditions. Variant-specific equipment includes targeted features addressing typical user scenarios. Climate control tuning, lighting packages, and assistance systems vary by variant to deliver appropriate capability for intended use. Warranty coverage remains consistent across variant portfolio. Ownership satisfaction derives from configuration alignment with actual driving needs. Over-specification wastes capital and increases depreciation. Under-specification limits capability and daily satisfaction. This variant represents a considered balance of practical requirements and budget allocation.

Who buys this: Single professionals or young couples wanting a complete, modern city car with strong economy and full safety specification. Buyers upgrading from first-car economy models to a more fully-featured vehicle while keeping running costs in check.

City
Urban driving characteristics reflect transmission and drivetrain configuration. Automatic transmission smooths congested traffic navigation without driver attention demands. Front-wheel drive prioritizes efficiency in city fuel consumption. Visibility remains adequate for metropolitan traffic navigation. Parking sensor systems assist in tight spaces. Climate control maintains comfort in extended urban congestion. The variant functions reliably through daily city driving without demanding specialist operation technique.
Highway
Highway driving reveals configuration-specific characteristics. Automatic transmission handles extended highway cruising with smooth power delivery. Front-wheel drive maximizes highway fuel economy through optimized power distribution. Conventional powertrain balances performance with fuel consumption across highway speeds. Fuel economy on highway runs reflects powertrain configuration and driving technique. The transmission settles into efficient cruising operation. Comfort supports multi-hour highway periods. Road noise remains controlled. Engine operation proves relaxed at sustained highway speeds. Extended highway driving confirms the variant's suitability for regional travel.
Off-Road
Off-road performance reflects configuration-specific capability. Front-wheel drive handles basic gravel and farm track access. Automatic transmission manages power delivery automatically in off-road conditions. Conventional engine delivers proven torque for off-road work. Ground clearance addresses obstacles according to configuration. The variant handles appropriate off-road scenarios for which it was engineered. Buyers selecting this configuration understand capability boundaries and drive accordingly.

Suzuki Swift — Quick Facts

  • Starting price in South Africa: ZAR 296,900 ex-showroom
  • Engine: 1197 cc
  • Power output: 60 kW (80 bhp)
  • Ground clearance: 145 mm — handy for those South African potholes
  • Claimed fuel economy: 20.0 km/l
  • Body style: Hatchback

Suzuki Swift Variants & Prices

Pick up to 3 variants, hit Compare Variants and you'll get a proper side-by-side spec breakdown.

Maximum 3 variants reached
Uncheck one of the selected variants below before choosing another.
Cmp Variant Trim Fuel Transmission Price
1.2 GL MT Base Petrol Manual ZAR 228,900
1.2 GL+ MT Mid Petrol Manual ZAR 250,900
1.2 GL+ CVT Mid Petrol Automatic ZAR 270,900
1.2 GLX MT Top Petrol Manual ZAR 276,900
1.2 GLX CVT Flagship Petrol Automatic ZAR 296,900
Cmp Variant Trim Transmission Price
1.2 GL MT Base Manual ZAR 228,900
1.2 GL+ MT Mid Manual ZAR 250,900
1.2 GL+ CVT Mid Automatic ZAR 270,900
1.2 GLX MT Top Manual ZAR 276,900
1.2 GLX CVT Flagship Automatic ZAR 296,900
2 variants selected

Suzuki Swift Specifications

Engine
1.2L Z12E 3-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 3 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code
Z12E
Cylinder Layout
Inline 3 (I3)
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Displacement
1197 cc
Cylinders
3
Valves per Cylinder
4
Cylinder Bore
73.0 mm
Piston Stroke
95.5 mm
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
Engine Position
Transverse Front-Mounted
Variable Valve Timing
Dual VVT on Intake and Exhaust
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
Power
60 kW
Power @ RPM
5,700 rpm
Power
80 bhp
Torque
112 Nm
Torque @ RPM
4,300 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM
6500 rpm
Engine Oil Capacity
3.1 l
Fuel Grade Required
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Top Speed
160 km/h
0-100 km/h
12.5 sec
Engine Type Config
Available
0–100 km/h
Available sec
Battery Capacity
Available
Charging Port
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Engine Displacement
Available cc
EV Range
Available km

1.2 GLX CVT — Should You Buy It?

The Swift at its best — buy this if you want every feature and zero compromises.

The Glx Cvt variant is the correct choice for buyers whose driving patterns align with its specific configuration. Automatic transmission provides smooth operation in all traffic conditions. Front-wheel drive prioritizes efficiency and daily driving comfort. This combination addresses realistic ownership scenarios across South African conditions.

What's Good
  • Automatic transmission provides daily convenience without sacrificing efficiency.
  • Front-wheel drive maximizes fuel efficiency and interior space.
  • Proven powertrain delivers reliable performance across ownership duration.
  • Service costs align with configuration and complexity expectations.
  • Fuel economy reflects realistic operational consumption for this variant.
  • Resale values develop as market recognizes configuration desirability.
  • Warranty coverage protects against manufacturing defects across components.
  • Conventional powertrain balances capability with operational economy.
  • Configuration aligns with actual driving requirements avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Watch Out For
  • Automatic transmission adds complexity compared to manual simplicity.
  • Front-wheel drive limits off-road capability for adventure-focused buyers.
  • Conventional powertrain offers no electric efficiency assistance.
  • Depreciation follows market trends as used inventory accumulates.
  • Configuration selection commits to specific usage patterns with limited flexibility.

Suzuki Swift FAQs

The Suzuki Swift has 145 mm of ground clearance — enough for SA speed bumps, gravel driveways, and light dirt roads without catching the underside.

The Suzuki Swift comes with a 1197 cc engine, putting out 60 kW (80 bhp). It's available in multiple variants — check the specs tab above for fuel type and transmission options.

The claimed figure is around 20.0 km/l. Real-world SA driving — city stop-start plus highway speeds — typically runs 10–15% higher than that. Diesel variants tend to pull ahead over longer distances.

Compare Suzuki Swift with Similar Hatchbacks

Tap any card to see a full head-to-head — specs, scores and a clear verdict on which one's worth your money.

Other Suzuki Models in South Africa

Data verified against: Suzuki Official South Africa Website

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