◆
VS
At a Glance
Power
92kW@6800
77 kW
Torque
148Nm@4800
138 Nm
Fuel
7
5.4 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.9
11.2 s
Engine
1586
1462 cc
Choosing between the SUZUKI SWIFT and the Toyota Starlet is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The SUZUKI SWIFT delivers 92kW@6800 while the Toyota Starlet produces 77 kW. On fuel, the SWIFT returns 7 while the Starlet uses 5.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R199 900 for the SWIFT and R310 700 for the Starlet. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
92kW@6800
77 kW
Torque
148Nm@4800
138 Nm
0-100 kph
8.9
11.2 s
Top Speed
200
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1586
1462 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Transmission
MANUAL
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7
5.4 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
—
37 l
CO2 Emissions
165
127 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3765
3990 mm
Width
1690
1745 mm
Height
1500
1500 mm
Wheelbase
2380
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
140
150 mm
Kerb Weight
1030
975 Kg
Doors
3
5
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
—
314- l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
494
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
—
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
3
Warranty Distance
100000
100000 Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
4 services
Service Plan Distance
—
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Starlet
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Starlet
Fuel Economy
Starlet
Value
SWIFT
Practicality
Starlet
Pros & Cons
SUZUKI SWIFT
Lower starting price (R199 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.9s)
Higher fuel consumption (7)
No factory service plan
Toyota Starlet
Better fuel economy (5.4 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the SWIFT or Starlet?
The SWIFT uses 7 and the Starlet uses 5.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Starlet is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the SWIFT or Starlet?
The SWIFT produces 92kW@6800 and 148Nm@4800 of torque while the Starlet delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the SWIFT and Starlet?
The SWIFT starts from R199 900 and the Starlet from R310 700. The SWIFT is cheaper by R110 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the SWIFT or Starlet?
The SWIFT has a braked towing capacity of 0 and the Starlet can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the SWIFT or the Starlet?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.