Al-Qalam 
By Imraan Buccus
The Suzuki Swift may not always have featured on my list of cars to pay careful attention to. But this popular and loved fourth generation B-segment hatchback model builds on the strengths of its best-selling predecessors with fresh exterior styling, a revamped interior, advanced digitisation and upgraded safety features.
Though still imbued with all the feel-good driving pleasure you would expect from something with a Swift badge tacked to its rump, this all-new model proves even more frugal to run than ever before thanks to Suzuki’s thrifty new three-cylinder petrol powertrain.
What’s different with this Swift?
You don’t mess with a winning recipe. With over nine million units sold globally since 2004, it’s clear that Swift’s youthful and energetic exterior styling is a big part of its all-around appeal. Cautious to do anything radically different, Suzuki’s designers instead evolved the popular and instantly recognisable shape of prior Swift models to hit home with a new audience.
Key revisions comprise restyled headlight clusters with L-shaped signature lamps, an oval radiator grille with a piano black finish, and a muscular new bumper beset with a more pronounced lower intake. Adding extra front-end spice is a clamshell bonnet with shut-lines that blend effortlessly into the creased shoulder line. While the iconic blacked-out A/B pillars remain (elements essential to the ‘floating roof’ design), the hidden rear door handles of the outgoing model have been superseded by conventional units for improved useability.
Finishing touches to the wide-stance fourth-generation Swift include a sculpted tailgate with an integrated hatch spoiler and high-level brake lamp, 3D LED tail light clusters, and a new rear bumper with horizontal reflector panels on either side of the licence plate aperture.
Changes on the inside?
This new iteration of the Swift has a new wrap-around dashboard design with horizontal air vents and centre controls angled towards the driver for improved ergonomics.
Ahead of the multifunction steering wheel is a sporty and stylish metre instrument cluster combining refreshed analogue dials with either a colour or segment LCD display that lets you access a wide range of information at a glance, including average and instantaneous fuel consumption, driving range and – on flagship GLX models – power and torque.
Combining long-distance comfort with body-hugging support, the Swift’s redesigned front seats are upholstered in black fabric with an embossed centre panel design. 60:40 split folding rear seatbacks are standard as are numerous spaces to stash gear and other assorted paraphernalia. These include a glove box, front door pockets and a console box tray (ideal for smartphones). Cupholders? You will find two up front and one in the rear. An added bonus is the presence of four water bottle holders (one in each door).
Ticking the box on practicality, the Swift offers 265l of boot space, expandable to 580l.
Fun to drive?
Of course, it is. In fact a Swift simply wouldn’t be a Swift if it didn’t make you smile when faced with a sweeping string of corners – or a quick blast to the shops. In order to take this driver’s enjoyment to the next level, Suzuki has employed its latest ‘HEARTECT’ platform, which delivers class-leading dynamics due to its light and extremely rigid nature. This means the fourth-generation Swift not only handles like a dream but, tipping the scales between 908kg and 945kg, has a lively power-to-weight ratio, allowing for snappy acceleration and better responsiveness. Bolstered by recalibrated suspension (MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear) with optimised geometry, the new Swift adds excitement to even the most mundane drive.
Tell me more about that new engine – what’s hidden under the bonnet?
A defining feature of the fourth-generation Swift is the introduction of Suzuki’s new Z12E 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine making 60kW at 5,700rpm and 112Nm or torque at 4,300rpm. Lighter and more compact than the outgoing four-cylinder motor, it offers strong performance right through the rev range courtesy of multipoint fuel injection and four valves per cylinder. It’s efficient, too, returning a combined fuel consumption figure as low as 4.4l/100km or 22.72km/l – an 11% improvement over its predecessor. Subject to where you live in South Africa (inland or coastal), this means the new Swift offers running costs as low as 98c per kilometre.
Depending on the model grade, this unit can be paired to either a five-speed manual (with an Engine Auto Stop/Start system) or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Impressive safety features
Suzuki doesn’t skimp when it comes to safety, every Swift comes standard with six airbags (front, side and curtain); ABS brakes with EBD, Brake Assist Function, Electronic Stability Programme and rear ISOFIX anchors. In addition, all occupants now have access to three point seatbelts (two front, three rear) with audible/visual reminders.
What does the new Swift cost?
We at Suzuki Auto South Africa believe the all-new fourth-generation Swift offers immense bang for your hard-earned buck. Safe, frugal, exciting to look at and fun to drive, this is what each of the five Swift model variants will set you back.
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL manual: R219,900
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ manual: R239,900
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT: R259,900
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX manual: R264,900
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX CVT: R284,900
Pricing includes a two-year/30,000km service plan and a five-year/200,000km promotional warranty.
It’s not hard to understand why the Swift remains popular and loved.
