Suzuki’s new Swift remains a lightweight wonder, but the changes feel substantial.
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Fast Facts
- Price: R264 900
- Engine: 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, petrol
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Power: 60 kW
- Torque: 112 N.m
- Driven wheels: Front
- 0-100 km/h: n/a
- CO2: 102 g/km
- Fuel consumption: 4.4 L/100 km
What we’re driving and why is the Suzuki Swift significant?
The Swift is widely considered the backbone of Suzuki’s product portfolio. Since its inception in the early 80s, more than nine million units have been sold worldwide and, locally, the three generations of Swift have accounted for 85 660 of the 255 000 vehicles sold by the company’s South African arm since 2008. Perennially, our experiences with Suzuki’s B-segment hatch have seen the team praising its lightweight yet sturdy construction, nimble and engaging dynamics, and the strong value proposition it represents – attributes that have helped the outgoing model rank among the top-ten bestselling vehicles in this country since its arrival in 2018. With this in mind, we drove a pre-production example of the new Swift GLX to see if it had the goods to perpetuate its predecessor’s impressive run of form.
What’s new on the Suzuki Swift?
The new Swift is underpinned by a mildly reworked version of the previous car’s HEARTECT platform, and while the overall stance – incorporating a generous glasshouse and short overhangs – echoes that of its predecessor, the styling is altogether more grown up; the former’s billowy sheet metal and touches such as the C-pillar-integrated rear door handles making way for standard rear handles and a tauter, more angular aesthetic. The new car is 20 mm longer and access to the 265-litre boot, which now features a more versatile 60:40 rear bench split, is lower than before. The GLX model’s 15-inch diamond-cut alloys and LED daytime-running lights further give the impression of a move upmarket.
Inside, the facia, which now features a tiered layout similar to that of the Baleno. In addition to a colour TFT display between the rev and speedometer dials serving up information such as trip, engine outputs, and even momentum, the GLX plays host to a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the materials in the new car still primarily comprise hard plastics, they are of a denser gauge and feel more premium, set as they are in a cabin that feels solidly constructed.
Standard specification has taken an appreciable step up. Across the range, the new Swift features electric windows and mirrors, parking sensors, driver’s seat height adjustment, and an uprated suite of safety features that includes three-point seatbelts all round, six airbags (up from two) and hill-hold assist. The mid-spec GL+ adds a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, 15-inch alloy wheels and the options of a CVT transmission and two-tone paint schemes. In addition to those bicolour alloys, LED running lights and uprated infotainment system, moving up to the range-topping GLX sees the inclusion of keyless entry and ignition, auto lights, cruise control, reverse camera, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
What does the new Suzuki Swift cost?
- Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL MT – R219 900
- Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ MT – R239 900
- Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT – R259 900
- Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLx MT – R264 900
- Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT – R284 900
Related: All-New Suzuki Swift Priced from R219 900!
What is the new Suzuki Swift like to drive?
The previous Swift’s nimble, yet balanced driving characteristics have been carried over to the new car, but there are marked improvements in terms of comfort and refinement. Improvements in exterior seam sealing and the more generous application of sound-deadening materials do a noticeable job of suppressing the road- and wind noise that permeated the previous car’s cabin at higher speeds.
The front suspension has been revised to serve up a more resolved ride than before, aiding the car’s stability and imparting a more planted feeling than its predecessor. The steering retains its light-but-direct gearing, which combines with an absorbent ride to make the newcomer both engaging and fuss-free to pilot. As before, that light frame and close-set gearing between first and third impart a pleasing sense of nippiness round town.
The proven 1.2-litre, four-cylinder K12 engine has made way for an all-new naturally aspirated three-cylinder unit developing 60 kW at 5 700 r/min and 112 N.m at 4 300 r/min. In typical Suzuki fashion, it feels eager to spool up and keeping it in the power band is a cinch, thanks to a snappy 5-speed ‘box and light, easily modulated clutch. It’s only when tackling sustained uphills and speeds in excess of 140 km/h that the engine feels a little thin on torque, and maintaining momentum requires stirring the ‘box down a cog or two.
During our drive, the start/stop system proved a little slow to turn the engine over at times but it did contribute to an impressive average fuel consumption figure of just 4.7 L/100 km.
What are the Suzuki Swift’s rivals?
The Swift’s keen pricing has been a perennial strong point, and Suzuki’s ability to bring the new car in at a small premium over the outgoing model bodes well for its success. It will nonetheless face stiff competition from the likes of Volkswagen’s recently updated Polo Vivo Hatch (R266 300 – R356 000) which remains a quality product with strong brand cachet but struggles to match the Suzuki’s value proposition. Kia’s Picanto has also been updated recently and is a similarly stylish and pleasing little hatchback (R260 995 – R302 995) but still can’t match the Swift’s impressive pricing.
Verdict
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.
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