Suzuki Swift Keeps Running Costs Low

The Suzuki Swift is confirming its reputation as one of the least expensive cars to own and operate.

For the second year in succession, the Swift has been named the most affordable car to own and operate in Queensland.

Earlier this year the Royal Automobile Club Queensland (RACQ) and Western Australia Royal Automobile Club named the Swift the top overall performer with the lowest running costs for motorists driving 15,000 kilometres per year over a five-year period.

Now the RACQ has acclaimed the Swift again being named the most affordable car for both 2024 and 2025. The organisation has crunched the numbers of 55 models across multiple categories.

With its low running costs and affordable price tag the fourth generation Swift with its mild hybrid powertrain was crowned least expensive car to own and operate in Queensland in 2025.

RACQ Principal Researcher Andrew Kirk said the research lifted the bonnet on the hidden costs of car ownership. “We calculated everything from fuel and servicing to insurance and depreciation to give car owners a clear picture of just how much it’ll cost them over a five-year period, and the Swift came out on top for affordability,” said Mr Kirk.

In New Zealand, the lineup begins with the economical Swift Plus manual, powered by Suzuki’s 1.2-litre Smart Hybrid 12V ISG powertrain, and priced from a recommended $25,990 plus on road costs.

The Swift range offers buyers flexibility when choosing the best variant for their needs. Newly added to the lineup is the Swift GLZ, positioned between the GLS and RSC variants. It brings enhanced safety and a significant increase in features over the GLS that includes heated front seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a six-speaker audio system, and a leather steering wheel.

Six versions of the Swift are available in New Zealand, including the performance-topping third generation Sport with the choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions and the 103 kW BoosterJet turbocharged engine. The popular Swift continues a long time place as the number one best-selling light segment model in the local market, and the highest selling model to private customers in New Zealand based on collective sales during the past 20 years.

Meanwhile in Britain, the Swift was declared the best small car in 2025 in the UK Car of the Year awards. In Japan, the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference (RJC), an organisation of prominent automotive critics and journalists, named the fourth generation Swift the 2025 RJC Car of the Year. This is the fourth occasion on which the Swift has earned the honour.