New Suzuki is smaller, more affordable

This new batch of “Suzies” has more than enough appeal.

In addition to a three-derivative, smaller-engined hatchback, a welcome new addition is a small sedan that is expected to appeal to a wide cross-section and young, budget-conscious families in particular.

The main focus of the two newcomers is a new frugal and clean 1.2 engine under the hood and an optional automatic four-speed transmission.

The new four-cylinder, 16-valve engine benefits from both electronic fuel injection and variable valve timing which makes it efficient, clean and surprisingly peppy. Suzuki says the manual versions of its new hatchback achieve a combined cycle fuel consumption figure 5,7 litres/100km and CO emissions of 134g/km while in automatic guise this increases slightly to 6,3 litres/100km and 149g/km.

I drove both hatchback and sedan on the local launch drive and was particularly impressed by the way the cars handled on undulating stretches whilst being battered by a storm-strength southeaster that was howling across False Bay.

Zesty, but with quality

Both cars benefited from the genes of the parent Swift range of which more than 8500 have been sold locally. The stylish newcomers ooze a zesty, youthful exuberance yet the quality feel of the interior, in particular, is that of bigger, more expensive cars.

The main focus of the two newcomers is a new frugal and clean 1.2 engine.

The hatch has cheeky wheel arches and it looks stubby and cocky but it is surprisingly spacious inside. The interior is clean-cut, neat and coded in typical black with silver dials, knobs and gauges. The instrument cluster is flanked by a centre stack containing the aircon and ventilation controls and (on the GL version) the sound system.

The seats are comfortable and nicely positioned for clear all-round vision and the tilt adjustable steering wheel makes it easy to find a comfortable driving position.

Although small, it is a four-door that makes for easy ins and outs. The luggage hold is accessed via a large-opening tailgate. The standard 210 litre space is easily extended to 533 litres when the rear seatback is folded down.

Along the lovely winding roads between Gordon's Bay and Kleinmond the baby-engined hatch showed good tar-hugging tenacity, the gearbox felt slick and quick, and the ABS (standard on the AGL model) aided by Brake Assist and Engine Drag help to optimise braking and prevent wheel lock-up.

Although steering is electrically assisted it was quick to respond, particularly when you crack the whip and the 63kW/113Nm power-factory pushes out maximum power.

There's ample storage space.

Interestingly enough, Suzuki opted the raise the hatch's riding height and to run it on 14-inch rims which tend to be less sensitive to our local pothole-scarred roads.

We needed to select fourth and third on the occasion along undulating stretches and in slower traffic, but generally the engine didn't feel lacking in power (though this might come into play in the thinner air up in the badlands of the North).

Some smart styling

The GA and GL versions have identical engine and mechanical underpinnings but the GL offers an optional four-speed auto transmission and engine and smarter exterior trim such as colour-coded door handles, integrated front fog lights and electric exterior mirrors.

The interior of the GL is also fancier with upgraded seat fabric, a rev counter and a generous scattering of interior silver trimmings. There is a R13 000 difference in price between the GA and GL manuals and the auto transmission option adds R25 000 to the price of the base model.

The quality feel of the interior, in particular, is that of bigger, more expensive cars.

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Moving up to the DZIRE-nameplate sedans, the entry level GA Sedan is only R2 000 more expensive than the entry level hatch and at R128 900 it is good value for a budget-conscious small family seeking the comfort, looks and extra convenience of a sedan. Even the top of the range DZIRE option with auto transmission retails for just R153900, which is going to cause quite a stir in the small sedan market.

The sedan offers a roomy cabin, big enough for five occupants, and generous 300-litre luggage space. It reflects the easily recognisable Swift DN exterior, complimented by a slim bonnet, narrow detailed grille and large, clean-glass headlights.

From all angles, the sedan looks fresh, clean and smarter than even some sedans in the higher medium-size segment. The sedan has a poised stance and elegant

European design touches such as a polished metal strip along the width of the neatly integrated boot-lid, a cheeky roof-mounted bee sting aerial, and an LED third brake light above the rear parcel tray.

A step up

A fresh departure from the Swift's typical interior is the sedan's two-tone application to the dashboard and carpets. The dashboard design and layout, too, is a step up from the hatchback and the fascia features a hooded instrument binnacle with a cluster of analogue dials.

The centre stack houses aircon and ventilation controls. Good news for families, particularly on warm days, is beverage holders in the door side panels as well as the centre console.

Do you desire a Dzire?

On the road, the sedan handles fairly middle-of-the-road, probably because the suspension has been tweaked to cope with its heavier weight distribution and load characteristics. At no stage though does the sedan feel lumpy and even at a fair gallop it handles corners with aplomb. The ride is smooth and roadholding is good.

Suzuki says the manual version will take 12,6 seconds to gallop the 0-100km/h stretch and they claim a top speed of 160km/h. During our driving stint, we didn't put this to the test but the sedan certainly felt chirpy enough to achieve this.

It has appeal

The manufacturer claims consumption and emissions figures of 5,7litres/100km and 134g/km for the manual and 6,3litres/100km and 149g/km for the automatic.

Like the hatchback, the DZIRE is available as GA manual and GL manual, plus GA automatic.

All the new 1,2 litre Suzuki models are equipped with full-sized spare wheels but because of their South African-destined specifications (which differ from the European specs), they have not yet undergone the required tests to be given an internationally recognisable safety rating.

The DZIRE is available as GA manual and GL manual, plus GA automatic.

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The bulk of A segment vehicles sold in this country range between R120000 and R150000 so both new Suzuki pikkies slot in comfortably (and competitively) into this segment where Suzuki has not been a player to date... so no surprise that the local Suzuki bosses are setting their sights on a nice big bite of this segment.

With the growing international trend towards smaller-engined, more frugal power plants and more affordable vehicles, this new batch of "Suzies" has more than enough appeal to become seriously competitive players in this segment.

The price of all the new Swift versions include a two-year/30000km service plan.

Dzire specifications

Swift 1.2 specifications

Review of the Suzuki Swift

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Suzuki Swift Review - Drive Start