The Suzuki Swift, South Africa’s top award-winning Budget Car of the Year, has a fresh, new look and extra specifications to boot.
The current generation Suzuki Swift was introduced in South Africa in 2018 and has since become a best-seller here, as it is abroad. Along the way, it has notched up Car of the Year nominations and awards in Europe, Japan and South Africa. With the update, it is expected to grow even more popular.
A fresh, new face
For its mid-life upgrade, Suzuki designers decided to retain the overall visual signature with only minor refreshments to the Swift’s familiar face.
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.
The grille itself has a more distinctive mesh pattern that emphasises the sporty nature. The GL and GLX models are
fitted with front fog lights.
Speaking of the different model upgrades, the entry-level GA model now has new, full wheel covers and rear parking sensors as standard. Step up to the GL and there are also new rear parking sensors and the option of new dual-tone colour schemes.
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. You will also receive attractive, new 15-inch polished alloy wheels.
Safety and security 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. 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. It will be added to the 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).
All models are also equipped with ISOFIX anchor points for child restraint systems. There is also central locking, safety belts fitted with pre-tensioners and force limiters. An immobiliser and alarm system is available as well.
New colour palette
With the popularity of dual-tone colour options on models such as the new Vitara Brezza, Suzuki is also offering 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 and K12M inside
At the heart of the Swift’s winning recipe is the combination of the lightweight and rigid HEARTECT platform. This is along with the free-revving and frugal K12M petrol engine.
The HEARTECT platform uses Suzuki’s proprietary Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) design. It creates an ultra-rigid platform that is much lighter than similar-sized vehicles from other manufacturers. This not only makes the Swift one of the safest vehicles in its class, but it creates the ideal platform for the K12M four-cylinder petrol engine to shine.
The Suzuki K12M-engine uses variable valve technology to deliver 61 kW at 6 000 rpm and 112 Nm at 4 200 rpm. The highly efficient engine is rated to consume only 4.9 litres per 100 km in a combined testing cycle.
Jam-packed with 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. The GL models add fog lamps, an audio system with USB and AUX inputs, a tachometer and electrically adjustable mirrors.
The GLX models replace the standard air-conditioning with climate control. Add keyless access with a Start/Stop button and replace the 14” wheels with polished 15” alloys.
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.
Every Suzuki Swift is sold with a 2-year/30 000 km service plan and a 5-year/200 000 km promotional warranty.
The MY2021 Suzuki Swift range consists of the following models:
- 1.2 GA Manual
- 1.2 GL Manual
- 1.2 GL AMT
- 1.2 GLX Manual
- 1.2 GLX AMT
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