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Meet the all new @suzuki_za Swift sporting a rather cute face. Nice improvements from the outgoing model, in particular growth of the boot which which adds 54 litres to make it a decent 268 litres. Road trip anyone? Apart from looks, most compelling about the new Swift is the pricing which is as follows: 1.2 GA: R159,900; 1.2 GL (manual): R175 900 (launch special of R169,900) and 1.2 GL (automatic): R189,900. #suzuki #newsuzukiswift #suzukiswift #AllTheRightFeels #wayoflife #dzire #suzukidzire #sedan #hatchback #hatch #newcar #hotel #travel #durban #kwazulunatal #wedotourism #idotourism 📸 @sia_mhlongo

A post shared by The Car People (@khulekani_on_wheels) on Jun 7, 2018 at 4:52am PDT

Suzuki has been rocking the South African car scene for a while now. In fact, things are pretty good at Suzuki. The marquee’s car sales have been growing at a rapid pace despite the overall slow growth in the market. Suzuki has also bagged a couple awards and currently holds Cars.co.za Consumer Awards for Budget Car of the Year, Compact Family SUV of the Year and Brand of the year (this is for the second year running). So, when we got the invitation to attend the launch of the new Swift, we were pretty excited as the latter is big news for the brand globally (representing roughly 30% of all Suzuki sales globally with more than 6 million units having been sold) and locally (having sold over 19 000 units to date).

New Swift

The new Swift has been designed off a new platform and has grown in size. The new model is 10 mm shorter and 40 mm wider. The wheelbase has been stretched by 20 mm to 2 450 mm. This has growth has resulted in more cabin space, back passengers now have 23 mm of additional head room, while front occupants benefit the most from the additional body width with 10 mm extra shoulder room. Perhaps the most important growth for the Swift is the growth of the boot which has grown by 58 litres to a welcomed 268 litres. This luggage space will grow even further with the fitment of a 60/40 split and foldable rear bench seat on the GL model.

Looks

The new Swift joins a highly competitive segment where looks matter and the new Swift does not disappoint in this area. The new Swift has bigger and more pronounced headlights, blacked-out A- and B-pillars and sloping roof. The rear door handles have been integrated into in the C-pillar giving the car distinct and stylish look. At the front, the all-new Swift has a new grille with large Suzuki badge and a wide and narrow secondary grille. At the rear, the luggage door has an integrated bulge that rounds off the shoulder line, while an additional high-level LED stop lamp is integrated into the discreet roof-spoiler. The rear brake lights also incorporate LED technology.

From the outside, the GL-models can be distinguished from the entry level GA models by their wheel cover design, colour-coded side mirrors with integrated turn signals and the addition of front fog lights.

Range

The Suzuki Swift will be available in three model derivatives. At entry level is the GA model with features such as air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchors and two airbags. The GL models build on this by offering colour-coded side mirrors, front fog lamps, a Suzuki audio system with steering-mounted controls and a rear luggage cover. Additionally the GL models are distinguishable from the GA model by offering full wheel covers and being available with the choice of 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic gearbox.

Drive

We drove the car in and around Durban. The little engine carries the Swift very well. The car seemed spirited and eager to go on the highway. Overtaking was not a chore with the odd shift down required. City driving was where the car impressed us most. It may have grown in size but it is still very compact and that mattered when we had to change lanes in traffic. The engine was also good on take-off and the ride quality was decent on both harsh city roads and the highway. Suzuki has worked on noise cancellation but it could be quieter in there. Millennials may also have issues with the sound quality of the stereo. It is adequate but lags behind what some competitors offer. This is not a deal breaker for us considering the overall value proposition of the new Swift.

The Swift retains its K12M engine. The engine delivers 61 kW and 113 Nm. The engine is offered in a five speed manual and an automatic with the same number of gears. The new Swift’s fuel consumption is claimed to be at 4.9 litres per 100 km.

Pricing

Suzuki Swift 1.2 GA Manual – R159,900
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL Manual – R175,900
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL AMT – R189,900

All models are sold with Suzuki’s 5-year/200 000 km mechanical warranty and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan.

The Suzuki Dzire

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We are in Durban for the launch of the @suzuki_za Swift and Dzire. The Swift is priced from R159,900 whilst the Dzire is priced from R161,900. We are glad Suzuki has decided to retain the Dzire as there few sedans offerings for the customers in this segment. more. #suzuki #newsuzukiswift #suzukiswift #AllTheRightFeels #wayoflife #dzire #suzukidzire #sedan #hatchback #hatch #newcar #hotel #travel #durban #kwazulunatal #wedotourism #idotourism 📸 @sia_mhlongo

A post shared by The Car People (@khulekani_on_wheels) on Jun 7, 2018 at 4:45am PDT

The Swift was launched alongside the Dzire model. Previously a sedan version of the Swift, the sedan Dzire is now a stand-alone car. The retention by Suzuki of this sedan is to be welcomed as sedan options for consumers in this segment are limited. The Dzire also gains in size with the boot getting a bit bigger. Like the Swift, consumers will also find its pricing to be particularly attractive:

Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GA Manual – R161,900
Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL Manual – R177,900
Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL AMT – R191,900

The Suzuki Dzire is sold with a 5-year/200 000 km mechanical warranty and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan.