When Suzuki debuted the 2024 Swift series – sporting a fresh design, a new engine and a CVT option – at the Festival of Motoring back in August, it left out one very important detail: the price. Suzuki has, after much deliberation, finally landed on a starting price of R220,000 for the entry-level Swift 1.2 GL, with a further four models to choose from, topping out at R285,000 for the new 1.2 GLX CVT Swift.

Whether you’re opting for the cheapest Swift possible, or taking a chance on that new CVT gearbox, you’ll be putting the same engine through its paces – the “new-generation” Z12E 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, delivering 60kW and 112Nm outputs. Sure, it’s a slight downgrade from the previous generation’s outputs, but the Swift promises improved fuel consumption in exchange for the knock.

Swift as a… Swift

“The power from this new and highly refined three-cylinder engine is on par with that of the previous generation engine, but it offers lower fuel consumption thanks to a new multipoint fuel-injection system, improved thermal management and, of course, the low overall curb weight of as little as 908 kg,” it said in a press release.

Suzuki’s put in all the essential specs needed for a car as standard – AC, electronic windows on all four seats, a “digital information display” and six airbags – which is more or less all you’re getting from the entry-level R220,000 Swift.

Shill out a few thousand more for the Swift 1.2 GL+ (manual or CVT), and you’ll unlock features like the 185/65 R15 alloy rims, a 7in infotainment system, and the ‘generous’ inclusion of an integrated rear-view camera that’ll make parking a breeze. Perhaps our PR-speak is a little rusty, but we’re not quite sure where ‘generosity’ comes into play here, seeing as customers are paying for the upgrades.

Knock that up to the 1.2 GLX model – R265,000 for the manual transmission, or R285,000 for the CVT option – and the oh-so-benevolent Suzuki will demonstrate its philanthropical side (for a price) and throw in diamond-cut alloy rims, on “similar” 185/65 R15 tyres.

Rather than the 7in infotainment system found in the GL+ line-up, the GLX bumps that up to 9in, and offers automatic climate control, automatic LED projector headlamps, LED fog lamps, and paddle-shifters behind the leatherbound steering wheel, another feature exclusive to this range.

Suzuki has unfortunately not yet offered any sort of expected release date for the new Swift range, though an excerpt from The Citizen reckons they’ll be arriving on our streets as soon as early October.