Jimny 1.3 Specs

Jimny Road Test & Review

The compact car segment has never been more competitive. But with the debut of the exciting new Suzuki Swift, this class is about to be turned on its head.

From the outset, the Suzuki Swift was designed with an entirely new approach that was focused on delivering a thoroughly distinctive styling package.

 The result is a contemporary hatchback that exudes sophistication and youthful, sporty appeal, matched to a level of quality and refinement previously unheard of in this class.

The Swift's segment-defining space, comfort and packaging are linked to performance traits that allow this innovative model to punch well above the class standard. In doing so, it sets entirely new benchmarks, while promising more than its fair share of driver appeal and exhilaration.

The Suzuki Swift's appearance and styling boldly distinguish it from its class rivals, with a thoroughly European ambience matched to the overriding sporting heritage pervading the entire Suzuki brand.

Living up to its name, the Swift looks the athletic part, emphasised by the pronounced shoulders and a unique wrap-around windscreen with blacked out A and B-pillars – a trademark styling cue hinting at the purposeful shape of a helmet visor.

Clearly, this is a bold and energetic new player that stands out from the norm, and will certainly not be mistaken for any of its ordinary mainstream rivals.

The above-average theme continues inside, with the focus on peerless driver involvement. The cabin ambience is appealing, and characterised by the curved dashboard and sporty instrumentation.

Suzuki's designers focused on maximising interior space while minimising the overall size of the Swift, and the result is superb comfort, functionality and adjustability.

There's no compromise when it comes to safety either, as the Swift boasts an impressive level of standard features and a proven track record. A four-star Euro-NCAP rating places it up there with the best.

Driver and passenger front airbags are standard, with additional side and curtain airbags on the high-spec GLS models, along with ABS brakes with the latest electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist systems.

This is further enhanced by the fitment of ISOFIX child seat anchorage points, three-point pre-tensioning seat-belts all-round along with additional head-impact protection measures, and the use of high-strength side-impact door beams. Security is assured by the presence of remote central locking, linked to an integrated alarm system and immobiliser.

The Swift's sporting appeal isn't simply limited to the aesthetics of this assertive model. The inherent 'fun-to-drive' ethos was carried through every aspect of the design and development programme, even including the lessons learned in terms of suspension layout and setup based on the Swift's unparalleled successes in the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC).

A design that places the large-diameter wheels near the furthest extremes of each corner leads to a deliberately purposeful and poised stance, but also gives the Swift the widest rear track in its class.

This translates into dynamic handling traits out of the very top drawer, matched to unflappable stability and a level of ride control and refinement typical of a much larger and more expensive car.

As with the rest of this intriguing package, the Swift guarantees a knock-out punch with its responsive 1,5-litre multi-point fuel-injected engine, which features variable valve timing (VVT) to optimise the unit's power and torque delivery, particularly at the low to midrange engine speeds typical of in-city driving.

Where the majority of its competitors feature 1,3 or 1,4-litre engines, the Swift's larger 1 490 cc unit ensures that its performance characteristics are just as noteworthy as its styling, with above-average outputs of 74 kW at
6 000 r/min and 133 Nm of torque at 4 000 r/min.

This propels the light and lively five-speed manual Suzuki from 0-100 km in 10,0 sec, and on to a top speed of 175 km/h.

 
Despite its obvious sporting emphasis, the Swift remains extremely fuel efficient, with an impressive combined fuel consumption figure of just 6,1 l/100 km in the combined cycle, which underscores its efficiency and allows a useful range on the 43 litre fuel tank.

As the final string in the Swift's highly compelling bow, it offers exceptional value for money, with a remarkable level of standard luxury and convenience features matched to a convincing price tag, starting at just R116 900 for the 1.5 GL, and extending to R131 900 for the high-specification 1.5 GLS, or R144 900 for the four-speed automatic version.

Customer service continues beyond the purchase of the car, as each model comes with the 'Suzuki Complete' package of after-sales services at no additional cost.

This includes a comprehensive warranty against manufacturing or material defects for a period of three years or 100 000 km, as well as corrosion cover for six years.

Additionally, the Swift is sold with a four-year/60 000 km service plan that takes care of the parts and labour costs associated with routine servicing. It includes engine, transmission and differential oils, filters, spark plus, all fluid replacements and accessory belts.

Suzuki Complete also provides three-year roadside assistance, which includes breakdown, accident and emergency rescue cover. Finally, this innovative programme also sees the fitment of an Altech Netstar Sleuth tracking and recovery unit in each new car, which can be activated at the time of purchase and is subject to a monthly subscription fee.

It's fun to drive, enthralling to look at and extremely rewarding to own – welcome to the exciting world of the exceptional Suzuki Swift!

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