You must know how much I love the Suzuki Swift and yesterday, at my first launch since becoming a mom in February, I was reminded of just why I love this car so much.
SUZUKI FTW
Not only is Suzuki the fastest growing car brand in South Africa, but Suzuki Auto South Africa is also among the top 10 distributors outside of Japan. That is pretty huge. And when the rest of the world was falling a part in 2020, Suzuki had its best year yet in terms of sales. And they welcomed their 100 000th customer. Suzuki has an incredible reputation for after-sales service so if you’re ever tossing up between a Suzuki product and something else, give the Suzuki another glance.
MAKE IT SWIFT
The first Swift arrived in 2008 and it has been a damn good seller ever since. We then got the current generation in 2018 and now, for its mid-life cycle, it has received a minor update. The front grille has been redesigned and now has some chrome accents to make it all look a little more flashy. There are also some really cool dual-tone colour options available on the GL and GLX models.
The entry level GA model now has full wheel covers and just in case you thought the Swift couldn’t get any better, rear parking sensors have now been added as standard across the entire range. But wait, there’s more. The whole range also now gets Electronic Stability Control which means the chances of getting in to an accident are not that great. There are also dual front airbags and ABS with EBD.
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING
The range-topping GLX comes with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a reverse camera. All models feature electric windows, air conditioning and central locking, with the GL models adding fog lamps, an audio system with USB and AUX inputs, a tachometer and electrically adjustable mirrors. The GLX models replace the standard air conditioning with climate control, add keyless access with a Start/Stop button and replace the 14” wheels with polished 15” alloys and it has electric folding side mirrors.
THINKING OUT LOUD
The Swift is not only comfortable (the seats are noticeably comfy), but it is just a hoot to drive. The 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produces 61 kW and 112 Nm of torque and it is nippy AF around town. I took it along Clarens Drive yesterday and yinna but you can whiz around those corners. When my driving partner, Wheels24 editor Janine Van Der Post, was behind the wheel, I had to ask her to take it easy because I was starting to feel a bit naar. I could just blame it on her driving, but we all know that she is damn good driver so it I have to blame the fact that the car actually has quite a bit of gusto.
Throw in a claimed fuel consumption of just 4.9l/100 km and you’ve got yourself a winner. Speaking of winners, the Swift has notched up Car of the Year nominations and awards in Europe, Japan and South Africa. I mean, come on! What more do you need to know? If you are in the market for a budget car, then look no further than the Swift. The price is right. The product is damn excellent. And the brand is smashing it out of the park.
PRICING OF THE UPDATED SUZUKI SWIFT
Every Suzuki Swift is sold with a two-year / 30 000 km service plan and a five-year / 200 000 km promotional warranty.
- 1.2 GA Manual: R180 900
- 1.2 GL Manual: R199 900
- 1.2 GL AMT: R214 900
- 1.2 GLX Manual: R218 900
- 1.2 GLX AMT: R234 900
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