
The SWM G01FF is a sporty derivative of SWM’s G01 line-up, positioned as a compact SUV aimed at younger buyers seeking sporty styling and individual expression. The G01FF was initially introduced around 2019 under the "G01 F" nameplate before being unified as the G01FF, serving as a supplementary offering alongside the standard G01 in the compact SUV segment. The 2022 G01FF was offered in four variants: Manual Silver Edition, DCT Gold Edition, DCT Platinum Edition, and DCT Star Edition, priced between RM95,900 and RM125,900. For the 2024 model year, the range was streamlined to a single variant, the 1.5T DCT Glory Edition, with an official retail price of RM129,800. Dealership discounts for the 2024 model range from RM6,000 to RM20,000, bringing the nett car price down to RM109,800 in selected regions. The G01FF shares an essentially identical powertrain with the G01, with differences primarily lying in the exterior styling kit and specific tech equipment trade-offs.
The G01FF visually sets itself apart from the standard G01, carrying forward the design language of the earlier SWM G01 F onto the G01FF model. The front end sports a wing-spread sports grille flanked by dark red twin "F" garnishes, sharpening front-end aggression and road presence. Dark red accents extend to the side skirtings, door handles, and large rear spoiler, which, together with a twin-exit exhaust setup at the rear, lend the vehicle an unmistakably sporty stance. The headlamp assemblies integrate LED daytime running lights (DRLs) with headlamp levelling and a follow-me-home delay function. In terms of dimensions, the G01FF measures 4,670 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,725 mm in height (1,740 mm on earlier iterations), with a 2,750 mm wheelbase—stretching 60 mm longer than the standard G01’s 4,610 mm length to reach 4,670 mm. Kerb weight is rated at 1,550 kg, while fuel tank capacity stands at 52 litres. It rides on 225/65 R17 tyres.
Inside, the G01FF echoes the sporty theme of its exterior. The overall dashboard layout is clean and straightforward, featuring sculpted character lines anchored by a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The seats are upholstered in synthetic leather, while the steering wheel is finished in plastic with manual tilt adjustment. The climate controls retain conventional physical buttons and rotary dials for intuitive, tactile operation. Overall interior build and material quality remain on par with mainstream expectations for this price bracket.
Under the bonnet, the entire G01FF range is powered by a transversely mounted SWD15T 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, churning out 115 kW (approximately 156 PS) and 212 Nm of peak torque. Fuelling is handled via multi-point fuel injection (MPI), paired with a cast-iron engine block and an aluminium alloy cylinder head compliant with China VI emission standards. Drivetrain options include two gearboxes: the 2022 Manual Silver Edition came with a six-speed manual transmission, whereas all automatic variants feature a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Power is sent to the front wheels (FWD), yielding a top speed of 180 km/h. While official 0-100 km/h acceleration figures are not published, the engine tuning prioritises usable low-to-mid-range torque suited for everyday city commuting. In terms of fuel economy, it records an NEDC combined consumption figure of 7.5 L/100 km. Running on RON92 petrol helps keep daily running costs in check.
Underneath, the G01FF utilises a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent setup—a common front-wheel-drive configuration among compact SUVs that balances fundamental ride damping with manufacturing costs. Stopping power is provided by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, complemented by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). The steering system relies on Electric Power Steering (EPS) with speed-sensitive assist, ensuring light manoeuvrability at parking speeds and a weightier, reassuring feel at high speeds. It runs on 225/65 R17 tyres designed with low rolling resistance for a comfort-biased ride. In terms of driving modes, selected variants offer a choice of Standard/Comfort, Eco, and Sport, allowing drivers to tweak throttle response to match driving conditions and preferences. Overall chassis tuning is biased towards plushness and composure on tarmac, soaking up minor road imperfections reasonably well, though the rear torsion beam setup does transmit noticeable rebound over larger potholes and speed humps.
The G01FF's cabin focuses primarily on practicality and minimalism. Taking centre stage on the dashboard is a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with touch controls and multimedia playback. Earlier high-spec 2022 models featured a 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 4.3-inch climate control touchscreen, forming a connected triple-screen cockpit complemented by intelligent voice control. However, following the 2022 update, features such as remote smartphone app control, over-the-air (OTA) updates, 4G connectivity, and telematics were dropped, leaving its infotainment capabilities slightly lagging behind rivals in the same segment.
On the creature comforts front, faux leather upholstery is standard across the board, with manual fore/aft and recline adjustment for the front seats. The plastic steering wheel features manual tilt adjustment. In-car entertainment is delivered through a standard 4- to 6-speaker sound system, sufficient for daily listening. Air conditioning is an automatic climate control system complete with dedicated rear AC vents. Other notable convenience kit includes keyless entry with push-start button, cruise control, and rear parking sensors.
For active safety, the G01FF comes equipped with essential electronic driver aids including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), providing an all-round active safety baseline. On the passive safety front, 2022 lower- and mid-spec models were equipped with only dual front airbags (driver and front passenger), with side and curtain airbags reserved exclusively for higher-spec automatic grades. The 2024 Glory Edition provides two front airbags as standard, omitting side and curtain airbags. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points are standard across the range. Driver assistance features include standard rear parking sensors and a reverse camera, with cruise control fitted to selected higher grades; however, Level 2 or higher advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)—such as adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, and autonomous emergency braking—are notably absent, keeping its active safety suite strictly at an entry-level tier for this price point.
As a sports-styled derivative of the G01 model line, the SWM G01FF is primarily aimed at budget-conscious young buyers desiring bold aesthetics and generous cabin space. Compared to the standard G01, the G01FF distinguishes itself with a sharper aero kit and dark red exterior accents, while lowering the barrier to entry through rationalised equipment levels as part of a differentiated product strategy. Nonetheless, in the RM100,000-bracket compact SUV segment, the G01FF faces stiff competition from entrenched heavyweights like the Haval H6, Changan CS75 PLUS, and Geely Boyue, against which it trails significantly in brand equity and overall product strength.
Sales figures indicate that the G01FF logged 137 units in November 2024 (its first tracked month) and 138 units in December. Moving into 2025, deliveries registered just 7 units in January before climbing to 106 units in March, followed by a brief spike to 594 units in May. For the remainder of the year, monthly numbers hovered between 300 and 750 units, closing December with 319 units to finish 2025 with an annual total of 3,675 units.
In terms of market reception, owners broadly praise the G01FF for its strong value proposition, aggressive styling, and the generous rear passenger room afforded by its 2,750 mm wheelbase. Common gripes, however, centre on degraded ride quality resulting from the rear suspension being downgraded from a multi-link to a torsion beam, the budget feel of the plastic steering wheel, and relatively thin exterior paintwork. On the whole, the SWM G01FF is an entry-level compact SUV whose core appeal hinges on sporty looks and cabin roominess. Capitalising on a segment-topping 2,750 mm wheelbase and an accessible price tag, it established a unique niche; yet sluggish product updates, weak brand equity, and cut-throat market rivalry have steadily eroded its market presence and volume, leaving it largely on the fringes of the segment.