Suzuki’s Swift received a mid-life nip and tuck to keep the popularity of this small budget car going.
From the front, the Swift boasts a new look with a new distinctive chrome line that divides the grille into a section with the large Suzuki emblem and a lower section that holds the front number plate.
The grille itself has a more distinctive mesh pattern that emphasises the sporty nature, and the GL and GLX models are fitted with front fog lights. For the rest, the designers kept changes to a minimum.
On the entry level side of the range, the GA model now has new, full wheel covers and rear parking sensors as standard. Step up to the GL and there are also new rear parking sensors and the option of new dual-tone colour schemes that are fast becoming a trend today.
The range topping GLX also adds a high-resolution reverse camera that displays its image on the touch screen infotainment system. On the GLX, you can specify any of the tone-colour options and new 15-inch alloy wheels.
Inside and under the skin all the Automated Manual Models (AMTs) now have Hill Hold Assist as standard, and GA-specification models get a free parcel shelf to hide luggage from prying eyes. Buyers who upgrade to the GL specification will also notice an additional light in the luggage bay.
The most significant addition to the Swift range is Electronic Stability Control (ESP) for enhanced safety in terms of handling during emergency situations.
The GLX models replace the standard air conditioning with climate control, add keyless access with a Start/Stop button and replace the 14” wheels with polished 15” alloys. In addition, the GLX has also added electric folding side mirrors. This model, in manual or AMT, also has Suzuki’s high-resolution colour touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a reverse camera.
With the popularity of dual-tone colour options on models such as the new Vitara Brezza, Suzuki has introduced various options in this regard.
The standard colour palette will include Fire Red, Midnight Blue Pearl, Lucent Orange Metallic, Arctic White Pearl, Silky Silver Metallic, Magma Grey Metallic and now also Midnight Black Pearl.
Buyers of the GL and GLX specifications will further have the option of three unique dual-tone colours. These are Fire Red with a Black roof, Midnight Blue Pearl with a White roof and Arctic White Pearl with a Black roof.
Under the bonnet, you will find the tried-and-trusted 1200 petrol engine, producing 61 kW and 113 Nm of torque connected to a five-speed manual box of five-speed AMT.
* The range and prices (April 2021):
1.2 GA MT (R180 900), 1.2 GL MT (R199 900), 1.2 GL AMT (R214 900), 1.2 GLX MT (R218 900), 1.2 GLX AMT (R234 900).
* Competitors:
VW Polo Vivo, Toyota Agya, Peugeot 108, Hyundai Gran i10, Nissan Micra, Kia Picanto, Hyundai Grandi10.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
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