Suzuki Swift GLZ review: same again please, with a bit more garnish

For what's supposed to be a simple small-car proposition, the Suzuki Swift lineup has become a bit complicated since the launch of the 4th-generation model in 2024.

When Suzuki New Zealand introduced the all-new mild-hybrid-only range two years ago, it kept the previous (3rd-gen) model on in basic GL form as a price-leader at $24,990. That continues. Because there's not yet a new Sport, that's also still with us ($32,990-$35,990).

Back in 2024, the new 4th-generation range comprised a GLS (slotting in above the 3rd-gen GL, keeping up okay?) in manual or automatic, and the top-specification RSC.

Now, the $25,990 entry-manual has been renamed Plus, and just above the $27,500 GLS automatic we have yet another new model and the subject of this review, the $28,500 GLZ. The $29,990 RSC continues.

It's all getting a bit granular. If you consider the Sport a very different thing to the 3rd-gen GL (we certainly do), there are basically 5 different Swift models and 2.5 body shapes currently on offer. We'd understand if prospective buyers don't know where to look.

But it probably should be towards this GLZ. All things considered, it presents itself as the sweet spot of the lineup.

Basically, to create the GLZ, Suzuki has taken the GLS automatic and added some key equipment items that make it feel more like a private car and less like a stripped-out fleet or rental effort.

It's familiar now, but the latest Swift manages to take a few radical styling turns and still look very much like every other generation of Swift since 2005 (in a good way).

For an extra $1000 over the GLS, the GLZ gains upgrades like a leather-trimmed steering wheel (the GLS's plain plastic really is quite horrible), adaptive cruise control with stop & go, driver's side seat-height adjustment, heating for both front chairs, upgraded audio, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, windscreen ticket holders, privacy glass, power-fold mirrors and 16-inch alloy wheels (up from the GLS's 15-inch steel). The safety suite also gains blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

All for $1000? Yeah, we know what you're thinking: that entry-level GLS probably isn't long for this world. That would also explain the name-change for the manual model from GLS (which does sound very similar to GLZ) to Plus.

On the outside: what are the Suzuki Swift GLZ's main design features?

It's familiar now, but the latest Swift manages to take a few radical styling turns and still look very much like every other generation of Swift since 2005 (in a good way). You certainly wouldn't mistake it for anything else, with the clamshell bonnet and "floating" roof.

To create the GLZ, Suzuki has taken the GLS automatic and added some key equipment items that make it feel more like a private car and less like a stripped-out fleet or rental effort.

But if you're an aspiring Swift-spotter, don't go looking for "GLZ" badges or anything like that. The biggest visual difference between this and the GLS is a size-up in wheels (15 to 16 inches) and a change from steel to alloy. Although the GLZ alloy wheel design does still look a lot like a hubcap; certainly not as fancy as the polished rims on the flagship RSC.

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the Suzuki Swift GLZ cabin like?

Suzuki doesn't stray too far from traditional dashboard layouts in its new models. Swift might have a full touchscreen and lots of other tech, but there are still plenty of physical controls and yes, the main instruments are still analogue (albeit with a digital meter in the centre).

The steering wheel is a nice shape to hold at quarter-to-three, and the rocker switches for audio and adaptive cruise are easy to use.

Interior materials are of the cheap-and-cheerful variety because that's what a Swift is about, but the blend of black with white inserts (including a nice texture on the passenger-side) gives it a lift. Heated front seats are a nice touch.

The fundamentals are good. The steering wheel is a nice shape to hold at quarter-to-three, and the rocker switches for audio and adaptive cruise are easy to use - even if the satellite controls dangling underneath for phone and lane-keep look like a bit of an afterthought.

About that screen. The home menus look a bit old-tech, but you get full takever with phone projection (you'll need a cable for Android Auto, though) and shortcuts for home and audio are permantly sited at the bottom. Phone projection integrates quite nicely with the centre dashboard display: when Android Auto/Google navigation is running, you get visual prompts in the main instrument panel.

The reversing camera fills the infotainment screen nicely and includes static markings for parking position, although the display looks pretty grainy. Or are we being overly picky for a sub-$30k car?

It's not a family car, so you don't expect massive rear-seat room. Headroom's okay but legroom is limited for adults. It's pretty basic back there; not so much as a folding armrest, although there are moulded cupholders in the door trims.

