The Suzuki Swift & Dzire Thread

The Maruti Dzire is on sale in India at a price of between Rs. 5.43 - 9.39 lakhs (ex-Delhi).

What you'll like:

• A great looking Dzire…and an all-rounder too
• Smart packaging! Spacious, stylish & practical cabin. Boot has grown to 378 litres
• Sweet petrol & efficient diesel. AMT available with both engines for just 47k extra
• Suspension offers a compliant ride & neutral on-road behaviour
• Impressively equipped (LED headlamps + DRLs, reversing camera, Apple & Android touchscreen ICE…)
• Dual airbags, ABS & ISOFIX child seat mounts are standard across all variants
• Maruti's widespread service network, excellent after-sales support & fuss-free ownership experiences

What you won't:

• “Z” trims are pricey. The top-end diesels & automatics cost a million bucks!
• Old 1.3L diesel is nowhere as competent as the Ford & VW 1.5L diesels
• AMT, although improved, can’t match conventional ATs on smoothness & speed. Still gets jerky
• You can buy proper ATs (e.g. torque-converter or DCT) for the same $$$ as the Dzire AMT
• 163 mm of ground clearance & small 37-liter fuel tank do raise concerns
• Some misses (auto-dimming IRVM, skinny 165 mm tyres on L & V variants, smaller spare tyre on the Z trims...)
• Waiting periods have already begun. They currently stretch up to 3 months


Full review & many pics at the link below:

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/official-new-car-reviews/188553-maruti-dzire-official-review.html
 
2017 Suzuki Swift GL Navigator Review | Drive.com.au

[video=youtube;hT4YMwqw3sU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT4YMwqw3sU[/video]
 
2017 Suzuki Swift GL She Says, He Says Review | Drive.com.au

[video=youtube;151j67FFooI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=151j67FFooI[/video]
 
5 New Hatchbacks to Look Forward to in 2018

We can expect a barrage of new products in the South African new vehicle market in 2018... the popular compact hatchback segment, in particular, will feature a throng of newcomers. Here are 5 new hatchbacks that are worth looking out for...

New Volkswagen Polo

The new Polo is expected to land in South Africa in Q1 in 2018. Its larger footprint will result in a more spacious cabin and its interior packaging will be more attractive than the current iteration with a new dashboard, steering wheel and switchgear enhancing the look of the Polo significantly.

Engines for South Africa have yet to be confirmed but the current range of TSI engines are likely to remain with the possibility of a 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine being introduced. The Polo GTI derivative will be powered by 147 kW / 320 Nm 2.0-litre TSI lifted straight from the Golf GTI. Transmissions will include a 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG. We will keep you in the loop as more information becomes available.

New Ford Fiesta

The new-look Fiesta is due to arrive locally in Q2 of 2018 and its freshly designed interior with a centre mounted tablet-style infotainment system represents a major improvement over the current Fiesta.

Engines expected in SA includes a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine with 92 kW and 170 Nm will be offered in 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic guise, with the automatic offering 74 kW / 170 Nm. A 1.5-litre turbodiesel with 63 kW and 215 Nm of torque with a 6-speed manual transmission is also expected. The range-topping Fiesta ST will now employ a 3-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with cylinder deactivation for the first time with 147 kW and 290 Nm of torque powering the front wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission.

New Suzuki Swift

The Swift is one of Suzuki’s best-sellers on the local market and the all-new Swift is headed for our market in Q2 of 2018. It’s lighter and bigger with more interior space and a 7-inch touchscreen is a welcome addition to the cabin.

Engines for the SA market have yet to be confirmed but you can expect the familiar naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine with 63 kW and 113 Nm as well as the 1.4-litre petrol engine with 70 kW and 130 Nm of torque offered with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Swift Sport however, will now be powered a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol (previously turbocharged 1.6-litre) with 103 kW and 230 Nm and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Weighing some 80 kg less than before, the new Swift Sport should be a ton of fun to drive. We will keep you informed as more details are revealed ahead of launch.

New Nissan Micra

A new, more upmarket Nissan Micra is en-route to Mzansi in Q2 of 2018 and will benefit from attractive exterior styling and a stylish and more modern interior design.

Engines and transmissions for SA have yet to be confirmed but a punchy 3-cylinder, 0.9-litre turbo petrol with 66 kW and 140 Nm is a possibility as well as a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine with 52 kW and 95 Nm, but we are definitely hoping the latter makes it to SA. On the diesel front, a 1.5-litre turbodiesel with 66 kW and 220 Nm is also on the cards and a 5-speed manual transmission is likely.

