The Suzuki Swift was one of two models that spearheaded the launch of Suzuki Auto South Africa in June 2008 and now the second generation of the popular hatch has arrived in SA.

Sales of the Swift have accounted for around a third of Suzuki Auto SA’s volume, making it a key player for the company in the local market, says the managing director of Suzuki Auto SA, Kazuyuki Yamashita. “The new-generation Swift raises the bar even further, with more athletic and elegant styling, a more upmarket interior, handling that has been further refined, and an even closer focus on achieving superior fuel economy and environmental performance. The result is a sporty, contemporary compact hatchback that’s an ideal match for today’s motoring needs,” Yamashita-san concluded.

The development team’s motto for new Swift was simply More Swift! Thus, the new Swift has been designed to achieve greater efficiency and economy, increased dynamics in both performance and handling terms, along with enhanced levels of quality.

The subtle redesign accentuates the wrap-around effect of the car’s glass area which, coupled to a more sharply raked windscreen, wider body and restyled headlight and tail light clusters, creates a more distinctive presence than before. In the new cabin, Suzuki claim the Swift is markedly sportier, yet also more refined, courtesy of the black trim with contrasting silver accents. This is complemented by an entirely new array of instruments and controls, along with upmarket textures and exquisite craftsmanship. Suzuki’s expertise in compact car design mean the new Swift’s proportions afford roominess and comfort, with gains in both areas despite a minimal increase in overall length of just 95 mm to 3.85 m.

In its latest guise, the new Swift makes use of higher-strength steel for a stiffer and lighter body. The increased rigidity promises improved anti-roll stiffness, a lower centre of gravity and improved impact safety. It also allows the use of slightly softer suspension settings in the interests of comfort, but without compromising stability and control. The wheelbase has grown by 40 mm, along with the front and rear tracks that are wider by 20 mm and 15 mm respectively. A new rear suspension design reduces weight by 2 kilograms and improves anti-roll rigidity by 25 percent.

The new Swift benefits from an entirely new engine. The 1.3-litre unit replaces the previous model’s 1.5-litre version and is lighter and more efficient, requiring 5.5 L/100km on average and emitting 132 g/km of CO2. In return, the Swift has lost a little muscle, with the new engine producing around 5 percent less power and 2 percent less torque at 70 kW and 130 N.m. The 5-speed manual version of the new Swift is capable of accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds, and the 4-speed auto version in 12.3 seconds, with top speeds of 170 km/h and 165 km/h respectively.

Suzuki’s New Swift has been credited as one of Europe’s safest cars with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The entry-level Swift GL has two front airbags as standard, while the higher-spec GLS gains dual side airbags incorporated into the front seats, along with curtain airbags. Dual ISOFIX child seat anchorage points are provided for the rear seats. In addition, the Suzuki Swift is equipped with ABS brakes and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), as well as Brake Assist (BA), to ensure optimal stopping performance in all conditions.

The entry-level Swift GL features power steering with a height-adjustable steering wheel, electric windows front and rear, remote-controlled central locking for the doors and tailgate, and air-conditioning. Also on the list are electrically adjustable mirrors, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, and a multi-function trip computer that displays outside temperature, fuel consumption and driving range. This model comes pre-installed with an antenna and six-speaker system, while a CD tuner is available as an optional extra.

The Swift GLS plays the premium card with a more upmarket appeal, along with the choice of a manual or automatic gearbox. Visually, the GLS is distinguished from the base model by its 16-inch alloy wheels with larger 185/55 R16 tyres and front fog lights that add to its more premium persona. The interior follows suit with a leather-trimmed steering wheel that is adjustable for reach and height, and boasts remote audio controls for the standard MP3-compatible CD receiver. A USB socket is also provided for playing music from a flash drive or portable media device.

Pricing includes metallic paint, a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and roadside assistance, as well as a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.

Suzuki Auto South Africa has some exciting news for local petrolheads. The Suzuki Swift Sport is on its way to SA – a car that’s loved overseas for its great handling and build quality.

The Suzuki Swift Sport retains the key Swift attributes of quality, efficient packaging and value for money, but adds some ‘bang for your buck’, thanks to a significant increase in power and a series of chassis enhancements.

The little hot-hatch also debuts in the three-door Swift body shape, adding to its exclusivity within the Swift range. However, the three-door shape isn’t the only reason why the Suzuki Swift Sport looks the pocket rocket part. Viewed from the front, the deeper front bumper features large air intakes and fog lamps on either side. Lower side skirts and flared wheel arches visually link the 17-inch alloy wheels. A rear bumper with meshed rear apron and twin exhaust pipes provide further visual confirmation that this is no ordinary Swift, while revised tail lights and a roof spoiler add to the car’s sporty presence.

