All-new Suzuki Swift
Suzuki South Africa has revealed the all-new fourth-generation Swift at the 2024 Festival of Motoring (FOM) at Kyalami, showcasing the most advanced iteration of this beloved model.
The all-new Swift, which made its global debut in March 2024, has already hit the roads in key markets like Japan, India, and Europe. South African enthusiasts can expect to see the Swift on local roads by Spring 2024, with Suzuki planning to introduce no fewer than five different variants to cater to a range of preferences and budgets.
Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa, expressed excitement about the new model, highlighting its significance in the South African market.
“The Suzuki Swift introduced South Africans to the Suzuki brand in 2008, and it has since found over 85,000 homes here. Today, the Swift often leads its segment and even the passenger vehicle market in general. We know that fans at FOM and in the market are excited about this fourth-generation model.”
The fourth-generation Swift brings a host of innovations, with improvements across the drivetrain, suspension, chassis, and interior design. The new model will be available in three specification levels: GL, GL+, and the luxury GLX. The GL+ and GLX models will offer a choice between manual and a new, smooth CVT transmission, which promises both efficiency and ease of driving.
Visually, the new Swift is a blend of familiar elements and modern design cues. It retains the wide stance and darkened side pillars that evoke Suzuki’s racing heritage, while incorporating new features like a sleek front grille finished in piano black. The model also introduces a strong shoulder line that wraps around the vehicle, enhancing its sporty appearance. Notably, this generation reintroduces traditional door handles, a shift from the rear side-latch handles integrated into the C-pillar of previous models.
Under the hood, the Swift debuts a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, codenamed Z12E, which promises a lively driving experience with 60 kW of power and 112 Nm of torque. The engine’s design, which benefits from Suzuki’s expertise in compact vehicles and motorcycles, offers improved thermal management, better low-end torque, and enhanced fuel efficiency. The new engine is paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or the aforementioned CVT, with the GLX model featuring paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience.
Safety and luxury are key focuses for the new Swift, which comes equipped with six airbags, hill hold control, ABS with emergency brake support, and electronic stability control as standard across all models. Additionally, all versions feature digital air conditioning, electric windows, and central locking with remote control. The GLX models, in particular, offer premium features such as a 9-inch high-definition infotainment system, leather-clad steering wheel with cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start, and automatic LED headlights.
As Suzuki’s top-selling model in South Africa, the Swift’s fourth generation is poised to continue its legacy with a blend of modern design, advanced features, and a commitment to safety. Fans at the Festival of Motoring got the first glimpse of this exciting new chapter for Suzuki, with the broader market eagerly anticipating its arrival later this year.
