Unveiled at the Festival of Motoring, the new Suzuki Swift is now a reality on South African roads and, while the fourth generation of the B-segment hatch features revised styling, it is its highly competitive pricing that will keep it at the top of the Suzuki best-seller list.
Suzuki has sold nearly 9-million Swifts since it was first introduced in 2004 and the revisions to the latest version take little away from the shape and style that has such a global appeal – these being restyled headlight clusters with L-shaped signature lamps; an oval radiator grille with a piano black finish and a new bumper with a more pronounced lower intake.
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A clamshell bonnet with shut-lines that blend into the shoulder line adds extra front-end spice. While the iconic blacked-out A/B Pillars remain (elements essential to the ‘floating roof’ design), the hidden rear door handles of the outgoing model have been replaced by conventional ones.
On the inside is a new wrap-around dashboard design with horizontal air vents and centre controls angled towards the driver for improved ergonomics. The instruments cluster is also modernised and combines refreshed analogue dials with either a colour or segment LCD display.
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The black fabric seats have been redesigned and 60:40 split rear seats are standard giving a load capacity of 265 litres up to 580 litres.
Power comes from Suzuki’s new Z12E 1,2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine making 60 kW at 5 700 r/min and 112 Nm or torque at 4 300 r/min. Lighter and more compact than the outgoing four-cylinder motor, it offers strong performance right through the rev range courtesy of multipoint fuel injection and four valves per cylinder.
Suzuki claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 4,4 l/100 km – an 11% improvement over its predecessor and this means even with the November fuel price increase taken into account, running costs can be as low as 98 /km.
Depending on the model grade, this unit can be paired to either a five-speed manual (with an Engine Auto Stop/Start system) or continuously variable transmission (CVT).
With a starting fighting weight of 908 kilograms (topping out at 945 kilograms) and build of the Suzuki Heartect platform, the new Swift has a good power-to-weight ratio that improves response both in terms of acceleration and on-road dynamics.
This is aided by by recalibrated suspension (MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear) with optimised geometry
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Riding on 14-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, the entry-level and manual-only Swift GL comes equipped with projector headlamps; digital air-conditioning controls, front and rear power windows, electrically adjustable and folding side mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat, an alarm with central locking and rear parking sensors.
Next in line is the Swift GL+ that gets 15-inch alloy wheels and is available with either a manual or CVT transmission. Added specification includes a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system wired to four speakers. Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it’s also linked to a rearview camera as well as Suzuki’s Vehicle Alerts system with fuel consumption monitoring.
Sitting on 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, the flagship Swift GLX can be paired to both available transmissions and offers automatic LED projector headlamps with a guide-me-home function and L-shaped LED daytime running lights, LED front fog lamps, keyless entry with push-button start, cruise control, automatic climate control and a leather multifunction steering wheel (with paddle shifters on CVT variants).
Further upgrades over the GL+ include a 9-inch touchscreen, a pair of front tweeters and automatic folding side mirrors.
Every Swift comes standard with six crash bags (front, side and curtain) anti-lock brakes with EBD, Brake Assist Function, Electronic Stability Programme and rear ISOFIX anchors.
Pricing:
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL manual: R219,900
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ manual: R239,900
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT: R259,900
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX manual: R264,900
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX CVT: R284,900
Pricing includes a 2-year/30 000 km service plan and 5-year/20 ,000 km promotional warranty.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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