By Rebaneilwe Semakane

A student’s budget can be really tight and with the cost of living rapidly increasing, things are not getting easier. Luckily, the new Suzuki Swift is here to make things rather simpler on the transport side.

I had the car for almost two weeks and I must say it was a good experience. The car drives really well and is equipped with all one needs. It does fall under what I like to call “no fuss, no frill” cars; which are those cars that simply cater to a need.

The interior is rather spacious and simple. The door bins are large enough to carry a water bottle (there’s even a moulded slot for it) and I personally am a fan of those because I tend to throw things around. There is also a slot under the centre console (which I am thankful for!) because it makes things more practical and I used it to put my phone there. Although a university student, I’m big on space in a car I do not want to feel inconvenienced at all. There is ample leg room for passengers also and it can fit 4 adults quite perfectly, I say this because there is a bulge below the middle rear seat so that passenger might be a little cramped. 5 students will be fine though going on a night out. In terms of the boot, the space is sufficient; it made campus runs so easy because I could throw all my belongings in there. There is also a hook in the back that can be used to secure laptop bags to avoid damages.

Pic Rebaneilwe Semakane

Something that all students look for in a car would be a proper sound system. To be honest, it could be better in this car. It isn’t a total let down but it is not pleasant either. I expected more in this department, with it being aimed at young people. A good sound system is of utmost importance. That said connectivity is good with USB/AUX ports and Bluetooth.

The drive really surprised me. I travelled between two cities and it handles traffic well. It’s quite fast, and very agile. I loved how well it handles and how smooth the gear changes are. It really did better than I had expected. The noise insulation in the car is not the greatest but not the worst either. Importantly, the ride is comfortable you could spend many hours in the Swift without regretting it.

Pic Rebaneilwe Semakane

I’m sure you are wondering how the fuel consumption is well, it is proper. I did not spend as much as I had anticipated on fuel and it managed to get me by even under my tight budget. This car is ideal for students. Importantly, you could take it to your first corporate job and it will do the job and help you save. People starting out or even for people just looking for an alternative that is light on fuel also have a viable option in the Swift.

Highlight of my experience in the Swift was taking it home to Pretoria North, just 15km from the University of Pretoria. Mind you, this is the first test car I’ve taken home. There was an event that weekend, so it helped whenever I was sent to buy a few things that were needed. The Suzuki Swift is accurately named, it is cute, practical and indeed Swift.