Plucky Swift also easy on the pocket

Since relaunching on our shores back in 2008, Suzuki has etched a formidable reputation as a producer of competent cars that rank high in affordability. The product that spearheaded the local revival was the second-generation Swift, a spunky hatchback that successfully blended economy car values with authentic fun factor. It handled with verve and sipped fuel parsimoniously even if the driver wrung its neck with zero mechanical sympathy. In 2014 the brand bolstered the range with a cut-price Swift derivative employing a 1.2-litre engine and slightly reduced specification versus the siblings with bigger displacements. It was built in India. And the sales performance of this model was strong enough to inspire a change of tack with the latest iteration of the Swift. Consumers want simplicity and low initial outlay. The new Swift, unveiled to local media last week, is also built in India, with reduced content over the European version — and a keener price as a result. It will compete with budget-oriented, lower B-segment products such as the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, Toyota Etios, Ford Figo, Renault Sandero and Nissan Micra Active. Compared to the old car, it is wider by 40mm but shorter by 10mm, although that has not affected interior space because Suzuki claims that rear passengers get an extra 23mm while front occupants get a whole 10mm more. A small boot was one of the long-standing criticisms we had with the old car. This one sees a 58-litre increase. Under the skin you will find an all-new platform which the brand calls its Heartect architecture. The new foundation is lighter and stiffer, with a redesigned front and rear suspension promising a more spirited but more stable handling character. The model proved plucky around town, but did not feel as if it were wading out of depth when required to tackle freeway driving and curvy countryside roads. It is worth noting how light it is, tipping the scales at 875kg. The normally aspirated 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine carried over from before did not have to work too hard. It produces 61kW and 113Nm and a range of over 750km is promised from a full tank. Granted, we sampled the car in KwaZulu-Natal and will have to see how it performs up at Gauteng altitudes. You can have a five-speed manual or an automated manual with two pedals, with the same number of forward gears. From a safety perspective, dual front airbags, antilock brakes and EBD are included across the range. The European specification car, with its side chest, head and pelvis airbags, scored a three-star EuroNCAP rating. Standard fare is acceptable. The entrylevel GA model is equipped with aircon, front and rear electric windows, power steering and remote central locking. The slightly posher GL model gains an audio system with Bluetooth, a USB socket and steering-mounted audio controls. Prices range between R159 900 and R189 900. A sedan body format is available in the Dzire version, costing between R161 900 and R191 900. The latest Swift more than ticks the boxes if quality, budgetfriendly motoring is high on the priority list.