Suzuki’s all-new Swift has arrived in South Africa and represents the evolution of one of the most popular B-segment hatchbacks. The fourth-generation Swift builds on the strengths of its best-selling predecessor with fresh exterior styling, a revamped interior, advanced digitisation and upgraded safety features.
Evolved exterior
With over nine million units sold globally since 2004, the Swift’s youthful and energetic exterior styling is a large part of its appeal, which is why designers chose to evolve the popular and instantly recognisable shape as opposed to drastically updating the styling.
Key revisions include 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. A new clamshell bonnet features shut lines that blend effortlessly into the creased shoulder line. While the iconic blacked out A/B pillars remain, the hidden rear door handles have been replaced by conventional units for improved usability.
The wide stanced Swift now also features a sculpted tailgate with an integrated hatch spoiler and high-level brake lamp, 3D LED taillight clusters and a new rear bumper which incorporates horizontal reflector panels on each side of the number plate.
Updated interior
The interior has been updated with a new wrap around dashboard design featuring horizontal air vents and centre controls angled towards the driver for improved ergonomics.
Behind the multifunction steering wheel is a sporty and stylish instrument cluster that combines analogue dials with either a colour or segmented LCD display and which offers a wide variety of information at a glance, including average and instantaneous fuel consumption, driving range and on GLX models, power and torque.
The redesigned front seats are upholstered in black fabric with an embossed centre panel design. 60:40 split folding rear seat backs are standard as are numerous spaces for storing everyday items. Boot capacity measures 265 litres which is expandable to 580 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Refreshed drivetrain and underpinnings
The new Swift is based on Suzuki’s latest Heartect platform which delivers class leading dynamics due to it being both light and extremely rigid. Weighing between 908 and 945kg, the Swift continues to offer a lively power to weight ratio. The MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension has been recalibrated and features optimised geometry to ensure the Swift retains its fun to drive nature.
Under the bonnet is a new 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that offers 60kW at 5 700rpm and 112Nm at 4 300rpm. It is efficient too, returning a combined fuel consumption figure as low as 4,4 litres/100km. This engine can be paired with either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission.
Three model grades
The new Swift is available in three model grades ensuring that there is a model for every budget. The entry level Swift GL is equipped with a manual gearbox and rides on 14-inch steel wheels with plastic covers and is 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.
The Swift GL+ is recognisable by 15-inch alloy wheels and is available with either a manual or CVT transmission. Standard specification includes a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system wired to four speakers and compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is also linked to a rearview camera as well as Suzuki’s Vehicle Alerts system with fuel consumption monitoring.
The flagship Swift GLX rides on 15-inch diamond cut alloy wheels and can be paired with both of the available transmissions and offers a substantial amount of extra features over its GL and GL+ stablemates including automatic LED projector headlamps, 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, that features paddle shifters on CVT variants and a nine-inch touchscreen.
Updated safety equipment
All Swift models come standard with six airbags, ABS brakes with EBD, Brake Assist Function, Electronic Stability Programme and rear Isofix anchors as well as three-point seatbelts with audible/visual reminders for all occupants.
Model range and pricing
Pricing includes a two-year/30 000km service plan and a five-year/200 000km promotional warranty.
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
