Suzuki Swift Sport (1st-, 2nd- & 3rd-gen): Classic Comparison
Many petrolheads begin their driver’s car ownership journeys with these diminutive hot hatches, which are quite affordable to buy and maintain. We head to the twisty roads outside of Cape Town to sample all 3 generations of the Suzuki Swift Sport.
Is the Suzuki Swift Sport the most affordable fun car you can buy in the used car market?
If you had to put a price on the most affordable “fun car” on the used-car market, what would that be? Maybe half a million rand, which would buy you a 15-year-old Porsche Boxster or Cayman? There are several examples of the BMW M3 available at that price point as well. You will also be able to find a variety of hot hatches, not to mention several classic cars. It all depends on what you prefer…
Images by: Warren Wilson

But what if I told you that, for around R100 000 to R130 000, you can buy a reliable, inexpensive-to-maintain hot hatch that will offer tonnes of thrills through the corners and on the occasional track day?
To demonstrate how much goodness is available at the entry point of the used driver’s car market, a passionate Suzuki Swift Sport owner (and member of the local Swift Speed club), Warren Wilson, helped us to bring together 1 example each of all 3 iterations of the underrated, pint-sized Japanese hot hatch.

The Suzuki Swift Sport has been a long-time favourite among motoring enthusiasts. This has been the case from the 1st-gen 3-door, of which only 100 were imported into South Africa, to the 2nd- and the most recent 3rd-gen model. Suzuki has stayed true to the general concept of this hot hatch, with only the 3rd iteration eschewing a naturally-aspirated engine in favour of a turbopetrol powerplant.
To see all 3 generations of the Suzuki Swift Sport together on a crisp autumn morning is a truly special experience. To begin this classic comparison, I honour tradition by driving the OG (1st-gen model) first.
Suzuki Swift Sport: What’s the difference between generations?
1st-gen Suzuki Swift Sport

“I’ve owned examples of all 3 generations of the Suzuki Swift Sport, but I have owned them backwards. I started with a 2021 model, followed by a 2nd-gen 2017 model a year later,” says Badee Samsodien.
Specifications:
- Model: 1st-gen Suzuki Swift Sport
- Introduction date: 2006
- Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol
- Power: 92 kW at 6 800 rpm
- Torque: 148 Nm at 4 800 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Weight: 1 060 kg
- 0-100 kph: 8.9 sec (claimed)
- Top speed: 200 kph (claimed)

“That car was subsequently sold, but both my wife and I loved the platform so much that I began looking for a 1st-gen model (If you’ve never met a completist, Badee is one!). But, as only 100 were imported into South Africa, they are very hard to find. When they do pop up, they usually have bits missing. I located this 2010 car in Vanderbijlpark earlier this year. It is the first 1st-gen model I have owned,” he adds.
Some updates have been done by the previous owner of the blue car, however. They include, but are not limited to, a cone filter, cat-back exhaust system, coil over suspension and different rims. The upgrades are not just for show, though: they make the apex Swift more focused and build on what it already offers.

Stepping into this car “takes you back” nearly 2 decades. The basic nature of the cabin is a refreshing throwback to when hatchbacks were more utilitarian – the clean layout of the dashboard and simple controls remind me of how basic cars used to be. The plaque confirms this is number 82 of 100.

When I start the free-breathing 1.6-litre 4-pot engine, the engine and exhaust system immediately emit a raw, rorty sound. I have a perfect view over the flat dashboard and the stumpy bonnet, which makes placing the car on the road palpably easy. It truly feels as if you are sitting in the corner of the car.

Considering that the 1st-gen model weighs so little, the engine doesn’t need to work hard at all, but when you start to carry more speed into and out of corners, it becomes abundantly clear that driving enjoyment is at the core of the Swift Sport; it car has such a small footprint that it never feels lumbering.

You can shift gears early, but when you get the chance to use the engine’s full potential, it will easily rev to the 7 200-rpm redline. Saying that, there is a surprising level of torque around 2 000 to 3 500 rpm. There are only 5 forward gears, so you shift less often than in the newer models (with 6-speed ‘boxes).

All the upgrades make this a slightly more hardcore version of the original Suzuki Swift Sport, but if you found the standard unit lacking in some departments, you will thoroughly enjoy these modifications.
2nd-gen Suzuki Swift Sport

“As is the case with Badee’s car, I fetched mine, a 2012 model, in Johannesburg around a year ago. We drove it down to the Cape, and the closer I got to the coast, the better the car started to run. I’ve had the engine remapped, but I did that only to improve the car’s throttle response,” says Warren Wilson.
Specifications:
- Model: 2nd-gen Suzuki Swift Sport
- Introduction date: 2011
- Engine: 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, petrol
- Power: 100 kW at 6 900 rpm
- Torque: 160 Nm at 4 400 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Weight: 1 065 kg
- 0-100 kph: 8.7 sec (claimed)
- Top speed: 195 kph (claimed)

“Since I’ve had the car, I’ve driven most of the ‘fun roads’ in and around the Cape. The first road trip I did with the car after it arrived in the Western Cape was a journey to Tradouw Pass (located between the N2 and Barrydale), which is my favourite mountain pass,” he adds.
This car is Warren’s 4th Swift Sport and also his second 2nd-gen model. Needless to say, he has built up a wealth of knowledge about these cars. His car used to be a Suzuki Auto South Africa demo vehicle.

