There is little question the rise of Suzuki as a powerful force within the South African auto market has a lot to do with the Swift that, in third-generation guise, averaged around 917 new units a month with 86 000 having been sold since the model was first launched in 2018.
However, it is not only the fact the compact car ticked so many boxes by being an ideal choice as a first car, small family car and all the way up to being the last car in the retirement years but, it is the wide spread of dealers around the country and the aftersales service ethic that forms part of the package – and, considering the cost of new vehicles, it is little wonder South African buyers will dump a brand faster than Trump can impose import tariffs if parts, service and resale are not up to scratch.
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So, the fourth-generation Swift has now entered the market, and I got to spend a delightful week with the 1,2-litre GL+ manual version and, never mind the aesthetic and tech updates, Suzuki has fully retained the fun-to-drive ethos that has been an integral part of its DNA since the original model was launched.
To my mind, it ranks with the original Issigonis Mini, the Ford Capri, Fiat 124 Sport and original Opel Corsa that wholly embrace the spirit of making driving fun.
Sure, it is no pocket-rocket and never intended to be but the fun comes not so much from fast it can actually go but how well the driver can put whatever it has to offer to use, and this latest Swift is more than happy to be hurled at corners, running at the ragged edge of adhesion to emerge on the other side and then switch back to being a gentle stroll in the traffic.
It is just downright fun to drive.
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The updated Swift suitably retains its sporty charm while introducing key design refinements. Its exterior now has redesigned L-shaped headlamp clusters, an oval piano black grille, a new bumper and lower intake. A clamshell bonnet and a sculpted tailgate with integrated spoilers add to the profile.
Updates such as LED tail lamps and redesigned rear bumpers add a modern touch, while usability improves with conventional rear door handles replacing the hidden units of older models.
Inside, is a reimagined cabin with a wrap-around dashboard and controls angled for optimal ergonomics. The instrument cluster combines analogue dials with a choice of colour or segment LCD displays for easy access to driving information.
The screen functions are intuitive and uncomplicated and do not require scrolling through myriad pages to find what you need. Equally, thankfully, the ventilation controls are push-button operation and can be operated by instinct and do not require visual confirmations.
Enhanced seating with a contemporary embossed design ensures comfort, while practical storage solutions – including a 265-litre boot expandable to 580 litres – cater to everyday needs. For a compact car, the seating is extremely comfortable, supportive and would allow a back-pain free long haul journey with no problem at all.
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Built – as are all models – on Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform, the new Swift is lighter and more rigid than ever, that pushes it handling ability to a new and higher level. Weighing between 908 kg and 945 kg, the car’s improved power-to-weight ratio delivers snappy acceleration and responsiveness. Updated suspension geometry ensures a dynamic yet comfortable ride, whether zipping through city streets or tackling winding roads.
Powering the new Swift is Suzuki’s Z12E 1,2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. Generating 60 kW and 112 Nm of torque, this engine is both lighter and more compact than its predecessor and advanced multipoint fuel injection technology boosts efficiency.
On that score, Suzuki claims a fuel consumption of 4,4 l/100km, an 11% improvement on the previous generation. On the usual CHANGECARS test route that encompasses city, urban, rural and freeway driving the overall average for the cycle came in at 5,5 l/100 km with, admittedly, some spirited motoring included in that.
If we look at the price point opposition, the Swift at R262 900 competes against the Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 hatch Premium (R224 900), Toyota Starlet 1.5 Xi (R252 100) and Kia Picanto 1.0 LX manual (R260 995). While accepting two of those are 1,0-litre engines and the Toyota is a 1,5-litre, the fuel consumption achieved during our test is right on par with those opposition models.
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Suzuki has not compromised on safety, equipping all variants with six crash bags, anti-lock braking with EBD, brake assist and electronic stability control. ISOFIX anchors and three-point seatbelts for all passengers come as standard.
Suzuki has managed to pack a high level of specification into what is one derivative up form the base model to give the Swift GL+ an excellent value-for-money platform from which to boast.
And, boast it should.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
proudly ALL THINGS MOTORING
* images may reflect specification different to that tested
