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Suzuki Swift (Standard / Normal Trims)
Mandai score
8/10
Typical price
KSh 1,350,000
Years
2017-2023
Body type
Compact Hatchbacks
Fuel
Petrol, Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, Manual, CVT
Doors
5
Most popular trim
Swift 1.2 XL / Hybrid MG / Hybrid SG
Dealer listings
None listed
Fuel and running cost
Trim
Fuel consumption
23.0 km/L4.3 L/100km combined · about 851 km a tank
Running cost
KSh 987 / 100 kmKSh 10 a km · KSh 9,868 for 1,000 km · petrol
Dimensions
Length
3,840 mm
Width
1,695 mm
Height
1,500 mm
Wheelbase
2,450 mm
Ground clearance
140 mm
Boot space
265 L (579 L folded)
Kerb weight
870 kg – 930 kg
Seats
5
Specifications
Engine
1.2L K12C Dualjet / K12D Mild Hybrid Inline-4
Power
91 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
118 Nm @ 4,400 rpm
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
0–100 km/h
11.0 sec
Top speed
175 km/h
Fuel economy
Combined
23.0 km/L (1.2L Petrol) / 25.0 km/L (SHVS Mild Hybrid)
City
19.5 km/L (1.2L Petrol) / 22.0 km/L (SHVS Mild Hybrid)
Highway
26.0 km/L (1.2L Petrol) / 28.5 km/L (SHVS Mild Hybrid)
Tank size
37 L
CO₂ emissions
98 g/km
At a glance
Model
Suzuki Swift Normal Trims (ZC83S / ZD83S Series)
Production years
2017–2023
Body type
5-Door Compact Hatchback
Seating capacity
5
Fuel types
Petrol (Dualjet), Mild Hybrid (SHVS)
Engine sizes
1,197 cc (1.2L K12C / K12D) / 996 cc (1.0L K10C Turbo)
Transmission
CVT Automatic / 5-Speed Manual
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or 4WD
Ground clearance
120 mm – 145 mm
Source market
Japan (RHD JDM Spec)
Pros and cons
What’s good
- Exceptional fuel economy: Delivers 23.0 – 25.0 km/L combined, drastically reducing monthly commuting costs in Nairobi.
- Sub-1,500 cc KRA duty savings: 1,197 cc displacement triggers minimal customs import taxes and standard 25% excise rate.
- Featherweight 870 kg chassis: Light kerb weight creates nimble handling and effortless parking in tight city bays.
- Affordable upkeep: Proven non-turbo mechanicals with readily available Japanese service parts.
What’s not so good
- Compact 265 L boot space: Modest luggage space compared to larger hatchbacks like the Honda Fit or Mazda Demio.
- Modest 140 mm ground clearance: Requires care when traversing tall speed bumps and unpaved estate roads.