Suzuki Swift specs: horsepower, fuel consumption & ground clearance
The Suzuki Swift in Kenya: 1 version from 2017–2023, 91 hp, 22 km/L, 145 mm ground clearance.
All versions at a glance
| Version | Power | Torque | Clearance | Economy | Fuel / month* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.2L 4-cyl (ZC83S/A2L) 1.2L K12C inline-4 · CVT · FWD · 2017–2023 | 91 hp | 118 Nm | 145 mm | 22 km/L | KES 15,500 |
*1,500 km a month at KES 226.96 per litre of petrol (EPRA Nairobi, 15 Oct – 14 Nov 2026) (diesel: KES 227.76/L). Typical factory figures — individual cars vary.
Suzuki Swift 1.2L 4-cyl (2017–2023)
Generation ZC83S/A2L · 2017–2023 · source: GariAI lookup of manufacturer data
- Power
- 91 hp
- Torque
- 118 Nm
- Engine
- 1.2L 4-cyl (1.2L K12C inline-4)
- Engine size
- 1,242 cc
- Cylinders
- 4
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Ground clearance
- 145 mm
- Fuel economy
- 22 km/L
- Fuel tank
- 37 litres
- Seats
- 5
- 0–100 km/h
- 11.5 s
- Top speed
- 175 km/h
Kenya Fit
- Fuel saver22 km/L — about KES 15,500 a month for 1,500 km at today’s pump price.
- Parts easy to findSuzuki spares are easy to find in Nairobi and major towns, and most mechanics know them.
What it means in plain English
Power — 91 hp, “Everyday”. Comfortable in Nairobi traffic and fine on the highway. Overtaking a lorry needs a long clear stretch.
Torque — 118 Nm, “Light”. Fine for a light car in town. It will feel strained climbing hills with passengers.
Ground clearance — 145 mm, “Saloon”. Fine on tarmac. Take bumps slowly, at an angle, and avoid deep ruts.
Fuel economy — 22 km/L, “Very frugal”. Among the cheapest cars to run in Kenya. Ideal for Uber/Bolt and long commutes. At KES 226.96 per litre of petrol (EPRA Nairobi, 15 Oct – 14 Nov 2026), 1,000 km costs about KES 10,300, 1,500 km about KES 15,500 and 2,500 km about KES 25,800.
Engine — 4 cylinders, “Kenya’s workhorse”. Smooth enough, economical, and strong when turbocharged — especially as a diesel. Parts on every street in Kirinyaga Road, and every mechanic knows them. The safest first-car choice.
The 2018 Suzuki Swift (ZC83S) is a lightweight, agile subcompact hatchback popular in Kenya for urban commuting and first-time car buyers. Powered by the reliable 1.2-litre K12C Dualjet engine paired with a smooth CVT, it delivers outstanding fuel economy and cheap routine servicing. Its compact footprint makes it effortless to maneuver and park in congested city traffic, while the interior offers practical seating and modern essentials despite a modest boot and typical Japanese compact ground clearance.
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Suzuki Swift have?
Depending on the version, the Suzuki Swift makes 91 hp — 1.2L 4-cyl (2017–2023): 91 hp and 118 Nm. Comfortable in Nairobi traffic and fine on the highway. Overtaking a lorry needs a long clear stretch.
What is the fuel consumption of the Suzuki Swift?
1.2L 4-cyl: about 22 km/L (≈ KES 15,500 a month for 1,500 km). Costs use KES 226.96 per litre of petrol (EPRA Nairobi, 15 Oct – 14 Nov 2026) and diesel at KES 227.76/L. Factory figures — Nairobi traffic uses more.
What is the ground clearance of the Suzuki Swift?
About 145 mm. Fine on tarmac. Take bumps slowly, at an angle, and avoid deep ruts.
What engine does the Suzuki Swift use?
The Suzuki Swift in Kenya comes with: 1.2L K12C inline-4. Parts on every street in Kirinyaga Road, and every mechanic knows them. The safest first-car choice.
Is the Suzuki Swift 2WD, AWD or 4WD?
Versions sold in Kenya are FWD. Two-wheel drive is fine on tarmac and light murram.
How many seats does the Suzuki Swift have?
5 seats.
Related
- Spec School — what every spec means
- Import a Suzuki Swift — KRA duty and landed cost
Typical factory figures for each version; versions marked “GariAI lookup” come from manufacturer data and haven’t been checked by our team yet. Individual cars vary with trim, market and condition — confirm against the car’s documents and auction sheet. Spot a mistake? Tell us.