2025 Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT review

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Just moments down the road in the 2025 Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT, it dawns on you how uncomplicated this firm’s latest hatchback is. Refreshingly, in a segment where car company’s are throwing every conceivable gadget at a problem, the new two-pedal Swift keeps things simple and just does the basics exceptionally well.

Perhaps that’s why it is on a golden run so far in 2025 as South Africa’s best-selling passenger car. Say what you will, but the numbers tell a compelling story. Priced at less than R250k, South Africans are voting with their wallets. And the common-sense 2025 Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT is the answer.

2025 SUZUKI SWIFT 1.2 GL+ CVT

Whether in the showroom or on the road, the 2025 Suzuki Swift is certainly making an impression. Image: Thorp

As regular readers will know, we tested the top-spec GLX manual not long ago, and still we can’t stop raving about it. So, how does the continuously variable transmission (CVT) fare by comparison? Well, of course CVTs are not without their detractors. However, we appreciate that for 80% of the buying market, they simply want a two-pedal car that’s easy in traffic. They couldn’t care less how the transmission performs, just as long as it doesn’t have a clutch pedal and manual gearshift.

As such, the 2025 Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT is immediately an altogether more relaxed companion on the road. In stop-start traffic at slow speeds, navigating the congested streets of Cape Town, not having to worry about a third pedal becomes a blessing. CVTs have their critics (us included), because of the elastic feel of acceleration, tendency for the engine to drone at high revs, and lack of defined gear changes.

However, there’s an honest, no-fuss approach in the Swift CVT that’s perfectly drivable. The CVT’s interface with the punchy 60 kW/112 Nm 1.2-litre petrol three-pot is thoughtfully calibrated. You can accelerate without excessive revs and it’s not too noisy at highway speeds. In fact, I’d argue the CVT is better than the firm’s four-speed automatic that’s the most likely alternative of you don’t like DIY. �

FEAR OF MISSING OUT

2025 Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT — Note, left-hand drive GLX CVT pictured. Image: Supplied

However, besides the CVT, what strikes you most about the Swift GL+ is what’s not included. Of course, not everyone will have reference to the GLX. However, we did test drive the top-spec car, and the GL+ is somewhat stripped-down in comparison. Of course, it covers the essentials, but it does reveal some curious omissions. Like the absence of a rear wiper, which seems short-sighted given Cape Town’s unpredictable winters. I certainly would have appreciated better rear visibility during some rainy weather.

Similarly, the lack of factory window tinting is a little strange. Come summertime, South African sunshine is unforgiving. And some extra UV protection isn’t merely cosmetic, it’s a safety issue, too, for those with ‘sticky fingers.’ Likewise, the GL+ goes without keyless entry, which we found really useful on the GLX vehicle. Even in an affordable hatchback, it’s one of those conveniences that becomes difficult to live without.

Also, the touchscreen – while Apple CarPlay compatible – is smaller than the GLX’s. And we believe, given enough time, you’ll regret knowing there are thousands of Swifts out there with the bigger setup. Even if the interface itself is straightforward, responsive and not overly complicated to figure out. Likewise, the 2025 Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT does without climate control. Instead, you have air conditioning you toggle left for hot and right for cold. And is less satisfying to use than the GLX’s one-touch climate control.�

THE VERDICT

Despite the 2025 Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT and its spec limitations, this little car retains the essence that makes the new Swift formula so relevant in South Africa. The driving position is excellent, with good visibility all around. The steering, while light, offers enough feedback to keep you connected. It’s just so effortless to drive and one of the easiest cars to park, too. The suspension soaks up the worst our road surfaces have to offer, and a young family can travel in genuine comfort over reasonably long distances.

Therefore, the 2025 Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT understands its mission completely. This isn’t a car trying to be anything more than it is. It simply executes the basics exceptionally well, even in CVT guise. Of course, for us, a manual gearbox Swift GLX (R271 900) remains the superior purchase. And we’d argue if you can stretch your budget, you won’t be disappointed. However, the Swift range has rightly earning its stripes as South Africa’s best-selling passenger car. Showing once again that in tough times it’s best to keep things simple …