New Volkswagen Polo Vivo

Yes, Volkswagen is preparing to introduce a new Polo Vivo in February 2018 and production has already kicked off at Volkswagen's plant in Uitenhage. The firm, however, remains tight-lipped about the details surrounding the new Polo Vivo. We do know, however, that it will be based on the body of the outgoing Polo and re-packaged to slot in beneath the new Polo which is also expected early in 2018.

We suspect that the new Polo Vivo will feature a turbocharged engine for the first time and the Vivo sedan will likely be discontinued. The new Polo Vivo and new Polo will be launched in close succession in 2018. Exact engine, transmission and specification details have yet to be confirmed, but we will keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/5-new-hatchbacks-to-look-forward-to-in-2018/44346/
 
5 New Hatchbacks to Look Forward to in 2018

We can expect a barrage of new products in the South African new vehicle market in 2018... the popular compact hatchback segment, in particular, will feature a throng of newcomers. Here are 5 new hatchbacks that are worth looking out for...



The Swift Sport however, will now be powered a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol (previously turbocharged 1.6-litre) with 103 kW and 230 Nm and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Weighing some 80 kg less than before, the new Swift Sport should be a ton of fun to drive. We will keep you informed as more details are revealed ahead of launch.

.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/5-new-hatchbacks-to-look-forward-to-in-2018/44346/

Really?

Wow! When did the Sport get a turbocharged 1.6 motor?
 
Embargo till late March!

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New Suzuki Swift (2018) International Drive

Final thoughts

Overall, we came away suitably impressed with the higher levels of refinement offered by the new Swift and we have every reason to believe that it will be well received by critics and consumers alike and, therefore, will continue to sell strongly in South Africa. It appears to be a considerable improvement over its predecessor and not only is its styling more modern and attractive, but more importantly, it’s more spacious and the larger luggage capacity in itself could generate conquest sales. Its engine performs adequately and should return good fuel consumption figures on a regular basis while also delivering improved performance thanks to the reduced kerb weight.

With that said, the new Swift's value offering will depend on the specification and pricing structure that Suzuki SA can deliver to our market. As it stands, the new Swift will arrive in South Africa in Q2, or latest, Q3 of 2018. As far as we know, Suzuki's 83 kW 1.0-litre turbocharged Boosterjet engine is not expected to make it to South Africa, but we certainly will, eventually. Also, Suzuki South Africa is still ‘studying’ the prospect of introducing the new 103 kW / 230 Nm 1.4-litre turbocharged Swift Sport to our market. Again, let’s hope it comes…

In terms of positioning, the new Swift appears to be perfectly primed to take the fight to the popular Hyundai i20, Mazda2, Toyota Yaris and Opel Corsa. It will also surely look to steal sales from the latest Volkswagen Polo Vivo. Although it's not as premium an offering as the Polo (and, arguably, upcoming Ford Fiesta), it may even have enough clout to lure would-be entry-level Polo buyers into Suzuki's camp.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/new-suzuki-swift-2018-international-drive/44556/

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DRIVEN: Suzuki Swift 1,2

MUMBAI, India – In 2017, Suzuki Automotive South Africa broke its monthly sales record no fewer than three times. By year’s end, the company could be proud of a whopping 57% increase in sales, selling 8 847 units (up from 5 628 units in 2016). That meant an increase in market share from 0,9% to 1,6%.

But even that impressive improvement pales when compared with what the brand does in India. Over the past few years on the sub-continent, Suzuki has been able to up its market share from round 30% to the high-40% mark. From 1983, when the company sold its first car in India, to 2018, Suzuki is on track to gain an unheard-of 50% market share. You can see it, too. On a launch route that took us from Mumbai through to countryside, there were Suzukis wherever you looked. Clearly, the company is doing something right over there.

As it is in South Africa. Currently, right at the end of its life cycle – the current Swift is already 10 years old – it sells more than 300 units per month. To put that into context, it’s a lot more than the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz … combined. Which bodes well for this next-generation Swift, an all-new vehicle that uses the Japanese company’s Heartect platform (now in its fifth generation), meaning the Swift’s basic architecture is the same as that used for the Baleno hatchback, as well as the funky Ignis crossover.

What’s new?

Although mildly tweaked, says Suzuki, the 1,2-litre powertrain has been carried over from the previous generation and offers equivalent power and torque figures. The five-speed transmission has also seen some mild revisions.

Although boasting a wheelbase increased by 20 mm, width by 40 mm and length by 10 mm, the new, bigger chassis is claimed by Suzuki to be 85 kg lighter. We’re used to hearing of that kind of mass reduction in a new SUV, but it’s rare in small hatchbacks.