Therefore, it was fitted with several optional extras, such as sports bumper, side sills, special fuel cap, and 17-inch wheels. No wonder that it looks rather more purposeful than a stock standard example!
As I expected, the 2nd-gen Swift fits in perfectly (in terms of what it offers) between the 1st- and 3rd-gen iterations of the affordable Japanese hot hatch. Overall, its driving experience is closer to that of the 1st-gen than the 3rd-gen model. However, there is a noticeable step up in terms of the cabin execution; this car certainly offers a few more luxuries, features and, obviously, an additional set of rear doors.

This particular car has also been fitted with a Remus exhaust system (shown below), which makes its presence known through a slightly deeper exhaust note when I start the yellow Swift Sport’s engine.

The cloth seats are very comfortable, and for a hot hatch, they offer a fine balance between daily comfort and support (for when you take corners at a brisk pace), compared with the seats in the 1st-gen model.
As I pull away, the character of the 1.6-litre 4-pot engine is much the same as that of its predecessor. In this case, it does feel slightly more refined and marginally more powerful. But, if you close your eyes and rev it out, the difference would be minimal, if it wasn’t for the custom parts fitted to Badee’s blue car.

The engine remains happy to be revved, and will do so willingly to just past 7 000 rpm. At the same time, this Swift Sport feels thoroughly planted. You might now be slightly busier with the gear lever, owing to the additional ratio. The gearlever still clicks effortlessly between its respective slots as the Swift eagerly darts into and out of corners, all of which inspires confidence in the 2nd-gen model’s handling prowess.

In essence, the 2nd-gen Suzuki Swift Sport feels a more substantial car than the 1st-gen model, and is a little bit more polished overall, which also means the driving experience is slightly less unfiltered.
3rd-gen Suzuki Swift Sport

When the Swift Sport adopted turbocharging, its engine size decreased, but (especially) torque went up. The 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine develops 103 kW and 230 Nm. With a kerb weight of 970 kg, the model’s claimed 0-100 kph time is around 8.0 sec, while the top speed is still around 200 kph.
Specifications:
- Model: 3rd-gen Suzuki Swift Sport
- Date of introduction: 2017
- Engine: 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder, turbopetrol
- Power: 103 kW at 5 500 rpm
- Torque: 230 Nm from 2 500 to 3 500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Weight: 970 kg
- 0-100 kph: 8.0 sec (claimed)
- Top speed: 205 kph (claimed)

Sheer performance figures have never been very important to Suzuki Swift Sport owners, however, because these cars prove their worth with their sheer zippiness and tenacious cornering ability.
“This is my first Swift Sport, although I’ve had a standard Swift before,” says Leonard James, who has owned his 2020 Swift Sport for nearly 2 years.

“The most enjoyable feature of the car is arguably how light and flickable it is (when you require it to handle dynamically). I have, as a matter of fact, driven it all the way to Bloemfontein. Apart from that extended trip, I’ve explored numerous back roads with it over the past couple of years,” he adds.
Painted in a beautiful red, the 3rd-gen Swift Sport can’t help but grab your attention. Compared with its predecessors, there is no doubt that this is the most modern car of the trio, especially on the inside.

The driver info display, more sophisticated multifunction wheel and colourful infotainment touchscreen, let alone the plusher cabin materials, give the 3rd-gen model a more modern or up-to-date ambience.
Yet, you can see how the cabin architecture evolved from that of the 2nd-gen Sport – the layout remains relatively simple and ergonomically sound. The gear lever is well placed, and the driving position is great.

When you start the car (with the press of a button), the engine and exhaust notes are muted compared this those of the older Swift Sports. But it doesn’t take long to realise that the 3rd gen is a more polished and comfortable proposition. That’s not to say it isn’t still tremendously fun to pilot, however. Not at all.
As I task Leonard’s red car to corner with greater zeal, I find that there’s no shortage of grip/roadholding. Even though the car remains utterly composed, you can sense it still has a true playful nature. On a road where you have more space, or on track, it wouldn’t take long to find where the car’s peak grip levels are.

The gearbox shifts between the ratios with ease… You can either choose to make use of the 3rd gen’s relatively generous torque (from 2 500 rpm), or chase the 1.4-litre turbopetrol’s redline to experience all the power that it offers. I’m certain that, as a daily driver, this generation will be the easiest to live with.
Summary

It is comforting to know there is a clear lineage between these 3 cars. To Suzuki’s credit, the Swift Sport offers tremendous driving fun that promises many, many hours of enjoyment. The concept has remained constant through all 3 generations, with only marginal increases in the level of comfort and luxury over time. The Suzuki Swift Sport remains one of the most affordable (with a very low running cost), entry-level hot hatches on the market. No wonder these cars have such a significant following in Mzansi.
Find a new/used Suzuki Swift Sport listed on Cars.co.za
Find exclusive car-themed merchandise at the SentiMETAL Shop
How much does the Suzuki Swift Sport cost in South Africa?
Note that pricing is accurate as of May 2025.
Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4T manual – R463 900.
Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4T automatic – R487 900
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Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQs): Suzuki Swift
1.) How old is the Suzuki Swift?
The Suzuki Swift nameplate was first used in 1984 as an export name for the Suzuki Cultus. The Suzuki Swift became its own model in 2004.
2. How reliable are older Suzuki cars?
Suzuki has a good reputation for reliability and after-sales support. Spare parts are also widely available.
3. What gearbox does the automatic Suzuki Swift Sport have?
The latest-generation third-generation Suzuki Swift Sport is fitted with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
4. What is the ground clearance of a Suzuki Swift?
The Suzuki Swift has a ground clearance of 145 mm.
5. Which Suzuki has the best fuel economy?
The Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL automatic is the most fuel-efficient in Suzuki’s current model range in South Africa.