Suzuki’s B-segment hatch, the Swift, which is also effectively its most important model, has just been redeveloped to stay ahead of the pack nipping at its heels.
It was made public at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami in August, revealing a fresh design, new engine and all-new CVT option.
There are five models in the new Suzuki Swift range. They range from the entry-level Swift 1.2 GL with manual transmission, to the range topping 1.2 GLX CVT. Pricing has been kept tight, giving good value for money.
In some ways the Swift is the flagship of the range in South Africa, where more than 85 000 have been sold since the original local launch in 2008.
This fourth generation model in SA gets the Z12E naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine that delivers 60 kW and 112 Nm through a five-speed box.
Suzuki claim a fuel consumption of 4,4 F/100 km, but expect to get just below 5 F/100 km.
The new Swift is 20 mm longer with a 265-litre boot, which now features a more versatile 60:40 rear bench split, and access is lower than before.
The interior appears to be slightly more premium than the outgoing model and specification is a step up from the previous models.
The whole range now has power steering, digital climate control, a digital information display in the instrument cluster, three-point seatbelts for all five occupants, rear LED tail lamps with a high-mounted LED stop lamp, an immobiliser and alarm, rear parking sensors as well as electrically adjustable and foldable side mirrors.
Standard across the entire range is electric windows on all four doors, a height adjustable driver’s seat and a rear bench that can fold in a 60/40 configuration.
From a safety point of view all models in the new Suzuki Swift line-up have six airbags as standard, as well as Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), hill hold control and emergency brake assist. Add to this ISOFIX tethering points at the rear and you have one of the safest and best-equipped vehicles in the B-class hatch category.
Prices are as follows:
. 1.2 GL Manual: R219 900;
. 1.2 GL+ Manual: R239 900;
. 1.2 GL+ CVT: R259 900;
. 1.2 GLX Manual: R264 900; and
. 1.2 GLX CVT: R284 900.
Car magazine got to test a pre-production unit and had this to say: “Suzuki hasn’t strayed far from the formula that made the previous Swift such a success, rather smoothing out some of the less resolved areas, working on refinement, and adding some welcome features to already good levels of standard specification. Factor in competitive pricing, and it looks as though they might well have another winner on their hands.”
We will be testing the new Swift early November and give readers a full review with driving impressions then.