In the flesh, the new Swift is visibly bigger, but still within class limits. The familiar design DNA is still clearly there, but this new execution is a more modern, sportier incarnation, with a sharper nose and headlamps, and cinched C-pillars that give it more muscled haunches. LED daytime-running lights emphasise the aggressively shaped headlamps, while the rear door handles have moved to the C-pillars. The result is that the rear quarters are now just that little bit smoother.

Behind the wheel

Climb inside and the exterior’s evolution is reflected in the cabin. The multifunction, flat-bottomed steering wheel (with a glossy plastic insert) matches the Swift’s youthful nature, as does the infotainment system with its 7,0-inch touchscreen. Mounted below the air vents, it offers the usual functions such as Bluetooth and satellite navigation, along with smartphone integration and an SD-card and USB port.

In terms of layout, the rest of the cabin is not a huge departure from the outgoing model – think of it as more of an evolution – with materials that have a solid feel and controls designed with the simplicity that’s such a part of Suzuki’s design ethos. Don’t go expecting Volkswagen-level squishy plastics however; they’re hard throughout.

The redesigned cloth seats are particularly comfortable and, together with the rake-and-reach adjustable steering wheel, allowed me to find a good driving position. Sitting behind my driving position, I had enough legroom but, not surprisingly given the design of those C-pillars, headroom felt more at a premium, Even though luggage capacity has increased (by a claimed 28%), a 60:40-split rear seatback may not be available on all models (more about spec later).

Our actual time spent behind the wheel of the new Swift was disappointingly short, unfortunately; our hosts didn’t want us spending too much time in India’s challenging traffic conditions. Despite this, however, I got a good feel for the Swift’s ride quality and handling ability thanks to roads offering variety in terms of surface quality, as well as a stint along a short mountain pass.

There were at least two adults in the car at all times – and four on the return leg of our test route – but, somewhat surprisingly, this extra mass didn’t deter the Swift’s little 1,2-litre DualJet engine from revving with vigour to the 6 300 r/min redline. Even if you don’t go exploring that far along the rev counter, there is enough power and torque between 3 000 and 5 000 r/min. As before, the gearlever shifts with ease between the five gears. For the moment in our market, it’s unlikely that the new Swift will be offered with Suzuki’s 1,0-litre BoosterJet engine, which is a pity; it would have offered competition to similar offerings from VW and Ford.

The new car’s ride quality is another noteworthy feature. Equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 185/65 rubber, our test unit took all the roads’ undulations in its stride while offering enough cornering grip for some enthusiastic driving. I’d wager a guess that entry-level models on 14-inch steel wheels would ride even better.

Summary

Fortunately, the fun-to-drive dynamics – such a hallmark of the outgoing Swift – remains in this new chassis and is an element that most of its competitors lack. Similarly, the Swift has never been as spacious, nor as luxurious, as its competitors from Toyota and Volkswagen, and this remains so.

Suzuki has yet to finalise the spec for SA-bound models and this will undoubtedly be an important factor in terms of how it fares against that competition. At least we do know there’ll be no major compromise on safety and all derivatives will offer ABS with EBD brakes, dual front airbags and Isofix child-seat anchors.

I’d prefer to wait until we drive an SA-spec derivative to make any definitive statements, but first impressions of the new Swift are positive. Rather than trying to be a totally different car, Suzuki has stayed true to the concept of its predecessor. And, like that car, this new, fifth-generation Swift should enjoy a healthy slice of the local small-hatch pie.

Model:Suzuki Swift 1,2 GA
Price:TBC
Engine:1,2-litre, 4-cyl, petrol
Power:61 kW at 6 000 r/min
Torque:113 N.m at 4 200 r/min
0-100 km/h:12,0 seconds
Top Speed:170 km/h
Fuel Consumption:n/a
CO2:n/a
Transmission:5-speed manual
Maintenance Plan:TBC
Notes:*All claimed figures

http://www.carmag.co.za/car-reviews/driving-impressions/driven-suzuki-swift-12-ga/

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Currently it seems the Swift is less expensive than the Ignis. I guess this is going to change around ? Ignis , Swift , Baleno are going to be closely priced it seems.
 
They are "fun drive" cars.

I took to Swift and Baleno out on the same day, and was pleasantly surprised with the Swift.

Will have a go in the new one when it comes out.

Only thing I didn't like is the biscuit spare. I hope they decide to change this.
 
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They are "fun drive" cars.

I took to Swift and Baleno out on the same day, and was pleasantly surprised with the Swift.

Will have a go in the new one when it comes out.

Only thing I didn't like is the biscuit spare. I hope they decide to change this.

The Swift had a biscuit spare?
 
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