2017 Suzuki Swift: Which spec is best?

The third-generation Suzuki Swift series arrived in Australia earlier this year with significant improvements to space, refinement, safety, and driveability. Featuring new engines and enhanced technology, the 2017 Swift range comes in three specification grades based on equipment levels and powertrains.

Variants

The Suzuki Swift range starts with the Swift GL that’s powered by a tiny 66kW/120Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox.

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Priced at $15,990, the barebones Swift lacks a touchscreen infotainment system but makes do with a sound system with radio, AUX and USB inputs, and Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and phone calls. It also features cruise control, cloth seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with control buttons, air-conditioning, power adjusted door mirrors, daytime running lights, tinted windows, and 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps.

For an extra $2000, the Swift GL Navigator has the same engine with a CVT auto and adds a 7.0-inch touchscreen with reversing camera, built-in satellite navigation, digital radio, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has LED daytime running lights, hill-start assist, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

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The GL Navigator has the option of a $1000 Safety Pack which brings driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a weaving alert.

The GL-X Turbo on the hand is considerably different and is powered by a gutsy 82kW/160Nm 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The range-topping Swift also comes with a swag of extra kit including climate control air-conditioning, keyless entry/start, reach-adjustable steering wheel (the others only go up and down), LED dusk-sensing headlights with auto-high beam, wider tyres, and the safety pack as standard.

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• Swift GL manual - $15,990
• Swift GL Navigator CVT - $17,990
• Swift GLX Turbo auto - $22,990

Our Pick

For a feature-rich, all-round good drive with auto transmission for easy progress in heavy traffic, the GL Navigator is the value bet. The optional safety pack is worth considering for the additional peace of mind, and its active cruise control.

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Available options

• Safety pack (GL Navigator) - $1000
• Premium paint - $500
• Mineral Grey premium paint with contrasting black roof - $1000