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The Suzuki Swift, South Africa’s top award-winning Budget Car of the Year, has a fresh, new look and extra specifications to boot.

The current generation Suzuki Swift was introduced in South Africa in 2018 and has since become a bestseller. Along the way, it has notched up Car of the Year nominations and awards in Europe, Japan and South Africa.

For its midlife upgrade, Suzuki designers have decided to retain the overall visual signature, with only minor refreshments to the Swift’s familiar face. The new model features a distinctive chrome line that divides the grille into a section with the large Suzuki emblem and a lower section that holds the front number plate. The grille itself has a more distinctive mesh pattern that emphasises the sporty nature, and the GL and GLX models are fitted with front fog lights.

Speaking of the different model upgrades, the entry-level GA model now has new, full wheel covers and rear parking sensors as standard. Step up to the GL and there are also new rear parking sensors and the option of new dual-tone colour schemes. The range-topping GLX also adds a high-resolution reverse camera that displays its image on the touchscreen infotainment system. On the GLX, you can specify any of the tone-colour options and receive new, attractive 15-inch polished alloy wheels.

Suzuki has placed an emphasis on vehicle safety and security. For instance, all Automated Manual Models (AMTs) now receive Hill Hold Assist as standard. The most significant addition to the Swift range is Electronic Stability Control (ESP). This valuable safety feature will be added across all Swift models to the already-standard list of safety equipment, which includes SRS front and passenger airbags, ABS-brakes with emergency brake assistance (BA) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

All models are also equipped with ISOFIX anchor points for child restraint systems, central locking, safety belts fitted with pre-tensioners and force limiters, and an immobiliser and alarm system.

Unfortunately, it is not all a bed of roses – safety body GlobalNCAP crash tested the Swift, picking a model from an Indian Suzuki production line, the country that supplies our market too. The result? The Swift received a two-star rating, as its bodyshell integrity was deemed unstable. Unfortunately, no enhancements were made to the updated model on the structural front.

With the popularity of dual-tone, you can now option your Swift accordingly. These are Fire Red with a Black roof, Midnight Blue Pearl with a White roof and Arctic White Pearl with a Black roof.

The Suzuki 1.2-L engine remains, using variable valve technology to deliver 61 kW at 6 000 rpm and 112 Nm at 4 200 rpm. The highly efficient engine is rated to consume only 4.9 litres per 100km in a combined testing cycle.

Following the range upgrade, the Swift can rightly claim to be one of the best specced vehicles in its class. 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.

In addition, the GLX has also added electric folding side mirrors. This model, in manual or AMT, also has Suzuki’s high-resolution colour touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a reverse camera.

Pricing

1.2 GA Manual R176 900

1.2 GL Manual R194 900

1.2 GL AMT R209 900

1.2 GLX Manual R213 900

1.2 GLX AMT R229 900

Service and Warranty

Every Suzuki Swift is sold with a 2-year / 30 000km service plan and a 5-year /

200 000km promotional warranty.

www.suzukiauto.co.za