Suzuki’s Engine Gambit: A New Three-cylinder Heart for the Swift

January 14, 2025

Suzuki fitted its fourth-generation Swift with a new engine. But could they have missed an opportunity to turbocharge it?

Image: Melissa Breedt

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The Suzuki Swift has long been a crowd favourite…and for good reason. Its playful design, nippy handling and reputability have kept it a popular choice worldwide, particularly in budget-conscious markets like South Africa. Noteworthy, the Swift has been nominated for not only World Urban Car of the Year but, more significantly, for World Car of the Year at the 2025 World Car Awards.

The Swift is a car that’s not to be scoffed at, because the Japanese automaker sold more than nine million Swifts since the pocket-friendly hatchback made its debut in 2004. Locally, since Suzuki re-entered the South African market in 2008, the firm has sold 85 660 units of the budget-oriented hatch in SA.

However, with the fourth-generation Swift, which we sampled before its official SA launch, Suzuki made a bold move under the bonnet – they swapped out the 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine for a new three-cylinder unit of the same capacity. Was this a stroke of genius or did Suzuki tinker with a winning formula?

Image: Melissa Breedt

The Three-Cylinder Advantage

The new engine comes with several clear advantages. First, it’s lighter than its predecessor, complementing the Swift’s already feathery 917 kg kerb weight. This reduction in weight helps fuel economy, which is one of the key selling points Suzuki emphasises for the Swift. And yes, the engine is paired with the automaker’s proven Heartect platform, which, now in its fifth generation, underpins several Suzuki models, including the Baleno, Ignis, S-Presso, and XL6.

Another advantage is simplicity and cost-efficiency. Fewer cylinders mean fewer components, which generally translates to lower maintenance costs. In an era of skyrocketing fuel prices, a three-cylinder engine that sips petrol sparingly will surely win over value-conscious drivers. Suzuki also claims this engine is cleaner and meets the ever-stringent emissions standards, which aligns with global trends toward “greener” cars. Interestingly, while more markets adopt “greener” means of vehicle propulsion, efficient internal combustion engines like this one still hold relevance in developing markets.

Image: Melissa Breedt

Slogging for Performance

As much as the three-cylinder engine boasts efficiency, there’s a caveat: it doesn’t pack the punch the Swift deserves. Yes, the low kerb weight means the little hatch doesn’t need heaps of power, but the 1.2-litre three-pot still feels a bit lethargic when pushed. You notice it most when trying to overtake or traverse steep inclines. The engine has to be worked to deliver meaningful performance, which somewhat negates the claimed fuel efficiency during spirited driving. For a car with such youthful charm, the lack of zest can be a tad underwhelming. Suzuki claims an average fuel economy of 4.4 L/100 km (for the manual model; 4.6 L/100 km for CVT-equipped derivatives), though real-world conditions and, of course, driving style could result in increased fuel consumption.

So Why Not Turbocharge?

Here’s where Suzuki could’ve taken a page from its own playbook. The Swift Sport has garnered praise for its turbocharged 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine, which delivers ounces of performance without compromising efficiency. So why not adopt similar technology for the regular Swift?

A turbocharged engine could’ve struck an ideal balance between power and economy, and the powertrain would have given the Swift better low-end torque, thereby addressing the current engine’s need to rev high for decent performance. It could’ve also made the car feel livelier, which is exactly what the Swift is supposed to be – a zippy, fun-to-drive hatchback.

Given that the Swift’s biggest challenger, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, only offers a turbocharged engine in the headlining GT trim, Suzuki could have seized an opportunity in its more affordable Swift. Granted, adding a turbo would’ve increased costs, both in terms of manufacturing and retail pricing.

Image: Melissa Breedt

A Pragmatic Choice

At the end of the day, Suzuki’s decision to fit the Swift with a three-cylinder engine likely boils down to practicality. The Swift isn’t designed to be a hot hatch. It is meant to be affordable, efficient, and accessible. And on those counts, the new engine delivers. Still, there’s no denying that the Swift’s personality could’ve been amplified with a touch more power. While this engine does its job, enthusiasts might find themselves wishing Suzuki had injected a little more spirit into the Swift’s step.

Turbocharging isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but in this case, it might’ve been the key to bridging the gap between affordability and excitement. For now, though, we’ll settle for what the Swift does best and keep our fingers crossed for a new Swift Sport.

Related: DRIVEN: Suzuki Swift Sport