Competing in the B-Segment is equivalent to creating a shortlist based on the VW Polo Vivo, which dominated the first quarter, moving an impressive 6 600 odd units.
This statement is limpid by the South African consumer’s love for the brand.
My last sampling of the Volkswagen Polo was the Vivo in its “Msweko” guise, and the conclusion I reached was from a price vs specification point for a locally-manufactured vehicle.
I think VW isn’t doing enough to keep it fresh, but the consumer at this point and its burning desire for brand appeal drive these substantial numbers.
For VW, the competition is good in this segment and only improves with the new Renault Clio on the way, but won’t compete by virtue of price given the Sandero. The trusty Ford Fiesta makes this argument compelling, and the brilliant Toyota Starlet, which is cheaper and uniformly ‘stablemate’, the Baleno is and always has been a fantastic thing.
Suzuki has been authentically in putting a lot of work into their products, and the numbers show this. In March, almost 750 units of their top-selling Swift found new homes.
With this bullish approach to the South African market from a price, value and vehicle spec level, it’s easy to understand why they claimed 9% of the total market for the first quarter with almost 2 400 units sold.
The Swift, in its updated 3rd Generation, is ready to shake things up even further with new equipment, a facelifted grille and pricing that may create a problem for even A-segment vehicles to which the Swift easily trumps.
What’s new?
The key difference here is the front end, featuring a chrome-accented front grille, a new, more prominent Suzuki front badge and foglights on the GL and GLX models.
Top Spec GLX variations now feature the choice of three two-tone paint schemes, namely Fire Red and Arctic White Pearl with a Black Roof or a Midnight Blue with a White Roof.
Spec and Trim
The range consists of three trims GA, GL, GLX, all powered by a single 1.2-litre engine, producing 61 kW and 112 Nm. The entry-level GA is exclusively available with a 5-speed manual, with the GL and GLX gaining the option for a 5-speed auto.
The GA now adds a parcel self for the rear boot deck, rear park distance control and full wheel covers. The mid-spec GL gains Fog lamps, A Touch Screen Audio system with Andriod Auto, CarPlay and Mirror link, USB and AUX.
Toping the list is the GLX which features Automatic climate control, 15-inch alloy wheels, electric mirrors and keyless entry and start.
What’s it like to drive?
The cabin is a large and roomy space for a compact car. Finding a driving position is simplistic, and being just under 6″ Foot and sitting comfortably behind myself is not something I can say about all cars in this class.
The electronic steering is light and perfectly matched for city driving.
The engine is peppy and likes to rev and builds speed rather well; it’s characterful- a word I’ve used before when driving the Baleno and other Suzuki products.
I had a previous complaint of wind noise and refinement levels at higher speeds where higher revs make the cabin a bit noisy.
Still, its evident work has been put into this department, and there are serious issues for this car’s competition. Peepy, egger and confidence-inspiring in suitable conditions, this is a great little car and always has been, and more should and will be on the roads.
Suzuki has fuel consumption down to a science and is incredibly frugal; I still managed very early 5’s and believe the claimed 4.9 is possible when not on a somewhat spirited jaunt.
The most significant addition to the Swift range is safety features like Traction Control and Electronic Stability programs, which are a massive deal on SA roads and given the value point this car comes in.
Yes, the argument of why we get the India-built version with a lower 2-Star Crash safety rating argument comes up, but consider this for a moment. The base GA price is R180 900, less than some A-segment cars and offers far more safety, space and value.
The cheapest version of the most selling car in the country and a significant rival to the Swift, the base Vivo 1.4 Trendline starts at R220 300,00. As a fun fact, when crash tested, the SA Vivo scored 3-Stars and offers none of the spec and far higher insurance.
Sixty-one dealers in SA, totalling 72 with neighbouring countries Suzuki invest a lot of time and effort into understanding our markets and shows in its products.
Pricing
- 1.2 GA MT R180,900
- 1.2 GL MT R199,900
- 1.2 GL AMT R214,900
- 1.2 GLX MT R218,900
- 1.2 GLX AMT R234,900
Every Swift is sold with a Standard 2-year / 30,000 km service plan and a 5-year / 200,000 km promotional warranty.
