The New Suzuki Swift Will Give You #AllTheRightFeels

Suzuki South Africa recently launched the all-new Swift at an official media event held at the Fairmont Zimbali Resort on KwaZulu Natal’s North Coast.

The launch kicked off with a gala dinner where Suzuki introduced the all-new Swift giving everyone in the room #AllTheRightFeels. This worked out well considering their clever marketing campaign aimed squarely at millennials who seem to love catching feels. They also managed to sneak in a reveal of the new Dzire sedan.

Suzuki ran through the model options and specification for both the Suzuki Swift and Dzire.

The all-new Swift is just that ALL NEW. It’s been redesigned from the ground up starting with the new HEARTECT platform which received much attention and praise when the new Swift was named one of the 2018 Urban World Car of the Year finalists. Looks wise, it has a reinterpreted visual signature and new styling elements giving it a sportier look and stance. Weight has been reduced to 875 kg making it 95 kg lighter than the previous model with fuel consumption rated at 4.9 litres per 100 km.

The all-new Swift will be available in three model derivatives all featuring the 61kW K12M four-cylinder petrol engine. The GA-model offers an attractive entry-price and comes equipped with a range of creature comforts, such as air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchors and two airbags. The GL-model adds – amongst other features ­– colour-coded side mirrors, front fog lamps, a Suzuki audio system with steering-mounted controls and a rear luggage cover. The GL is available with the choice of 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox.

All models will be sold with Suzuki’s 5-year / 200 000 km mechanical warranty and a 2-year / 30 000 km service plan. More information about both the Swift and Dzire are available on the Suzuki South Africa website.

The next morning we admired the views, grabbed a quick breakfast and a much-needed coffee before heading out.

I was lucky enough to be partnered up with Vaughan McShane from ‘The Travel Manuel‘ and the two of us headed for the open road in the new Dzire for the first round of test drives. Our pre-planned route took us on a combination of urban streets and short stretches of highway (including some bumper to bumper traffic) and the Dzire offered a good balance between handling and ride comfort. All in all the Dzire is a great compact sedan and I think it will definitely stand out in its segment.

After a half-way stop for a coffee, a leg stretch and a car change we headed out in the new Swift. On the road, the Swift felt eager and responsive and the new HEARTECT platform and firmer suspension offers a fairly comfortable ride. Handling is agile with minimal body roll but there is a lack of feedback from the steering.  That been said the car still manages to keep its composure even on the windiest of roads.

I must admit my drive ended way too soon, but I did get to drive the new Swift long enough to see that Suzuki has definitely improved on the last generation Swift and still managed to deliver an affordable, practical and efficient small hatch. I’d advise going to your nearest Suzuki dealer and giving it a test drive!

Our day with Suzuki ended with a fantastic lunch, drinks and a sea view before we were whisked to the airport to catch our flights home. #AllTheRightFeels