By Otsile Kadiege

After the Swift’s recent debut at this year’s Festival Of Motoring, Suzuki Auto South Africa has announced the pricing of the newcomer. There are five models in the new Suzuki Swift range. They range from the entry-level Swift 1.2 GL, with manual transmission, to the range topping 1.2 GLX CVT.

Swift standard spec

The entire new Suzuki Swift range has power steering, digital climate control, a digital information display in the instrument cluster, three-point seat-belts for all five occupants, rear LED tail lamps with a high-mounted LED stop lamp, an immobiliser and alarm, rear parking sensors and electrically adjustable and foldable side mirrors. Also standard across the range is electric windows on all four doors, a height adjustable driver’s seat and a rear bench that can fold in a 60/40 configuration.

More importantly, all models in the new Suzuki Swift line-up have six airbags as standard, as well as Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), hill hold control and emergency brake assist. Add to this ISOFIX tethering points at the rear and you have one of the safest and best-equipped vehicles in its class.

Swift range spec breakdown

Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL

At R219,900 for the Swift 1.2 GL, this model is the most affordable entry-point into the new Swift range.

The Swift 1.2 GL was designed to offer owners and drivers a feeling of safety and comfort, without any nagging doubts that they have missed out on any of the essential creature comforts. This model is fitted with 165/80R14 steel wheels with wheel covers. A space-saving spare wheel is included below the luggage compartment.

Lastly, all Swift models equipped with a manual transmission will offer an Engine Auto Start/Stop system as standard.

Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+

The Swift 1.2 GL+ with the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or CVT was specified to offer the best of all worlds. Customers can expect all of the features listed above, as well as 185/65 R15 alloy wheels in the place of the GL model’s steel wheels. In this specification level a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is included as standard, which in turn also adds steering wheel control buttons for the audio and hands-free phone system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are integrated into the system.

Suzuki has generously also added an integrated rear-view camera that will display on the infotainment system when in reverse. The Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ with manual transmission will be available at R239 900 and the CVT-equipped version will retail for R259,900.

Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX

Viewed from outside, the halogen projector headlamps of other Swift models are replaced with automatic LED projector headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights and LED fog lamps. The side mirrors close automatically on this model. Suzuki has also replaced the alloy wheels of the GL+ model with polished, diamond cut alloy wheels on similar 185/65 R15 tyres.

Inside the cabin of the GLX, the digital climate control is enhanced with fully automatic climate control functionality. At the same time, the infotainment system is inched up to 9” from the GL+ model’s seven inches. Suzuki further added tweeters to the infotainment system, replaced the urethane steering wheel with a leather-clad adjustable steering wheel and has added cruise control buttons to the audio and mobile phone controls on the steering wheel.

For buyers of the 1.2 GLX with CVT, there are also paddle shifts behind the steering wheel for greater control of the transmission when required. The Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX manual is available at R264 900 and the GLX with CVT rounds off the range at R284,900.

Swift range, pricing and warranty

Swift 1.2 GL Manual – R219,900

Swift 1.2 GL+ Manual – R239,900

Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT – R259,900

Swift 1.2 GLX Manual – R264,900

Swift 1.2 GLX CVT – R284,900

All models, regardless of their specification level, are sold with a two-year, 30 000 km service plan (with service intervals set at 15 000 km) and a promotional warranty of 5-years or 200 000 km. The latter also includes comprehensive roadside assistance and support.