Swift is technically a 5-seater, with a centre seatbelt properly located in line with the outboard positions (some smaller cars have them anchored in the roof). But 3 people in the back of a Swift? Good luck with that.

The boot trim is rudimentary in terms of trim and a bit flimsy-looking, but the space itself is quite deep and decent for the segment at 265 litres. You can fold the rear seats (60/40 split), but there's a big step up to the cabin from the boot floor.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the Suzuki Swift GLZ like to drive?

There have been very few Swifts that haven't been fun to drive, and this one is especially good with its thrummy 3-cylinder engine. The power output is modest, but it loves to work hard via the continuously variable transmission and sounds great the more you press on.

It's economical no matter how you use it. The official figure of 4.3l/100km is not that hard to match if you drive sensibly, and even when you don't you'll be hard pressed to push too much into the 5l bracket.

This Swift proudly wears a hybrid badge on the tailgate, but don't get too excited about that: it's a (very) mild 12-volt system called "smart hybrid vehicle by Suzuki" (SHVS) that can regen and store energy to help run the stop-start and electrical systems. But it doesn't have an electric motor to drive the wheels.

The main impetus behind the new model's 8.5% improvement in fuel economy over the previous Swift hybrid is the change from a 4-cylinder engine to this new triple. However, it needs 95-octane fuel (as did the previous car).

The biggest benefit from the hybrid system from a driving point of view is the integrated starter-generator that not only takes care of firing up the engine, but can also apply a 60Nm bump for 30 seconds in certain circumstances, filling in the low-down gaps in torque.

Dynamically, the Swift is a very mature-feeling small hatch. Definitely a city car, but it rides confidently on the motorway and even handles backroads with quite a bit of flair, with good communication from the steering and excellent body control through bumpy corners. 

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the Suzuki Swift GLZ warranty and servicing situation?

The warranty covers the car for 3 years/100,000km, but after that the powertrain is covered for another 2 years (up to the original 100,000km) provided all scheduled servicing and maintenance/repairs have been carried out by an authorised Suzuki centre. Roadside assistance is provided for 5 years/unlimited km regardless.

Servicng is due every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. A (free) check is required at 1000km.

On the whole: what do we think of the Suzuki Swift GLZ?

The great thing about the 4th-generation Swift is that it's embraced more modern technology without losing the model's visual and dynamic character. In fact, it's arguably the most enjoyable and endearing iteration yet - notwithstanding we're yet to see a Sport version.

The elephant in the room for buyers might be the car's ANCAP safety performance. It was hit with a 1-star rating at launch, which has since been upgraded to 3 stars following changes that aligned the Kiwi model more closely with that sold in Europe. Better, still not great for a relatively new model.

A deal breaker? It's a matter for potential buyers to decide.

That aside, the Swift is as much a feel-good, fun small-car as ever. And we reckon the new GLZ represents the most rounded specification level in the range.

Suzuki Swift GLZ FAQs

What kind of car is the Suzuki Swift GLZ?

A 5-door city hatchback.

Does the Suzuki Swift GLZ have hybrid or EV technology?

It's a mild hybrid, able to capture energy and store it for use in engine-starting and running the electrical systems, to reduce the load on the engine. It can also give a 60Nm torque boost for short periods.

What’s the fuel economy of the Suzuki Swift GLZ?

The official figure is 4.3l/100km (3P-WLTP).

Is the Suzuki Swift GLZ safe?

This Swift has had a rough ride with ANCAP, initially scoring just 1 star but now rated at 3 stars (September 2025 models onwards) following some specification changes. The rating is valid until 2031.

What safety and assistance features does the Suzuki Swift GLZ have?

What are the Suzuki Swift GLZ's main rivals?

• Mazda2 GSX ($29,990): Another traditional small car, but similarly sound in its dynamics.
• MG3 Essence ($27,990): The highest-specification non-hybrid MG3 you can buy.
• Chery Tiggo 4 HEV Urban ($29,990): Tiggo 4 starts in the $20k-bracket, but $30k gets you a full hybrid.
• Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5L ($29,990): Honest, interesting to look at and fun with a 3-cylinder engine.
• BYD Atto 1 Essential ($29,990): A fun full-electric alternative, albeit with modest 220km range.