VS
At a Glance
Power
60 kW
77 kW
Torque
112 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
4.6 l/100km
5.4 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
11.2 s
Engine
1197 cc
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 60 kW while the Toyota Starlet produces 77 kW. On fuel, the Swift returns 4.6 l/100km while the Starlet uses 5.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R270 900 for the Swift and R278 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
60 kW
77 kW
Torque
112 Nm
138 Nm
0-100 kph
—
11.2 s
Top Speed
165 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1197 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
—
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.6 l/100km
5.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
107 g/km
127 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3860 mm
3990 mm
Width
1735 mm
1745 mm
Height
1520 mm
1500 mm
Wheelbase
2450 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
145 mm
150 mm
Kerb Weight
932 Kg
965 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
265-580-948 l
314- l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4
4 services
Service Plan Distance
60000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Starlet
Fuel Economy
Swift
Value
Swift
Practicality
Starlet
Pros & Cons
Suzuki Swift
Better fuel economy (4.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R270 900)
Less power than rival (60 kW vs 77 kW)
Toyota Starlet
More powerful engine (77 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (5.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Swift or Starlet?
The Swift uses 4.6 l/100km and the Starlet uses 5.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Swift 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 60 kW and 112 Nm of torque while the Starlet delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The Starlet is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Swift and Starlet?
The Swift starts from R270 900 and the Starlet from R278 700. The Swift is cheaper by R7 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 not specified 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.