Johannesburg - Suzuki will officially launch its all-new, and spunkier-looking Swift in South Africa next week, but prices and specifications for the five-door hatchback models have become available ahead of time.
As before the hatch is offered in three 1.2-litre variants:
The range kicks off with a 1.2 GA base model at R159 900, which is R2000 more than the previous version. The 1.2 GL retains its previous list price of R175 900, but according to dealers that we spoke to there is a launch special of R169 900 for the manual model. The GL will also be available in automatic guise, at R189 900.
A new version of the Dzire sedan will be available too.
The 1.2-litre normally aspirated petrol engine produces 61kW and 113Nm, which is 2kW less than before, but the new Swift more than makes up for that with a kerb weight that’s about 85kg lighter - tipping the scales at a paltry 875kg.
Built on Suzuki’s new ‘Heartect’ platform that also underpins Ignis and Baleno, the 2018 Swift is actually 10mm shorter than its predecessor, but the all-important wheelbase grows by 20mm and better packaging sees the boot capacity grow by 54 litres to a truly decent 268 litres.
All models in the range are well stocked, featuring all the basics like aircon, remote central locking, power steering and dual airbags. The base version does look a little skimpy, however, with its plain steel wheels, and the budget model is also missing a radio.
See the spec differences in more detail below:
