The Suzuki Swift launched in June this year and it is to be part of our family for the next 6 months. The Swift is a popular vehicle in South Africa as it is known for its compelling pricing, reliability and fuel efficiency. These factors are all critical for us at the moment as the South African economy is under serious stress. Over the next few months, we will be bringing you a series of articles about our new Swift whom we have named Rethabile (which loosely translates to, “we are full of joy”).

In the first of six (and possibly more) articles about our Rethabile, we thought we should highlight 5 things that you should know about the new Swift and they are:

New Looks

The new Swift is a completely new vehicle with a new and stylish look to match. The new Swift has bigger and more pronounced headlights, blacked-out A- and B-pillars and a sloping roof. The rear door handles have been integrated into in the C-pillar giving the car distinct and stylish look. At the front, the all-new Swift has a new grille with the large Suzuki badge and a wide secondary grille. At the rear, the luggage door has an integrated bulge that rounds off the shoulder line, while an additional high-level LED stop lamp is integrated into the discreet roof-spoiler. The rear brake lights also incorporate LED technology.

Size matters

The Suzuki Swift has grown in size. The new model is 10 mm shorter and 40 mm wider. The wheelbase has been stretched by 20 mm to 2 450 mm. This growth has resulted in more cabin space, back passengers now have 23 mm of additional head room, while front occupants benefit the most from the additional body width with 10 mm extra shoulder room.

More Luggage Space

With the economy being where it is, so will the fan base of cars like the Swift expand. Buyers with more boot space requirements who may have passed over the previous generation because of the size of its boot space will think twice about the Swift as its boot has grown by a whole 58 litres to a welcomed 268 litres. This luggage space will grow even further with the fitment of a 60/40 split and foldable rear bench seat on the GL model.

You have choice in the range

The Suzuki Swift is available in three model derivatives. At entry level is the GA model with features such as air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchors and two airbags. The GL models build on this by offering colour-coded side mirrors, front fog lamps, a Suzuki audio system with steering-mounted controls and a rear luggage cover. Additionally the GL models are distinguishable from the GA model by offering full wheel covers and being available with the choice of 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic gearbox.

If it’s not broken, why fix it?

The Swift retains its K12M engine. The engine delivers 61 kW and 113 Nm. The engine is offered in a five speed manual and an automatic with the same number of gears. The new Swift’s fuel consumption is claimed to be at 4.9 litres per 100 km and the Swift achieves that number without breaking a sweat.

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Time flies when you are having fun. It’s been almost 3 weeks since Rethabile (aka @suzuki_za Swift) joined our family and our time has been great so far with her. Apart from sparing us from the unfriendly fuel prices, she drives well and has a decent interior ambience. Being young folk, we wish her sound system could be better. It’s not a deal breaker though as we can still play music via Bluetooth, USB and AUX if we really wanted to take it back in time. She’s due for a long trip soon so look out for a report from that. Have a great Friday. #suzuki #swift #suzukiswift #hatch #newcar #family #quality #fuel #savings #economy #friday #fbf #johannesburg #durban #capetown

A post shared by The Car People (@khulekani_on_wheels) on Oct 18, 2018 at 10:14pm PDT

Hot and not so hot

Now that we have shared the 5 things that we think you should know about the new Swift, here is a list of what we think is hot and what we do not think is:

Hot

• Fuel efficiency
• Comfortable and easy drive

Not hot

• Sound system
• car does not lock itself automatically at certain speeds (may be a regulatory thing)

Stay tuned to see more of our adventures with our Suzuki Swift.