Car reviews
Suzuki’s Swift Sport offers real world value
As the world grapples with the effects of COVID-19, which include a shrinking economy, high unemployment rate and an ever-increasing cost of living, motoring costs will also be brought into sharp focus.The next couple of years will see reduced spending power for vehicle owners and manufacturers who offer value-for-money will become the new heroes as consumers buy down to reduce the cost of personal transport.
One such manufacturer that is poised to offer vehicles that are affordable, durable and reliable is Suzuki. Offering mainly no-frills cars – some may
even describe them as being a bit bland in the design department – Suzuki specialises in small car manufacture in various body styles from entry-level mini SUVs to sedans and little people carriers.
Now, with the introduction of the Suzuki Swift Sport, the brand has pushed the envelope into the funky, hot-hatch category. Don't be fooled by its mundane looks. The light weight Swift Sport is powered by the new, award-winning 1.4 Boosterjet, turbo-charged motor, pushing out 103kW and 230Nm of power and torque respectively. Zero to 100 is reached in under nine seconds and the top speed is pegged at 205km/h. Power delivery is smooth, progressive and satisfying all the way into the red line.
With a body that now weighs about 90kg less than its predecessor, the Swift Sport is lighter, lower, wider and thus much more agile around twisty roads, giving it true sports car handling traits.The turbo-charged motor, which is mated to a highly intuitive transmission, comes in both auto and manual guises and ensures instant response in every gear. Lowered suspension, bigger wheels and better brakes ensure that not only is the power put down on the road effectively, but stopping is a breeze as well.
Having driven the auto version over various road types and on long distances, I can vouch for the fun nature of the vehicle.
Cornering at higher than normal speeds, go-kart handling and overtaking manoeuvres are par for the course. Car magazine, one of South Africa's leading motor publications, recently took one out on a 'performance showdown' and out of 12 cars – all of which cost much, much more than the humble Suzuki – placed the Swift Sport in fifth position!
The interior of the Swift Sport is fresh and modern.The designers used red and chrome detailing on the fascia and a special red-to-black gradation on the seats to accentuate the sporting appeal.The sports-styled seats are figure-hugging and provide ample support during hard cornering.All dials are ergonomically designed. The quality of materials is above standard and build quality excellent.
The car comes with all the bells and whistles of a car costing in excess of R300 000, so expect to see fully automatic climate control, speed-sensitive power steering, electrically folding rear-view mirrors, all-round electric windows, seven-inch touch screen with
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a reverse camera, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, steering mounted controls and cruise control.
On the safety front, the sport model has no less than six airbags (two front, side and curtain), electronic stability control and ABS braking with electronic brake-force distribution and emergency brake assistance.There are anchored ISOFIX mounting points for infant and child seats, side impact protection and child locks on the rear doors.
What you will get for the money you spend on your Swift Sport is a light, durable and highly competent pocket rocket that will reward its driver all day, every day.That, together with the multiple awardwinning Suzuki brand, means that you are getting reliable motoring that will hold its value come time to sell the car.
There is a long waiting list for the Swift Sport and that's probably going to be the biggest pain for the buyer, because you would have made peace with the price, after taking one for a test drive.