The new Suzuki Swift: More bang for your buck

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Fresh, as you like it!

For its mid-life upgrade, Suzuki designers have decided to retain the overall visual signature with only minor refreshments to the Swift’s familiar front.

The new model features a distinctive chrome line that divides the grille into a section with the large Suzuki emblem and a lower section that holds the front number plate.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

The grille itself has a more distinctive mesh pattern that emphasises the sporty nature, and the GL and GLX models are fitted with front fog lights.

The range-topping GLX also adds a high-resolution reverse camera that displays its image on the touch screen infotainment system. On the GLX, you can specify any of the tone-colour options and you receive attractive new 15-inch polished alloy wheels.

Safety upgraded

Inside the Swift, Suzuki has placed an emphasis on vehicle safety and security. For instance, all Automated Manual Models (AMTs) now receive Hill Hold Assist as standard, and GA-specification models get a free parcel shelf to hide luggage from prying eyes. Buyers who upgrade to the GL specification will also notice an additional light in the luggage bay.

The most significant addition to the Swift range is Electronic Stability Control (ESP). This valuable safety feature will be added across all Swift models and will be added to the already-standard list of safety equipment, which includes SRS front and passenger airbags, ABS-brakes with emergency brake assistance (BA) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

New colour palette

With the popularity of dual-tone colour options on models such as the new Vitara Brezza, Suzuki has agreed to also offer these on the Swift range.

The standard colour palette will include Fire Red, Midnight Blue Pearl, Lucent Orange Metallic, Arctic White Pearl, Silky Silver Metallic, Magma Grey Metallic and now also Midnight Black Pearl.

Buyers of the GL and GLX specifications will further have the option of three unique dual-tone colours. These are Fire Red with a Black roof, Midnight Blue Pearl with a White roof and Arctic White Pearl with a Black roof.

Heartect: engine efficiency

At the heart of the Swift’s winning recipe is the combination of the lightweight and rigid Heartect platform as well as the free-revving and frugal K12M petrol engine.

The Heartect platform uses Suzuki’s proprietary Total Effective Control Technology (Tect) design to create an ultra-rigid platform that is much lighter than similar-sized vehicles from other manufacturers. This makes the Swift one of the safest vehicles in its class.

The Suzuki K12M-engine uses variable valve technology to deliver 61kW of power. The highly efficient engine is rated to consume only 4.9 litres per 100km in a combined testing cycle. Now that is really impressive.

Suzuki features

Following the range upgrade, the Swift can rightly claim to be one of the best ‘specced’ vehicles in its class. All models feature electric windows, air conditioning and central locking, with the GL models adding fog lamps, an audio system with USB and AUX inputs, a tachometer and electrically adjustable mirrors.

In addition, the GLX has also added electric folding side mirrors. This model, in manual or AMT, also has Suzuki’s high-resolution colour touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a reverse camera.

The Swift Range consists of the ffg models:

• 1.2 GA Manual
• 1.2 GL Manual
• 1.2 GL AMT
• 1.2 GLX Manual
• 1.2 GLX AMT

Every Suzuki Swift is sold with a two-year/30,000km service plan and a five-year/200,000km promotional warranty.