One auto manufacturer who has made a serious impact into the South African vehicle market is Japanese carmaker Suzuki. While traditional manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen etc. continue to lose market share, Suzuki has made its way into third overall spot in sales.
The Suzuki dealer network of 113 locations hit an all-time high in sales for October 2024 achieving an incredible record of 6 006 units, which is an average of 194 units sold every day, exceeding sales of 6 000 vehicles in a month for the first time.
The Suzuki Swift takes pride of place selling 1 179 units in October 24, with the all-new fourth generation Swift contributing 985 of them.
Positioned in the B-segment hatchbacks, the new Swift boasts fresh exterior styling, revamped interior, advanced digitization and upgraded safety features. To achieve even better economy the all-new Swift comes with a new three-cylinder petrol powertrain, 1.2-litre producing 60kW at 5 700 rpm and 112Nm of torque at 4 300 rpm. Lighter and more compact than the outgoing four-cylinder motor, it offers strong performance right through the revs thanks to the multipoint fuel injection and four valves per cylinder. Consumption of 4.4L/100 km, an improvement of 11% over its predecessor. Depending on where you live in South Africa, coastal or inland, this means the new Swift offers running costs as low as 98 cents per km.
Outside styling shape is still recognizable as a Swift with slight revisions such as restyled headlight clusters, an oval radiator grille with piano black finish, and more pronounced lower intake. Hidden rear door handles, sculptured tailgate with integrated hatch spoiler and high-level brake lamp.
Inside a new wrap around dashboard design with horizontal air vents. Multifunction steering wheel and sporty stylish metre instrument cluster with analogue dials and colour LCD display. Seats redesigned and upholstered in black fabric with embossed center panel design, 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks. Lastly a glove box, front door pockets, console box tray and four water bottle holders, one in each door.
Three distinct model grades, starting with the GL, riding on 14-inch steel wheels with plastic covers. Manual only, digital air-conditioning, electric windows, folding mirrors, height adjustable driver’s seat, alarm with central locking and rear parking sensors.
GL+ moves to 15-inch alloy wheels and comes in manual or CVT transmission. Seven-inch touch screen infotainment system wired to four speakers. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, rearview camera as well as Suzuki’s Vehicle Alert system with fuel consumption monitoring.
The 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels are fitted to the flagship GLX again offered in manual or CVT transmissions. Led projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, keyless entry, push button start, cruise control, leather steering wheel, paddle shifters, and nine-inch touchscreen.
To complete the package a list of safety features includes six airbags, ABS brakes, EBD, Brake assist, Electronic Stability Control and rear ISOFIX anchors.
Retail Prices:
1.2 GL manual R219 900
1.2 GL+ manual R239 900
1.2 GL+ CVT R259 900
1.2 GLX manual R264 900
1.2 GLX CVT R284 900
Two year/30 000km service plan and five year/200 000km promotional warranty.
