The fourth-generation Suzuki Swift — that was named South Africa’s best-selling passenger car in April — has added another major trophy to its cabinet, winning the Budget Category at the 2025 South African Car of the Year competition.
Image: Supplied, Suzuki Auto South Africa
THE FUEL price may have been edging down slightly over the last while, but I still believe that – for city driving at least – a nice, compact, car, one that’s not overly thirsty is still the wise choice.
The surprising thing these days is that even with tiny engines, 1.0- or 1.2-litre motors, modern cars are delightfully nippy. And delightful is just the word to describe the multi-award-winning Suzuki Swift, now in its fourth generation.
The fourth-generation Suzuki Swift — that was named South Africa’s best-selling passenger car in April — has added another major trophy to its cabinet, winning the Budget Category at the 2025 South African Car of the Year (SA COTY) competition.
Organised by the SA Guild of Mobility Journalists and backed by Old Mutual Insure, the SA COTY awards are among the most respected in the industry, notable for including rigorous track testing as part of the judging process. After a two-day evaluation session at Zwartkops Raceway earlier this year, the Swift came out on top of its class — and finished second overall behind the BMW X3.
Launched locally at the end of 2024, the fourth-generation Swift hasn't strayed far from the formula that made it a hit with budget-conscious and city-bound drivers: light, lively, and accessible. But the latest version moves the game forward with a more refined design, upgraded cabin tech, and — crucially — a major boost in standard safety kit. Features like six airbags, electronic stability control, rear ISOFIX anchors, and full three-point seatbelts across the rear bench helped sway the judges in its favour.
The Swift's success at SA COTY follows a win earlier this year at the 2025 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, where it was also named Best Budget Car (for vehicles under R300,000). It’s the seventh time a Suzuki has claimed that prize — and the fifth time it was the Swift itself leading the charge.
“This segment is fiercely competitive,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager for Suzuki Auto South Africa. “Customers are after value without sacrificing features or safety, so winning in this space is a real testament to what the Swift offers.”
In addition to on-track testing, SA COTY also factors in independent data from Lightstone Auto — including market share, sales success, and public perception — adding weight to the Swift’s strong overall showing.
Beyond South Africa, the new Swift is also earning praise abroad. In Japan, it recently scooped the 2025 RJC Car of the Year award, recognised for its sharper looks, improved three-cylinder engine, and nimble handling thanks to a stiffer but lighter HEARTECT platform.
With its mix of efficiency, affordability, and upgraded polish, the Swift continues to punch above its weight — and seems determined to stay one step ahead in one of the toughest segments on the market.
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