JAPAN’s sprightly new Suzuki Swift range has arrived in South Africa.
Representing the ultimate evolution of one of the world’s most popular and best-loved B-segment hatchbacks, this fourth-generation model builds on the strengths of its best-selling predecessors with fresh exterior styling, a revamped interior, advanced digitisation and upgraded safety features.
Though still imbued with all the feel-good driving pleasure you would expect from something with a Swift badge tacked to its rump, this all-new model proves even more frugal to run than ever before thanks to Suzuki’s thrifty new three-cylinder petrol powertrain.
Want to know more? Keen to get the lowdown on what makes our new Swift so special? Of course you do, this is why we’ve assembled all the answers to your most pressing questions.
You don’t mess with a winning recipe. With over nine million units sold globally since 2004, it’s clear the Swift’s youthful and energetic exterior styling is a big part of its all-round appeal. Cautious to do anything radically different, Suzuki’s designers instead evolved the popular and instantly recognisable shape of prior Swift models to hit home with a new audience.
Key revisions comprise restyled headlight clusters with L-shaped signature lamps; an oval radiator grille with a piano black finish and a muscular new bumper beset with a more pronounced lower intake. Adding extra front-end spice is a clamshell bonnet with shut-lines that blend effortlessly into the creased shoulder line. 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remain (elements essential to the ‘floating roof’ design), the hidden rear door handles of the outgoing model have been superseded by conventional units for improved useability.
Finishing touches to the wide-stanced fourth-generation Swift include a sculpted tailgate with an integrated hatch spoiler and high-level brake lamp; 3D LED tail light clusters and a new rear bumper with horizontal reflector panels either side of the licence plate aperture.
You bet there are. Climb inside the cabin of the fourth-generation Swift and you’ll discover a new wrap-around dashboard design with horizontal air vents and centre controls angled towards the driver for improved ergonomics.
Ahead of the multifunction steering wheel is a sporty and stylish metre instrument cluster combining refreshed analogue dials with either a colour or segment LCD display that lets you access a wide range of information at a glance, including average and instantaneous fuel consumption, driving range and – on flagship GLX models – power and torque.
Combining long-distance comfort with body-hugging support, the Swift’s redesigned front seats are upholstered in black fabric with an embossed centre panel design. 60:40 split folding rear seatbacks are standard as are numerous spaces to stash gear and other assorted paraphernalia. These include a glove box, front door pockets and a console box tray (ideal for smartphones). Cupholders? You will find two up front and one in the rear. An added bonus is the presence of four water bottle holders (one in each door).
Ticking the box on practicality, the Swift offers 265l of boot space expandable to 580l.
Of course it is. In fact a Swift simply wouldn’t be a Swift if it didn’t make you smile when faced with a sweeping string of corners – or a quick blast to the shops. In order to take this driver enjoyment to the next level, Suzuki has employed its latest ‘HEARTECT’ platform that delivers class-leading dynamics due to being both light and extremely rigid.
This means the fourth-generation Swift not only handles like a dream but, tipping the scales between 908kg and 945kg, has a lively power-to-weight ratio allowing for snappy acceleration and better responsiveness. Bolstered by recalibrated suspension (MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear) with optimised geometry, the new Swift adds excitement to even the most mundane drive.
A defining feature of the fourth-generation Swift is the introduction of Suzuki’s new Z12E 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine making 60kW at 5,700rpm and 112Nm or torque at 4,300rpm. Lighter and more compact than the outgoing four-cylinder motor, it offers strong performance right through the rev range courtesy multipoint fuel injection and four valves per cylinder.
It’s efficient too, returning a combined fuel consumption figure as low as 4.4l/100km or 22.72km/l – an 11% improvement over its predecessor. Subject to where you live in South Africa (inland or coastal) this means the new Swift offers running costs as low as 98c per kilometre (November 6 fuel hikes taken into account).
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).
The fourth-generation Swift offers a choice of three distinct model grades to help suit any budget. Riding on 14-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, the entry-level and manual-only Swift GL comes generously equipped with projector headlamps; digital air-conditioning controls, front and rear electric 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+. Immediately identifiable by its handsome 15-inch alloy wheels and available with either a manual or CVT transmission, this mid-tier model amps things up with the addition of a seven-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. This allows drivers to track and monitor their fuel usage in detail. Distraction-free access to key audio controls is provided by a multifunction steering wheel.
Sitting on 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, the flagship Swift GLX can be paired to both available transmissions and offers a substantial amount of extra features over its GL and GL+ stablemates. These include 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 nine-inch touchscreen, a pair of front tweeters and automatic folding side mirrors.
Proving Suzuki doesn’t skimp when it comes to safety, every Swift comes standard with six airbags (front, side and curtain); ABS brakes with EBD, Brake Assist Function, Electronic Stability Programme and rear ISOFIX anchors. In addition, all occupants now have access to three point seatbelts (two front, three rear) with audible/visual reminders.
Suzuki Auto South Africa believe the all-new fourth-generation Swift offers immense bang for your hard-earned buck.
Safe, frugal, exciting to look at and fun to drive, this is what each of the five Swift model variants will set you back.
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 two-year/30,000km service plan and five-year/200,000km promotional warranty.
Image supplied (The brand new Suzuki Swift launched in Cape Town).
