Swift has never looked this good

MORE THAN A REFRESH: GLOBAL SUCCESS STORY SET TO CONTINUE

The new Swift is lighter and more rigid than the outgoing model.

Many times, things do no happen as we wish. When I was young, my parents wanted me to become an electrical engineer.

I did not know that I would end up being a motoring journalist who enjoys writing about cars.

Same applies to the Suzuki Swift which joined the much-contested compact car market segment back in the year 2008.

At the time Suzuki did not know its Swift would dominate the market with so much success.

I went to India to drive the SAbound Swift.

Although the influence that the brand has in SA is small, its sales have improved by a satisfying 57 percent from the previous year and it currently holds a 1.6 percent market share here in SA.

According to Suzuki, over 50 000 units have been sold with 43 dealerships opened across the country.

The Swift happens to be Suzuki’s best-selling car locally – similar to what the Polo is to Volkswagen.

Suzuki says it has sold more than 18 200 in SA and 8 847 units in 2017.

It is a different global success story, with more than 5.8 million units sold.

According to Suzuki’s subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki, 1.5 million Suzukis are sold every year in India and the number seems to be growing steadily.

Speaking of the new Swift, it will probably be launched in SA in June – an all-new car rather than a mere refresh.

Based on a new platform called ‘Heartect’ which also underpins the Baleno, the new Swift is lighter and more rigid than the outgoing model – Suzuki managed to shed off 85 kg.

Although designed all new from scratch and has grown in size, it still embodies the Swift design language.

With the increase in dimensions, it means it now boasts a roomier interior than before.

It is 10mm shorter and the wheelbase is 20mm longer resulting in more luggage capacity rated at 265l – 54 litres more than the outgoing model.

Inside, you get an improved and sporty cabin, even though there is plastic material use but it is unique in its own way.

You also get very comfortable seats, thanks to Suzuki lowering the seating positions.

The driver’s seat now comes with a height adjustable lever but the flat-bottomed steering wheel is only adjustable for up and down.

There is an array of useful features such as a seven-inch SmartPlay infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto and MirrorLink connectivity, one USB port, rear-view camera with rear parking sensors and Auto climate control.

On the outside, the Swift looks aggressive and not larger than its predecessor. Actually, the Swift never looked this good.

The bumpers have been totally redesigned and the Swift gets thinner air dam that runs across the bumper merging with the fog lamp housings on both sides resulting in a sporty look. You also get LED daytime running lights.

For a moment, you would think it is a three-door car because of the rear door handle positioned on the C pillar – kids might find it hard to open the rear doors.

Power still comes from the familiar four-pot 1.2 litre petrol capable of producing 63 kW of power and 115 Nm of torque.

The Swift will only be available with the 1.2 litre engine at launch with two variants, GA and GL.

The GL will be available in manual and automatic transmission driving the front wheels.

The GA will only be offered with a shift stick.

Our launch route included a drive through some mountainous twisties of Pune.

Although it was a short one, it enabled me to have the best feeling of how the new Swift drives.

Like the outgoing model, it is still a lot more fun and fixed even around tight corners.

The ride is firm and people who are looking for a comfortable compact family car might be upset.

Steering response is spot on and the Swift cruises with so much ease without the driver required to constantly bring it back to line – something that competitors suffer from.

The 1.2-litre engine supplies adequate shove that will not leave you complaining even at highway cruising speeds or start/stop situations. Even though the engines remain unchanged, the weight loss is felt.

On the safety side of the Swift, you get ABS, stability control, six airbags plus pre-tensioners on the front and outer rear seatbelts.

Pricing details as well as local specs will be announced prior to its local launch dates.