Suzuki Auto showed off the fourth generation of its Swift model at this year’s Festival of Motoring (FOM) at Kyalami at the weekend. This new iteration, which was first unveiled globally in March, has already been introduced in key markets such as Japan, India, and Europe.
The South African launch is expected in Spring 2024, offering a range of five model variants.
Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki, launching the new Swift
The Suzuki Swift has been a staple in South Africa since its introduction in 2008, amassing more than 85 000 sales. Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa, notes the Swift is a regular leader in its segment and across the broader passenger vehicle market.
“The anticipation for the new model among both FOM attendees and the wider market is high.”
The new Swift comes with significant updates in its drivetrain, suspension, chassis, steering and interior design. It will be available in three specification levels: GL, GL+, and the premium GLX. Both the GL+ and GLX will offer a choice between a manual or CVT transmission.
Visually, the Swift features new rim designs, ranging from 14-inch steel wheels on the GL to 15-inch alloy wheels on the GL+ and diamond-cut alloys on the GLX. The exterior design varies across the specifications, with the GL and GL+ featuring halogen headlights, while the GLX upgrades to LED headlights, daytime running lights (DRLs) and fog lamps.
All models come with LED rear clusters and a high-level brake lamp. Additional exterior features include body-coloured door handles and side mirrors, a piano black front grille, and integrated turn signals.
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The design of the new Swift pays homage to its predecessors while introducing modern elements. It maintains the wide stance and darkened side pillars, reminiscent of Suzuki’s racing heritage, while incorporating new features such as a sleeker front grille and a prominent shoulder line that encircles the vehicle.
Under the bonnet, the Swift introduces a new 1,2-litre three-cylinder engine, codenamed Z12E, which is designed for improved thermal management, torque and fuel efficiency. The engine delivers 60 kW at 5 700 r/min and 112 Nm at 4 300 r/min, with power transferred to the front wheels via a five-speed manual or CVT transmission. The manual version includes an Engine Auto Stop/Start system, while the CVT model offers paddle shifts on the GLX.
Suzuki has prioritised safety and comfort in the new Swift. All models come standard with six crash bags, hill hold control, anti-lock braking with emergency brake support and electronic stability control. Additionally, three-point seatbelts are fitted on all five seats, and child seat tether anchorage points are provided on the rear seats.
Comfort features include digital air-conditioning, power windows, and electrically adjustable and folding side mirrors.
The mid-range GL+ adds a 7-inch infotainment system with a reverse camera and steering wheel controls. In the GLX, this system is upgraded to a 9-inch high-definition display, with additional features including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control and keyless entry with push-button start. The GLX CVT model also includes paddle shifts, automatically folding side mirrors and automatic headlights.
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