2025 Suzuki Swift: First impression

The ‘Swift’ nameplate has been around for nearly 20 years. Since then, there have been four generations of this subcompact hatchback – the latest avatar being the 2025 Suzuki Swift. While the 2025 Swift is largely similar to its predecessor, Suzuki has made a few changes to make this facelifted fourth-generation model even better.

The 2025 Swift is still based on the HEARTECT platform, which is shared with the Baleno. Much like the old model, the new one will be sold by the Al Rostamani Trading Company in the UAE. The 2025 Suzuki Swift is likely to be offered in GL/GL Plus and GLX variants with prices possibly going up to AED 65,000.

Exterior

Even if the overall shape has not changed, this one is easily identifiable as the new Swift. Helping out with that effort is the completely revised front fascia, which looks more premium and sportier than before. The new clamshell design of the hood looks nice and the Suzuki logo has been moved from the grille to the nose.

The redesigned grille is slightly larger and features a bolder honeycomb pattern that is finished in black. It is flanked by new & sharper-looking headlights that are now placed below the hood and get L-shaped LED daytime running lights. The new front bumper looks chiseled, sporting a protruding lower lip and foglights tucked into the corners.

Around the sides, the 2025 Swift gets a new shoulder line that stretches from the front fender to the taillights. Suzuki has repositioned the rear door handle from the C-pillar to the door itself – where it should have always been. Meanwhile, the 15-inch alloy wheels are of a new design and finished in two-tone paint.

Customers can choose from striking exterior colours with a contrasting black roof, which makes the new Swift look quite chic. On the other hand, the ‘floating roof’ effect on the old Swift unarguably looked more unique. The new Swift has a simpler rear pillar design with a gloss black effect, which is not as eye-catching.

One of the biggest changes at the back of the 2025 Swift comes from the redesigned but bulkier-looking bumper. This chunky bumper makes the rear of the Swift look bulbous. Meanwhile, the design of the rear hatch has been changed only slightly. The taillights are new as well and have a compact but boxy design with stylish C-shaped running lights.

The 2025 Suzuki Swift is 3,860 mm long, 1,735 mm wide, and up to 1,520 mm tall. There is no change to the wheelbase between the old and new models – it is still 2,450 mm long. The boot space of the new Swift is about 265 liters, easily enough for a couple of medium-size trolley bags.

Interior

The black & gray colour palette of the Swift’s interior means that it can feel dark and dingy at times. There are some shiny silver and black inserts, beige/cream rooflining, and bigger rear windows with quarter glass to reduce the gloominess quotient. This works fairly decently, but the rear visibility for the driver will be compromised with a fully-occupied backseat.

The seats of the 2025 Swift are quite comfortable and provide enough cushioning even for taller occupants. The split-folding rear bench means you have some flexibility in case you need to carry more items than what the boot allows. The quality of the seat fabric is passable but far from feeling premium. Also, scratchy plastic trim is the norm here.

The rear-seat passengers have access to USB charging sockets and AC vents for added comfort during warmer days. The Swift’s top variant gets automatic climate control with new rocker-style controls and an all-new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This tablet-style unit has touch-sensitive shortcut buttons on the bottom bezel and supports Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

The dashboard’s design consists of layers with noticeable contouring and angles, with the center portion facing the driver. The flat-bottom steering wheel and instrument pod look sporty, but the latter’s design and layout look and feel uninspiring. The driving position is great and the steering features tilt adjustment. There are paddle shifters and usable cupholders ahead of the gear lever.

Features include automatic LED headlights, keyless entry & ignition, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, plus a color MID. It can show navigation instructions using turn-by-turn guidance when using Google Maps. The MID even gets an LED strip surrounding the RPM gauge and extending over to the speedometer. However, some might find this to be a bit tacky.

Engine and performance

Powering the 2025 Suzuki Swift is the brand’s new Z-series 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It is capable of developing around 80 hp and 112 Nm of torque. However, it does not feel as refined as the four-cylinder it replaces. Depending on the market, the new Swift is available with a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic.

The former offers short throws for the gearbox and a light-action clutch pedal. Meanwhile, the CVT comes with ‘steps’ that can be operated using the paddle shifters. This transmission is definitely more relaxing and convenient, but the manual feels more energetic and sporty. Given that the three-popper makes less power than the old four-cylinder, forward progress will be less enthusiastic.

What this new three-cylinder engine is really known for is fuel efficiency. When paired with the manual transmission, the 2025 Swift should be able to achieve around 24.80 kmpl or just 4.0 L/100 km! While the CVT is not as frugal, WLTC says it should still be capable of 23.2 kmpl or 4.3 L/100 km. Fast? No. Frugal? Yes.

Then there is the driving dynamics. The 2025 Swift has independent McPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the back – same as before. However, the Swift remains a fun little hatchback in the twisties and does not lose its composure. Push too hard and you will understeer as the skinny tires struggle to find that extra grip.

Safety

While its list of safety tech is neither extensive nor super advanced, the 2025 Suzuki Swift gets the basics. Depending on the market, it comes as standard with ABS with EBD, parking sensors, a reversing camera, 6 airbags, hill-hold assist, and electronic stability program. There is also a rear-window defogger, ISOFIX anchor points, automatic door locks, and a manually dimming IRVM.

Conclusion

The fourth-generation Suzuki Swift boasts more safety kit and better fuel economy than its predecessor. Its design has evolved as well and now looks a bit more mature, especially from the front and sides. It remains a fun hatchback around corners, while there is a decent amount of room for four adults in the cabin.

Whether you are a first-time driver or want a car for short-distance jaunts, the 2025 Suzuki Swift will do the job. The challenge facing Suzuki here will be ensuring that they sell enough units to justify the higher asking price of the new model. Regardless, we suggest you take a test drive of the new Swift – it might be worth it.

Also read: Suzuki e Vitara debuts as the brand’s first electric vehicle