2025 Suzuki Swift: First impression

Do you want a small and affordable hatchback with modern looks and one that is fun to drive? Well, the Suzuki Swift is an option that is worth your time. First introduced in the early 2000s, the Swift quickly gained a reputation for being a good beginner’s car for the money. The hatchback is now in its updated fourth-generation phase.

The Japanese brand’s partnership with the Al Rostamani Trading Company means that we have the latest model amongst us. The 2025 Suzuki Swift has been officially launched in the UAE – available in GL, GL Plus and GLX variants. These variants are priced at AED 51,900, AED 54,900 and AED 59,900, respectively. The new Swift is based on Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform.

Exterior

The styling of the 2025 Suzuki Swift has become more mature than the previous-gen model. This does not mean that it is boring as such, but it has lost some of that playfulness that was inherent in the old Swift. The updated design does make the new Swift look more upmarket and confident in its appearance, though.

Suzuki has introduced a clamshell design for the hood of the new Swift – an aspect usually restricted to higher-end cars. This immediately makes the hatchback seem more evolved, with its front fascia appearing more sophisticated. Adding to this premium appeal are the new angular headlamps with their L-shaped DRLs and a simpler but still wide front grille.

The Suzuki logo is now on the nose rather than the grille, while the all-black grille houses a radar module. The front bumper looks more aerodynamic and gets more compact foglights that are better integrated into their housing. The lower intakes are now more prominent as well. You will notice that the new model’s silhouette is still recognizable as a Swift.

While the wing mirrors are practically identical to the old Swift’s, there are some changes that are noticeable. The design of the 15-inch rims is new, with the previous ‘floating roof’ now replaced by a more conventional design. You can still get the Swift in two-tone shades, which suits the character of this car well.

The sharp beltline also reveals that the rear door handles have now been moved to the doors – a good choice. The rear of the new Swift features redesigned taillights with C-shaped LEDs and a revised bumper with a center-mounted foglamp. However, the bulky design rear bumper looks awkward and out of place in an otherwise smart-looking car.

The new Swift’s boot capacity is around about 265 liters, which is just about adequate. It can hold a few large soft bags or handle a weekend shopping trip – not both at once. The 2025 Suzuki Swift measures 3,860 mm in length, 1,735 mm in width, and up to 1,520 mm in height. Basically, there are barely any changes here.

Interior

Stepping into the 2025 Suzuki Swift, the first thing you notice is the new 9-inch infotainment screen. It is mounted on top of the dash and is within your line of sight. It has thick side bezels and is not the most advanced system in the market. However, it is easy to use and supports Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Then there are the front seats, which are decently comfortable but are not particularly exemplary on longer trips. The rear seats are fine for average-sized adults, while the slightly larger rear windows help reduce any feeling of claustrophobia. This has been achieved partly by relocating the rear door handles to the doors. Meanwhile, the rear headroom is just about okay.

The 2025 Swift comes with a redesigned instrument cluster and center console, though the dashboard can feel a bit busy. The former has an LCD MID with multiple menus and information on offer, but the primary readouts are still analog. Suzuki has installed some LEDs here, but their execution feels lackluster. That said, the leather-wrapped two-tone steering wheel looks good.

The new Swift’s interior gets shiny chrome/silver and piano-black trim, along with textured plastic for some vibrancy. The quality of these plastics remains scratchy, but the toggle switches to control the fan speed and temperature look cool. There are usable cupholders and cubbies at the front, though the rear door pockets feel restrictive given their petite size.

The new Swift also gets cruise control, push-button start, automatic AC, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, plus USB & 12-volt outlets. However, for the commanded price tag, the 2025 Suzuki Swift’s equipment list seems unimpressive and lacking in the ‘wow’ factor. That said, the main screen does relay information regarding the mild-hybrid system and its status in real time.

Engine and performance

Under the hood of the 2025 Suzuki Swift is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine assisted by Suzuki’s SHVS mild-hybrid system. This witnesses the integration of a small lithium-ion battery and an integrated starter generator (ISG) to enhance efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. The total output here is 81 hp and 112 Nm of torque – not exactly exhilarating numbers.

The new Swift uses a CVT gearbox, with fuel efficiency being a deciding factor in this car’s overall performance. Suzuki claims up to 25.8 kmpl or 3.8 L/100 km for the Swift – those are some seriously impressive figures! The suspension is still a McPherson and torsion beam setup, with the hatchback handling corners and small bumps on the road with relative ease.

However, the new Swift does not feel as sporty or enthusiastic as its predecessor when pushed hard. While it is still decent to drive, the new three-cylinder engine lacks grunt and the CVT dampens the joy further. On the other hand, Suzuki has upped the ante with this model’s incredible fuel-economy claims.

Safety

Unlike its predecessor, however, the 2025 Suzuki Swift is packing more advanced safety features. If you are driving over 40 kmph, the High-Beam Assist will dim the lights automatically to prevent dazzling oncoming drivers. Using an array of millimeter-wave radar sensors, the new Swift includes useful features like Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

A camera located in the cabin monitors the driver’s eyes and face, detecting any signs of drowsiness or inattentiveness. If it detects any of that, the system will trigger visual and aural alerts. The Adaptive Cruise Control uses a camera plus millimetre-wave radar to keep a safe distance from a vehicle in the front.

This radar-guided cruise control system is tied into the Suzuki Dual Sensor Brake Support II (DSBS II) feature. The system can automatically apply the brakes if it senses no inputs from the driver and/or if a collision is imminent. The new Swift also gets Lane-Keep Assist to help keep the car from drifting from its lane.

The new Swift also comes with an electronic stability program, hill-start assist, a manually dimming IRVM, a rearview camera, and up to 6 airbags. Its other safety nannies include rear parking sensors, ISOFIX anchors, and ABS with EBD.

Conclusion

The 2025 Suzuki Swift impresses with its new design, updated features, and improved efficiency. It drives reasonably well and is easy to live with inside city limits. However, costing nearly 60,000 dirhams, a well-equipped Swift falls short on the value-for-money quotient while being low on power. If you are fine with that, the frugality of this car will stand out.

Also read: All-new 2025 GMC Yukon makes official debut in the Middle East