The Suzuki Swift & Dzire Thread

Platform choices for new Suzuki Swift

Update or redesign? That is the question for Suzuki.

Suzuki has unquestionably taken the status of Japan’s ascending automotive brand. The company now handsomely outranks Honda in the South African market, by sales volume.

Although much of Suzuki’s global success is now built on cheap emerging market vehicles and a selection of crossovers, the company’s Swift remains a source of product pride.

The current Suzuki Swift has been on sale since 2017 and it is due to be replaced by next year. With the automotive industry undergoing its greatest transformation in history, Suzuki’s engineers and product planners are poised to make some crucial decisions, regarding the next Swift’s specification.

 
TOP 12 USED BUY: Suzuki Swift wins small car title

Now that the winners of our annual Top 12 Best Buys Used Cars awards have been revealed (grab a copy of the April 2021 issue of CAR magazine for the full article), we can take a look at the individual categories.

Yes, another Suzuki, just a bit larger. The Toyota Yaris is above our budget limit, so the fourth-generation Swift with its increased body size but reduced weight fits the bill.

Engine size was reduced from 1,4 to 1,2 litres. The company could have opted to go the three-cylinder, turbo route but chose not to.


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Facelifted Suzuki Swift launched in SA with upgraded spec

Suzuki has kept things subtle with its facelifted Swift hatchback, but the midlife upgrade also ushers in some spec enhancements, albeit on the back of a R5000 price increase across the range.

The major visual difference comes in the form of a new grille, which replaces the previous horizontal slats with a mesh pattern, while a chrome bar now separates the upper and lower sections. Furthermore, the GL and GLX models also now offer the option of two-tone exterior paint schemes, these being Midnight Blue Pearl with a white roof and Fire Red or White Pearl with a black roof. This is in addition to the seven single-tone colour options that are available across the range.

On the spec front, the Swift GA base model gains plastic wheel covers to cover up those 14” steelies that gave it a somewhat rudimentary look. Another welcome addition in the entry model is the fitment of a parcel shelf, and all models are now equipped with parking sensors and ESP stability control.

All models are sold with a five-year/200 000km “promotional” warranty and two-year/30 000km service plan.

SUZUKI SWIFT PRICES

1.2 GA manual - R180 900

1.2 GL manual - R199 900

1.2 GL AMT - R214 900

1.2 GLX manual - R218 900

1.2 GLX AMT - R234 900


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Suzuki Swift (2021) Launch Review

Suzuki – the fastest-growing automotive brand in the country – has updated its top-selling model, the Swift. We headed out to Gordon’s Bay to give it a whirl.

What’s new on the Suzuki Swift?

Even Suzuki regards this update to its popular compact hatchback/budget car as "minor". The revision incorporates a few new colours (including some 2-tone options on the GLX derivatives) and a new 15-inch alloy wheel design. If you have a look at the front grille, you’ll notice the addition of a chrome strip that looks a little like a French moustache... that’s also part of the update.

A big move on the safety front is the inclusion of electronic stability control across the range. Hill-start assist is now included on the AMT (automated manual) derivatives, which makes the task of pulling away on an incline a much simpler affair. Rear parking sensors have been added to GA and GL versions, while the GLX is additionally fitted with a reverse-view camera.

Summary

This update to the Suzuki Swift incorporates changes that really are minor, but it was certainly worthwhile to add electronic stability control to the local line-up... A safer car is a better car. Obviously, Suzuki didn’t want to mess with its winning Swift formula, or the range's price list, for that matter, so it remains a great buy and excellent value-for-money proposition for those shopping in the budget-car segment.


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DRIVEN: Suzuki Swift 1,2 GA

Dynamically, as expected, the Swift retains its characterful persona. Thanks to an electrically assisted steering system, inputs are minimal and feedback is responsive. The drivetrain, although noisy in the higher revs, is lively and complemented by the well-spaced out five-speed manual gearbox.

