Nissan Leaf vs Suzuki Swift Sport
Verdict
At RM168,888, the Nissan Leaf costs RM37,988 more than the RM130,900 Suzuki Swift Sport, and the extra money buys a larger C-segment EV with a 40.0 kWh battery, 270 km range and a 435-litre boot. The Swift Sport is smaller, far lighter at 970 kg and keeps petrol convenience with a 37-litre tank. Performance is almost level to 100 km/h — 7.9 seconds plays 8.0 — but the Suzuki’s 205 km/h top speed easily beats the Leaf’s 155 km/h.
Pick the Nissan Leaf if you want the bigger hatchback, EV running, stronger 320 Nm motor torque and more boot space.
Pick the Suzuki Swift Sport if you want the cheaper, lighter petrol hatch with the higher 205 km/h top speed and more driver-focused kit such as paddle shifters.
Key differences
- Price: Nissan Leaf RM168,888; Suzuki Swift Sport RM130,900
- Powertrain: Nissan Leaf 148 hp/320 Nm electric motor; Suzuki Swift Sport 140 hp/230 Nm 1.4 turbo petrol
- 0-100 km/h: Nissan Leaf 7.9 seconds; Suzuki Swift Sport 8.0 seconds
- Top speed: Nissan Leaf 155 km/h; Suzuki Swift Sport 205 km/h
- Boot space: Nissan Leaf 435 litres; Suzuki Swift Sport 265 litres
- Kerb weight: Nissan Leaf 1,544 kg; Suzuki Swift Sport 970 kg
Leaf
- Larger C-segment body with a 2,690 mm wheelbase
- 435-litre boot is much bigger than the Swift Sport’s 265 litres
- AEB, collision warning and Around View Monitor are included
- Costs RM37,988 more than the Suzuki Swift Sport
- Lower 155 km/h top speed versus 205 km/h
- Much heavier at 1,544 kg versus 970 kg
Swift Sport
- Cheaper at RM130,900
- Very light 970 kg kerb weight
- Higher 205 km/h top speed, plus paddle shifters and steering reach adjustment
- Smaller 265-litre boot versus 435 litres in the Leaf
- No AEB or collision warning listed
- Less torque: 230 Nm versus the Leaf’s 320 Nm
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 168,888 | RM 130,900✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,373 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 140 hp |
| Torque | — | 230 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline |
| Timing Type | — | Chain |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 73 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 9.9 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 148 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 320 Nm | — |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | — |
| Battery Capacity | 40.0 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 270 km | — |
| Charger Type (AC) | Type 1 | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charger Type (DC) | CHAdeMO | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 50.0 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Constant Ratio Gearbox for EV | 6AT |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Nissan | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.9 seconds✓ | 8 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 6.1 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 155 km/h | 205 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,480 mm | 3,890 mm |
| Width | 1,790 mm | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,540 mm | 1,495 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm | 2,450 mm |
| Weight | 1,544 kg | 970 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 37 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 435 litres✓ | 265 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/50R17 | 195/50R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/50R17 | 195/50R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop Enasave EC300 | Yokohama Advan A13C |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Chassis Notes | e-Pedal, Intelligent Ride Control, Intelligent Trace Control | — |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars — With 6 Airbags and Autonomous Emergency Braking | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Driver and Front Passenger |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable, Driver's seat height adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-Folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Front Cabin Light |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 5" Display Radio/CD Player with USB, Bluetooth, AUX-in and 4 Speakers | 7.0" Touchscreen Radio DVD/MP3 Player with Bluetooth, Navigation and 6 speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | All Four Windows, Driver Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activated |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Around View Monitor (AVM) | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | — |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | 6.6 kW Wallbox, 7" Information Display, Climate Control Timer | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 3 years |
| Warranty Notes | 3-year/60,000 km Free Service, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty, Complimentary Usage of Nissan SUV, MPV or Pick-up for 23 Days per Year | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 100 | RM 70✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Leaf vs Swift Sport FAQ
Is the Nissan Leaf or Suzuki Swift Sport better?
The Nissan Leaf is better for space, EV driving and safety tech; the Suzuki Swift Sport is better for price, weight and top speed. For most urban EV use, pick the Leaf. For petrol convenience and a lighter feel, pick the Swift Sport.
What is the price difference?
The Nissan Leaf costs RM168,888, while the Suzuki Swift Sport costs RM130,900. That makes the Leaf RM37,988 more expensive.
Which is quicker, the Nissan Leaf or Suzuki Swift Sport?
They are almost tied from 0-100 km/h: the Nissan Leaf takes 7.9 seconds and the Suzuki Swift Sport takes 8.0 seconds. The Suzuki is much faster at the top end, with 205 km/h versus the Leaf’s 155 km/h.