Gordon Wright – Algoa FM Motoring editor
I turn 40 this year.
Now to some (like my kids) I may seem a doddery old fool, while to others (like my mother) I may seem like a spring chicken that has yet to supp his fill from the great nesting box of life. Yet others may consider me just another poor sap who’s half-way to 80. It’s really all about one’s specific perspective I suppose.
Much the same when we went on a family holiday recently and travelled on two different trains, the first one was a real tourist class special with cheerful staff and not so cheerful accommodations. (The cabin was far too small and we almost died of hypothermia) It was, however, cheap as chips. The other train had equally cheerful staff but super luxurious accommodations, by comparison (everything that opens and shuts and an on-suite butler) but was absurdly expensive. Both pose a good argument, depending on your perspective and, I suppose, your budget.
This brings me very neatly to the subject of vehicular modes of transport and of course, perspective. In particular, the little Suzuki Swift I have been perambulating about in recently.
This little number seems to be a bit like Winston Churchill's famous quip about Russia. “A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma”
Let me clarify. In an absurdly overtraded segment of the vehicle market, dominated by the likes of VW, Toyota and GM, with able contributions from Fiat, Mini and a plethora of other “World cars” Suzuki decided in 2008 to not only dip a toe in these murky waters but have, in fact bathed themselves almost entirely. Their little Swift has, in the old guise, sold over 4000 units and accounted for almost 1/3rd of Suzuki SA’s total sales.
The competition in the meantime have not sat idly back resting on their laurels. They have upped their collective game and ensured that their own little “world cars” are at the absolute cutting edge of everything that is considered modern; Smaller, yet more powerful engines that sip fuel at a rate so low that the entire middle east is in crisis, spec levels so high that Victoria Beckham would cast an approving smirk and of course the prices are so similar that you would have a more difficult time than a one legged man at an arse kicking contest deciding which one is the better deal.
So, what have those crafty little fellows in the land of great earth quakes and broken nuclear reactors done to give their new model a dash more shine in its new form, you may ask?
Well, to be frank, not much!
The engine is a little smaller (1.4L from the previous 1.5L) and subsequently lighter, on both fuel and power. It’s not much bigger, inside or out and the designer seems to have been poached from Porsche, who we all know have the laziest designers in the world.
The brakes and suspension are slightly better, though I can’t understand why, considering the lower power output. Generally it’s much the same as the old model, with a nip, a tuck and a squirt of botox here and there.
The boot, as with all cars in this class, is tiny and you would need to be Oscar Pistorius to enjoy sitting in the back seat on a long trip, there is no dark sun deflecting strip on the windscreen and the dash has a shiny patch that catches the sun and reflects in your eyes in the late afternoon. Other than those minor irritations, Swift is well put together and has a quality feel to all the knobs and dials.
And as far as I am concerned that’s just fine.
You see, the previous model was a brilliant little car, nippy, comfortable and affordable to run. Just as the designers planned it and Suzuki has had the good sense to apply the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it mentality” which I think is just great.
Too many manufacturers screw up a completely decent car with overzealous tampering. Just look at what GM have done with their Spark, it went from a humble little bumble bee to something out of the transformers movie in about two years.
My poor mother bought one in Bumble bee guise a few years ago and when she saw what they wanted to replace it with she nearly had a bowel collapse, hip displacement and hernia, all at the same time. As they say amongst her people, WTF!
I loved driving this new swift, the “underpowered” engine was quick enough, not fast but certainly Swift, as the name suggests. The fuel economy was very good (about 6.5L/100km) and you have that same Mini-like, haring around in a go cart feel, with your arse just inches from the ground. Just a bit more subtle and refined and you look a bit less like a hairdresser late for an appointment.
The GLS model that I tested sported lots of kit as standard, power steering with 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 also comes pre-installed with an antenna and six-speaker system, while a CD tuner is available as an optional extra.
Practically the new Swift scores high too, thanks to cup holders front and rear, bottle holders in each of the doors, a useful lidded storage binnacle on top of the dashboard, as well as a small receptacle above the glove compartment for small items. The rear seat offers 60/40-split folding capability, with a handy convenience hook on the rear passenger seat backs for securing shopping bags.
The GLS also has a choice of a manual or automatic gearbox.
Visually, it is distinguished from the base model by its 16-inch alloy wheels with nice fat 185/55 R16 tyres and front fog lights
Essentially though it’s a great package that is keenly priced, a little different, yet oddly familiar, that is really difficult to find fault with. But then again, so is a lot of the competition.
It all boils down to perspective, I suppose.
PRICING
SWIFT 1.4i GL MT
159 900
SWIFT 1.4i GLS MT
177 900
SWIFT 1.4i GLS AT
192 900
SWIFT 1.6i SPORT
213 900
The purchase price includes metallic paint, as well as the Suzuki Complete programme, which covers the full spectrum of after-sales support.
The new Swift is covered by a comprehensive three-year/100 000 km warranty, supported by six-year corrosion cover. Additionally, a four-year/ 60 000 km service plan is standard, too.
The price also includes an AA roadside assistance plan, which includes break-down towing, 24-hour road patrols, battery and locksmith call-out services, and emergency medical rescue.
