Suzuki unveils the all-new Swift at 2024 Festival of Motoring
DURING the Festival of Motoring, Suzuki Auto South Africa announced that the new Swift will launch in October and will be available locally at Suzuki Bulawayo on 12th Avenue.
The fourth generation of the Swift comes with new and updated features such as hill-hold control, engine auto-stop start, and improved low-down torque.
This model also offers an automatic option, rear three-point ELR seatbelts, and LED daytime running headlights (GLX). Additionally, the vehicle includes the Z-series engine, which consists of three cylinders, and offers 60kW at 5,700rpm and 112Nm at 4,300rpm.
Interior and Exterior
The new Swift has an added 200mm to its length, although its height and width remain the same. Inside the vehicle, passengers are treated to all-around electric windows, digital AC climate control, and touchscreen infotainment in the GL+ and GLX models. When it comes to space, the Swift comes with 60/40 split rear seats and a 265L boot.
Models on Offer
1.2 GL Manual
1.2 GL+ Manual/CVT
1.2 GLX Manual/CVT
More About the Suzuki Swift
This year, Suzuki celebrates the 20th year of the Swift, having had its debut in 2004 at the Paris Motor Show. So far, over 85 660 Swifts have been sold in South Africa, with the third generation being the most sold (66 056 units).
Suzuki Auto showcased the fourth generation of its Swift model at this year’s Festival of Motoring (FOM) at Kyalami. This new iteration, which was first unveiled globally in March, has already been introduced in key markets such as Japan, India, and Europe. The South African launch is expected in Spring 2024, offering a range of five model variants.
The Suzuki Swift has been a staple in South Africa since its introduction in 2008, amassing more than 85 000 sales. Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa, noted that the Swift is a regular leader in its segment and across the broader passenger vehicle market. “The anticipation for the new model among both FOM attendees and the wider market is high.”
The new Swift comes with significant updates in its drivetrain, suspension, chassis, steering, and interior design. It will be available in three specification levels: GL, GL+, and the premium GLX. Both the GL+ and GLX will offer a choice between a manual or CVT transmission.
Visually, the Swift features new rim designs, ranging from 14-inch steel wheels on the GL to 15-inch alloy wheels on the GL+ and diamond-cut alloys on the GLX. The exterior design varies across the specifications, with the GL and GL+ featuring halogen headlights, while the GLX upgrades to LED headlights, daytime running lights (DRLs), and fog lamps. All models come with LED rear clusters and a high-level brake lamp. Additional exterior features include body-coloured door handles and side mirrors, a piano black front grille, and integrated turn signals.
The design of the new Swift pays homage to its predecessors while introducing modern elements. It maintains the wide stance and darkened side pillars, reminiscent of Suzuki’s racing heritage, while incorporating new features such as a sleeker front grille and a prominent shoulder line that encircles the vehicle.
Under the bonnet, the Swift introduces a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, codenamed Z12E, which is designed for improved thermal management, torque, and fuel efficiency. The engine delivers 60kW at 5,700rpm and 112Nm at 4,300rpm, with power transferred to the front wheels via a five-speed manual or CVT transmission. The manual version includes an Engine Auto Stop/Start system, while the CVT model offers paddle shifts on the GLX.
Suzuki has prioritised safety and comfort in the new Swift. All models come standard with six crash bags, hill hold control, anti-lock braking with emergency brake support, and electronic stability control. Additionally, three-point seatbelts are fitted on all five seats, and child seat tether anchorage points are provided on the rear seats.
Comfort features include digital air-conditioning, power windows, and electrically adjustable and folding side mirrors. The mid-range GL+ adds a 7-inch infotainment system with a reverse camera and steering wheel controls. In the GLX, this system is upgraded to a 9-inch high-definition display, with additional features including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, and keyless entry with push-button start. The GLX CVT model also includes paddle shifts, automatically folding side mirrors, and automatic headlights.
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