Inside, sculpted sport seats with raised bolsters are upholstered in a combination of red and black fabric. A thick-rimmed, leather trimmed sports steering wheel provides the connection to the Swift Sport’s dynamic traits, while the stubby gearshift lever promises short, fast shifts. Stainless steel pedals with rubber inserts continue the performance theme. The Sport also features red accents integrated into the door panel armrests, as well as red stitching on the seats and the steering wheel. Aluminium-look finishes and chromed door handles add further visual lustre.

Under the skin is where Suzuki engineers have made numerous tweaks to the chassis, which has been uprated to match the Sport’s additional muscle. Spring rates and damper settings have been modified to provide greater stiffness and control, while special Monroe gas-filled shock absorbers are specific to the Sport. The electric power steering system has been recalibrated to provide improved feel and feedback.

At the heart of the Swift’s transformation into a feisty hatchback is a 1,6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine. The engine features VVT (variable valve timing) and has a maximum power output of 92 kW at 6 800 r/min and offers peak torque of 148 N.m at 4 800 r/min. As a result, the Swift Sport accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 8,9 seconds and is credited with a maximum speed of 200 km/h.

Drive is to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. Standard ESP electronic stability control ensures that the power is fed to the wheels as efficiently as possible. The all-disc braking system, utilising vented front and solid rear discs, is equipped with ABS, EBD and EBA to ensure that the Sport’s considerable urge is coupled with capable stopping power.

Despite its appetite for performance, the Swift Sport retains the model range’s reputation for fuel efficiency. Combined-cycle fuel consumption comes to 7,0 l/100km. The Swift Sport has a CO2 exhaust emissions rating of 165 g/km.

The new Suzuki Swift Sport reaches local showrooms in July at a recommended retail price of R199 900, including metallic paint. The price includes Suzuki’s 4-year/60 000 km service plan, and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.

Suzuki cars have been in South Africa for a little over a year now. In this time they have introduced four models in the passenger and sports utility vehicle (SUV) markets – the Suzuki Swift, SX4, Jimny and Grand Vitara. And Suzuki Auto SA (SASA) has not been resting on its proverbial laurels either. In October last year, just 5 short months after entering SA, they achieved total sales of 468 vehicles – just over 2% of total market share for the passenger and SUV segments. To add some perspective, at the time, out of all the Suzuki’s sold in South Africa, just less than 50% were cars, while the other 50% were Suzuki motorcycles, which have been on our roads for a good few years already. Equally impressive was the inclusion of the Swift 1.5 GLS and SX4 2.0 in the list of nine finalsts for the 2009 SA Car Of The Year award.

Known for their compact car heritage, what we have here then, are credentials which make the launch of the new Suzuki Alto subcompact hatchback all that more exciting. South African’s were among the first in the world to view the new Alto, when it was introduced at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) last year, just weeks after its international debut at the Paris Motor Show.

The Alto is undeniably aimed at the budget conscious among us, however, Suzuki has two Alto models available, providing buyers with a choice of a no-fuss stylish city run-about, or all of the above plus a few additional luxuries adding a touch of class and comfort.

The Alto is powered by a 1,0-litre 3-cylinder 12-valve DOHC petrol engine, which produces 50 kW at 6 000 rpm and 87 N.m of torque at 4 500 rpm. Despite its low curb weight of just 895 kg’s the Alto accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a leisurely 16 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 145 km/h – if you can find a long enough road. It’s fair to say that we don’t expect the Alto to win any robot-to-robot challenges, but with fuel consumption of just 5,7 l/100km it may be a case of “The Tortoise and the Hare”.

The Alto’s subcompact dimensions of 3,5 metres long and 1,6 metres wide, coupled with power assisted steering as standard and a turning circle of 9 metres, give the new Suzuki Alto its manouverability and agility around town.

As the entry level model, the Alto GL offers sets the benchmark in terms of value for the Alto range. Standard features include driver and passenger front airbags; side-impact protection beams, ISOFIX child seat preparation; factory-fitted immobiliser; air-conditioning with pollen filter; tinted glass; halogen headlights and a full-sized 14-inch spare wheel. Other convenient features include a 12-volt power socket for charging accessories such as your GPS, a one-piece folding rear-seat and cup holders for both front and rear passengers.

For those looking to take advantage of the Alto’s subcompact characteristics, but with a more upmarket feel, the Alto GLS provides both exterior and interior enhancements. Distinguishing it from its GL sibling, the Alto GLS features 14-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, colour coded door handles and side mirrors. Remote-controlled central locking provides easy access to the GLS, where inside you’ll find a height adjustable steering wheel, electrically operated front windows and a 6-speaker AM/FM radio with single MP3 CD-player for your pirate- we mean portable music collection. The Alto GLS also receives folding rear seats in a 50:50 split configuration and in terms of safety the subcompact hatch is equipped with ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

The Alto GL goes on sale at R104 900, with the more upmarket Alto GLS retailing for R119 900. Both models have 15 000 km service intervals and are sold with a three-year/100 000 km warranty.