Suzuki has added what it calls a Special Edition to its line-up of Swift compact hatches - actually it's an inspired bit of parts-bin engineering, adding some of the sporty trim of the top-of-the-range Sport to the standard 1.4-litre chassis and giving it a bit of extra pizazz for not much more money.
What you get are the Sport's roof spoiler and cylinder-type tail-light clusters, special 16” alloy rims, satin-finished aluminium door handles and neat foglights let into the front bumpers.
Inside, Swift SE pilots get an integrated CD receiver with MP3 capability and a USB port, as well as a thick-rimmed sports steering wheel trimmed in leather with silver stitching and satellite controls for the audio system.
STANDARD ISSUE
The rest of it is standard Swift issue, with the same 1.4-litre engine as in the rest of the line-up (except the Sport), rated for 70kW at 6000rpm and 130NM at 4000, using a claimed 5.5 litres per 100km and emitting a creditable 132g/km of CO2 thanks to fly-by-wire throttle control.
Maximum power output is rated at 70 kW, achieved at 6 000 r/min, while the torque peak of 130 Nm is reached at 4 000 r/min. Technical highlights include optimised variable intake valve timing, numerous friction reduction measures, and advanced electronic throttle control.
The SE comes with your choice of either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission; Suzuki quotes 0-100 in 10.9 or 12.7 seconds and top speeds of 170 and 165km/h respectively.
PRICES
Swift 1.4 SE - R169 900
Swift 1.4 SE A/T - R184 900