Whether it is used for urban trips to zip through traffic or longer journeys, the Suzuki Swift has always been a reliable choice and with a new look and platform the all-new Swift is ready to continue its legacy.
The Suzuki Swift has been a good seller for the brand in South Africa and hopes are that the third generation model can pull off a repeat performance. It has already made waves abroad, winning awards such as the RJC Car of the Year in Japan, the Scottish Compact Car of the Year and being named a top three finalist of the World Urban Car of the Year.
“The all-new Swift has big shoes to fill. It follows on two generations of our most popular model, which had sold over 19 000 units to date. In fact, the previous Swift was so popular that it reached its peak sales volume of 2 966 units in 2017,” André Venter, Divisional Manager for sales and marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa was quoted to have said.
The 2018 Suzuki Swift is characterised by a new fresh look and an all-new platform. Physically, it is 10 mm shorter, but 40 mm wider. Both tracks have been widened; the front by 40 mm and the rear by 35 mm.
The entire wheelbase has been extended by 20 mm to 2 450 mm, making the new Swift almost as long as the Suzuki Ciaz sedan. These dimension changes mean interior space has been increased and Suzuki claims that rear passengers now have a bit more headroom in the back.
Front passengers benefit from more shoulder room and everyone sits a little lower down, giving it a sportier feel. For the 2018 model, Suzuki’s designers have integrated and reinterpreted this visual signature and added new styling elements such as rear door handles in the C-pillar. This makes the new model both completely new and completely Swift.
One of the criticisms of past Swifts was the small luggage capacity. This has been increased to 268 litres (a 58-litre increase) and the seats fold down in a 60/40 split.
Furthermore, one of the biggest benefits of this all-new platform is weight reduction and Suzuki claims its new Swift is 95 kg lighter than the outgoing model.
All models in the range are well stocked, featuring all the basics like aircon, remote central locking, power steering and dual airbags.
When it comes to engines the Swift is powered by the same 1,2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine as the outgoing car. It has built a reputation of punch and fuel consumption. The 1,2-litre normally aspirated petrol engine produces 61 kW and 113 Nm, which is 2 kW less than before, but the new Swift more than makes up for that with a kerb weight that’s about 85 kg lighter – tipping the scales at a paltry 875 kg.
Fuel consumption is rated at 4,9 litre per 100 km and has a fuel tank capacity of 37 litres. You have the choice of either a five-speed manual gearbox or an Automated Manual Gearbox (AMT). An AMT behaves much like a manual gearbox except the operation of the clutch is controlled by the vehicle.
For more information or to book a test drive visit BB Group Suzuki Polokwane at 90 Landdros Maré Street or contact them on 015 297 0140.
Story: RC Myburgh
>>rc.observer@gmail.com
