A decade ago, Suzuki hatchbacks were not seen as much as they are today. In the past decade, the Japanese manufacturer has done an incredible job of getting their compact cars onto every street in South Africa. The Swift arrived in SA in 2008, then saw a new model in 2011 and the current one in 2018. 30% of Suzuki's sales in this country are Swifts and globally, over 6 million units have been sold. And there has to be a good reason for that…
Suzuki's K12M four-cylinder petrol delivers 61kW/113Nm. The new Swift's fuel consumption is rated at a highly respectable 4.9 litres/100km, giving its 37-litre tank a range of over 750km!
The GA models feature a five-speed manual gearbox, while the GL-models offer a choice between the same five-speed manual gearbox or five-speed Automated Manual Gearbox.
The GA-model is an entry-level option and is equipped with air conditioning, front and rear power windows, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchors and two airbags. The GL-model offers features like colour-coded side mirrors, front fog lights, an audio system with steering-mounted controls and a rear luggage cover.
In terms of safety, this hatchback has it all: the new Swift is built on Suzuki's HEARTECT platform which integrates with Suzuki's Total Effective Control Technology (TECT), improving crash safety. It is designed to integrate active and passive safety systems, including the two front airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and ISOFIX seat anchors.
With Suzuki dealerships popping up everywhere and parts being readily available, the Suzuki Swift's running costs are relatively low, making it easy to understand why this hatchback has gained such popularity.