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This week we are in the recently updated @suzuki Swift 1.2 GL. The Swift GL has grown in terms of size with its longer wheelbase and wider track, which grow by 20-mm and 40-mm respectively. However, it is shorter than the previous generation. The shorter stance enables the 66kW and 113Nm Swift to be more agile on road. It’s also packed with a goodie bag of standard features while maintaining its budget price tag of R175,900. The pleasing standard features include; front fog lights, electrically adjustable side mirrors, USB/auxiliary ports, audio system with Bluetooth support, electronic windows (all-round) and a multi-functional steering wheel, just to mention a few. This should be great news for the consumer as South Africa enters a “technical recession”. @salaontop #suzuki #suzukiswift #swift #AllTheRightFeels #hatch #hatchback #budgetcar #budgetbeater #car #japanesecar #madeinindia #makeindia #india #quality 📸 @salaontop

A post shared by The Car People (@khulekani_on_wheels) on Sep 4, 2018 at 10:26pm PDT

By Sala Masindane

Suzuki is no longer just the brand next door but is staking its claim as one of the brands to be reckoned with in the South African automobile industry. Their offering has broadened and is giving the competition a run for its money. The Swift is arguably the most popular choice in Suzuki’s offerings based on the 20,000 units sold in the country since it came to the local market. We spent time with the second generation 1.2 GL Swift recently to see if it has what it takes to fill up the shoes of its popular predecessor.

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Exterior

Much has changed in the new Swift but it also retains the formula of the previous generation. This makes sense. Why would Suzuki mess with a winning formula. That said, there are many changes that have been made to the new Swift. There is a smarter looking front end that is dominated by a larger grille with the proud Suzuki badge. The wheel arches have been beefed up and the distinctive rear lights have grown larger as well.

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The growth in size of the new Swift is not only cosmetic but also addresses one of the major challenges of the previous the generation – boot space. This grows dramatically in the second generation and this should make the car even more competitive.
Overall, the outgoing and fresh design of the Swift will make it appeal to a broader pool of individuals. Those who were considering bigger options will certainly give the new Swift a second look.

Interior

If you step in the front the 1.2 GL, you will be greeted by modern amenities steering controls and electrical windows. The dash is functional. All is in not lost as a cellphone tray is included, which is close to the charging port and is handy for those with shorter charging cables. Close to the tray are two cup holders that can carry medium sized cups. The front door bins are decently sized should more storage space be required. Once you hop in the back of the Swift, you do note the growth and space that is offered with the new Swift. This is probably due to its boxier shape, which has increased the legroom and the headroom for the occupants at the rear. Traveling with three people at the back proved to be easy.

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Drive

The Swift retains the efficient 1.2 K12M with 66kW. The 5 speed engine has smooth gear shifts. The fun to drive Swift offers a fair amount of driver involvement and it surprised again with its ‘changing the lanes’ attitude, which was great for the motorway driving. It does labour a bit if occupied by 5 passengers but that will be solved by changing the down now and again. One thing that Suzuki has managed to get spot on in the new Swift (writing this as the petrol price is about to get to R17/L) is the low fuel consumption. We drove the Swift everywhere but the fuel gauge did not move, and we managed a good 5.1l/100 km which close to the claimed 4.9l/100 km. For R175,900, the Swift is a good overall package and should not find it hard to emulate the success of the previous generation.

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