With all the basics well-thought out and refined with commendable approachability, the facelifted Suzuki Swift brings welcomed additions to the range with a minimal increase in price.

Fast Facts

Model:Suzuki Swift 1,2 GA
Price:R180 900
Engine:1,2-litre, four-cylinder, petrol
Power:61 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque:112 N.m @ 4 200 r/min
0-100 km/h:12,0 seconds
Top Speed:170 km/h
Fuel Consumption:4,9 L/100 km
CO2:116 g/km
Transmission:Five-speed manual
Maintenance Plan:Two-year/30 000 km service

 

FIRST DRIVE | Safety concerns take the shine off new 2021 Suzuki Swift - Times Live​

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The Swift and SX4 jointly spearheaded proceedings when Suzuki made a re-entry to the South African market more than a decade ago. And while the latter nameplate has taken a bow, the former has become a genuine sales mainstay for the Japanese manufacturer on SA soil.

No mystery why, when you consider that its virtues mesh perfectly with the basic requirements of the average motorist in our country. The demand for affordability, low running costs, healthy specification levels and attractive styling will never go out of fashion.

Which are all hallmarks delivered on faithfully by the Swift. The model was treated to an (extremely) subtle revision this month and we sampled it in Johannesburg.

It was a pleasant reacquaintance: many positives were uttered after the initial launch back in 2018, about the way it drove, overall interior quality and competitive pricing.

One glaring negative emerged, however.

In September that year, safety body GlobalNCAP crash tested the Swift, picking a model from an Indian Maruti Suzuki production line, the country that supplies our market too.

The test vehicle was equipped with dual frontal airbags, safety-belt pre-tensioners, Isofix anchorages and anti-lock brakes, but only mustered a two-star rating. Bodyshell integrity was deemed unstable.

Unfortunately, no enhancements were made to the updated model on the structural front.

The only safety update for 2021 is the inclusion of electronic stability control across the range, supplementing the provision of driver and passenger airbags as well as anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

...

As before, the Swift has plenty going for it. But that GlobalNCAP result is hard to ignore, no matter how eloquently or dismissively brand spin doctors might try to dance around it when asked.


 
Beware when buying a Swift.

The standard 165/80/14 tires are not available and very difficult to find. The 165/80/14 are OEM for the two cheaper variants.

On the expensive newer GLX they have different mags and tires so that's not an issue except I wouldn't put 185's on a vehicle that weights 900kg because it will airplane on any puddle IMO.

Do your homework when buying a vehicle and check the OEM equipment is readily available.
 
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX (2021) Review

Fast Facts

Model Tested: Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX
Price: R218 900 (April 2021)
Engine: 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol
Power/Torque: 61 kW and 113 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Fuel efficiency: 4.9 L/100 km
Load space: 268-579-953 litres

How much does the Suzuki Swift cost in South Africa?

The 1.2-litre derivatives in the Suzuki Swift range start from R180 900 and go up to R234 900. Our test unit was a 1.2 GLX manual, which costs R218 900, including a 2-year/30 000 km service plan and a 5-year/200 000 km manufacturer warranty.

Verdict

The changes to the Suzuki Swift might be minor, to say the least, but the addition of stability control makes the package hard to beat. We also like the dual-tone paint option; it adds some personalisation –and attitude! A cursory glance at the comparison tool at the bottom of the page will highlight the exceptional value that the Suzuki represents when you consider what else is in this pocket-friendly segment.

Thankfully, Suzuki Auto SA has not messed with what's clearly a winning formula for the Swift. While the latest update does coincide with small price increases, Suzuki's top-seller still offers phenomenal value for money from a fun-to-drive city car that's now safer than ever. The next iteration of the #CarsAwards – powered by WesBank is bound to have the Swift's competitors sweating even more...


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They have heated seats and extra fog lights etc. Unnecessary extras that add to the cost that we don't need in SA
 
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