Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Suzuki Swift

What's the difference?

VS
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$57,850 - $214,990

2023 price

Suzuki Swift
Suzuki Swift

$19,290 - $36,490

2024 price

Summary

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2024 Suzuki Swift
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 1.5L

Inline 3, 1.2L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded/Electric

Unleaded Petrol/Electric
Fuel Efficiency
6.9L/100km (combined)

3.8L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • On the compact side for size
  • Low-ground clearance may grind the teeth
  • Dynamic guidelines are trippy

  • Needs 95 RON premium unleaded
  • Spare wheel now an option
  • Base model loses seat-height adjustment
2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Summary

When it comes to choosing a family car, sedans are often overlooked for their long-legged wagon or beefy SUV cousins.

They're a bit of a forgotten hero but they'll always hold a piece of my heart for their practicality and (often) sexier kerb-side appeal.

If you can get used to your body cracking like a glow stick when you get in and out of them, the sedan may make a comeback!

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, in entry-level C200 form, has definitely tempted my family to consider a sedan in the future – it looks stately and refined but the driving experience also makes it fun.

Let's see what else it did right and if there was anything that could be improved.

Did I mention, I'm fond of sedans... ?

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2024 Suzuki Swift Summary

Few cars have had the sheer staying power of the Suzuki Swift.

Except for a four-year hiatus as the original Ignis from 2001, the Japanese supermini has been a segment mainstay since 1983, winning over consumers worldwide as an inexpensive, economical and reliable yet fun option in the Toyota Yaris class.

In Australia, its impact has been even more profound, providing Holden with its famous “beep-beep” Barina for two early iterations from 1985, while also introducing us to the pocket rocket decades before the Volkswagen Polo GTI, with the Swift GTi of 1986.

Now there’s this – the sixth-gen model in 41 years if you exclude that Ignis – doing what the little Suzuki has always done: offering buyers a great budget alternative. But this time, in this new-electrification era, where precious few attainable choices remain.

Is it any good? Let’s dive straight in.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2024 Suzuki Swift

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