I have recently upgraded from the Cultus VXL 2021 to Suzuki Swift GLX CVT 2022. I was planning to buy Honda City 1.2 CVT earlier.
I opted for Suzuki Swift GLX CVT because of its sporty shape, features, security, and safety options available in it.
Despite I had some issues after booking the car, at the time of delivery, and afterward but I would like to share an honest review over here.
The introductory price was fairly justifiable but sadly Suzuki increased the price before the car hit the road. Since last month, the booking of Swift GLX CVT is suspended and there is some news of another price hike.
Shape & Exterior
The shape and exterior of the car are very sporty. The front doors have chrome handles with a smart entry button on them. Rear door handles are embedded alongside the window.
The car is equipped with 16 inches two-tone polished alloy wheels with Bridgestone Ecopia tires but surprisingly tires are a bit noisy.
The paint quality is not the same as the display units had. I received the car with a lot of deep scratches on its engine hood. I have shared the pictures of those scratches in my previous posts.
Build quality has some flaws in it, there are some uneven gaps in the panels.
Again, I will refer to the build quality of the display units because based on that I have booked the newly launched Swift.
Overall, the design of the car is flawless. It is even equipped with a rear screen wiper.
There are only two things (design-wise) about this car that I don’t like i.e. variant badging and missing speed clips for fastening the rear license plate.
Interior
Swift has a spacious interior with comfortable seating for long journeys.
I am not sure why Mr. Suneel mentioned in his short video review of the newly launched Swift that it has a lot of cabin noise in it, perhaps he left a window opened or something else.
Soundproofing is way too better than other cars available locally in this category and budget in Pakistan.
Security & Safety
The top-end variant of Swift is loaded with the following security and safety features:
- ABS + EBD
- Traction control
- 6 airbags
- Immobilizer
- Seat-belt enforcement
- Heartect chassis
- Hill hold assist
Push Start
The car offers the Push Start and smart keyless entry features as well making it easy to get in the car.
Instrument Cluster
The instrument cluster is very sporty with manual RPM, speed, temperature, and fuel gauges. In between the two manual gauges, there is a LED display as well.
Multimedia Steering Wheel
The steering wheel of the Swift offers a premium feel and look. It is a three-spoke d-shaped leather stitched steering wheel with a tilt and telescopic adjustment, multimedia controls, cruise control options, etc.
Cruise Control
The cruise control is a very practical feature in the newly launched Swift and will be very helpful while driving long distances on the motorway.
You can also use it as a speed limiter within the city as well.
Seats
The front seats of the Swift GLX CVT variant are imported whereas the rear seats are assembled locally by the Suzuki vendor. In short, the seats are using premium fabric with soft padding for a comfortable ride.
The driving seat offers the height adjustment as well. The rear seats do have three adjustable headrests. The rear seats also provide a 60:40 split option to increase the boot space.
The head and leg space are adequate in the car, on the front and back.
Infotainment System
The Swift is equipped with an Android-based infotainment system with built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, and a 4G compatible cellular network connection. Earlier I had performance-related issues with the infotainment system but after upgrading the applications and the android itself fixed everything.
I can check my emails, use Skype or WhatsApp, stream YouTube videos, etc. on the go. You can also pair your cellphone with the infotainment system using Bluetooth to make or attend phone calls while driving the car.
Reverse Camera
The camera has an excellent result during the day and night time. I wish there were moving guidelines too while performing the reverse maneuver.
Parking Sensors
In the beginning, the parking sensors were a bit annoying to me. But trust me, they are there to serve their purpose and they are doing it very well.
Automatic Climate Control
I am happy with the performance of the automatic climate control of the newly launched Swift.
Projector LED Headlights & DRLS
The automatic LED projector headlights in white color give an impressive driving experience and clear visibility at night time. You can also adjust the headlight beam electronically.
The integrated LED DRLS in the headlight ensures the presence and visibility of your Swift for other road users.
Side Mirrors
The side mirrors are electronically adjustable and foldable and are equipped with turn signals.
Fog Lamps
Swift is equipped with good quality imported fog lamps that will be helpful during the fog or smog season.
Transmission
For some reason, the transmission of Swift isn’t smooth. I know it is equipped with a CVT gearbox but previously I have kept and used Japanese Alto, Hustler, Xbee, Mira, Move, Vitz, etc. with a CVT gearbox as well.
Based on that I can confidently say that the Swift hasn’t got a smooth transmission.
Suspension
The suspension of Swift is a bit hard and you may experience an uncomfortable ride on a bumpy road.
Reason: Suzuki has increased the road clearance by lifting the suspension.
Fuel Economy
The fuel economy wasn’t a concern while booking the newly launched Swift. But the rising fuel pricing made me a bit worried about it.
Anyways, I am getting 16.5 km/l within the city (Lahore) with AC and excessive idling while 21 km/l on the motorway at 110 km/h with AC.
Trunk Space
Swift has an adequate amount of trunk space available in it which can be further extended by folding the rear seats or by removing the parcel tray.
Spare Wheel
The unavailability of the spare wheel is a drawback, though Suzuki has provided a tire repair kit. I am not sure if that tire repair kit will provide any kind of help if there will be a cut in the tire.
Thankfully the spare wheel is available as an optional accessory to buy from the Suzuki authorized dealerships.
Build Quality
The interior build quality is satisfactory, although some trim panels and door gaskets were not properly aligned or fixed. I had to fix them myself…
Optional Accessories
Suzuki gave an option to purchase the following accessories from its authorized dealerships:
- Spare wheel & its fixation set
- Center armrest console
- Rear spoiler
- Mudflaps
In my personal opinion, regardless of whether the pricing of these accessories is too high, Suzuki must at least provide an option of a factory-fitted center armrest console and rear spoiler as the installation of these two accessories requires drilling in the car body.
Suzuki may include the pricing of these optional accessories or features in the car invoice or take it separately at the time of the booking.
At least I would not buy these two accessories separately because drilling is required for their installation, though I am considering buying the spare wheel & its fixation set.
Pictures
Conclusion
Swift is a good hatchback and loaded with options, security, and safety features.
I did a survey independently during the last two months and interviewed a lot of people about their feedback on the newly launched Swift.
I will share the results of that survey at some other time. But the summary is that only the car enthusiasts (who know the value of options and features available in this car) and investors (so-called) booked this car so far.
Most participants preferred to purchase a Sedan in this price bracket or others tagged it being an expensive car.
