SA Road Tests

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This is the home of automobile road tests in South Africa. We drive South African cars, SUVs and LCVs under South African conditions. It also just happens that most of the vehicles we drive are world cars as well, so what you read here probably applies to the models you can get at home.

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*Please remember too, that prices quoted were those ruling on the days I wrote the reports.



Mini test: 2011 Suzuki Swift GLS

Pics supplied

Giving more than expected

Published in The Witness Motoring on Wednesday August 17, 2011

The engine:  A new engine codenamed K14B, displacing 1372 cc replaced the old M15A unit. As expected, it is a 16-valve device with variable valve timing and multipoint fuel injection, like pretty much every other modern engine. Internal friction has been reduced, as has timing chain tension for less sliding resistance. Shimless tappets limit valve-spring friction, piston ring tension has been reduced and an offset crankshaft cuts pistons' frictional resistance. All this results in greater efficiency, returning 5,5 l/100 km in the combined cycle, versus 6,3 l/100 km for the old M15A. CO2 emissions cut from 152 g/km to 132 g/km reduce its environmental impact.

Although the smaller capacity resulted in power and torque decreasing by around four percent, it achieves similar levels of all-round performance to the outgoing version. Maximum power is 70 kW at 6 000 r/min, with a torque peak of 130 Nm at 4 000 r/min. The five-speed manual gearbox was revised to match the new engine’s performance characteristics with improved functionality and less driver effort.

The body: While unmistakably an evolution of the outgoing model, its revised styling is more dynamic and elegant. Accentuated wrap-around effect of the car’s glass area, a more sharply raked windscreen, a wider body and restyled headlight and tail light clusters create a more distinctive presence. In the cabin, Swift gains a sportier yet more refined ambience courtesy of sophisticated black trim with contrasting silver accents. New instruments and controls, with upmarket textures and craftsmanship, complete the effect. Roominess and comfort are optimised within a 95 mm increase in overall length to 3,85 m and slightly wider tracks. 

Higher-strength steel makes the new car’s body stiffer and lighter, with body rigidity up by approximately 15 percent, improved roll stiffness, a lower centre of gravity and improved impact safety. The McPherson strut front suspension, with an improved layout for the front stabiliser and coil springs, achieves better roll stiffness without increasing weight. The suspension frame is also more rigid. At the rear, a newly structured torsion beam incorporates the function of the stabiliser bar, traditionally a separate component. This affords 25 percent more roll stiffness while reducing mass by two kg. These changes allow use of slightly softer suspension settings for greater comfort, without compromising stability and control. A newly developed steering system features variable ratio gearing to reduce steering effort and improve responsiveness.

The experience: The driver's seat ratchets up and down while the steering wheel has both height and reach adjustments, so everyone should be able to get comfortable. One sits fairly high and upright with a commanding all-round view outward. A decently sized glove box, two open slots, a lidded box on top of the dash, two cup holders and reasonable door storage look after one's personal clutter. In the back, head- and kneeroom are good for a small car, while larger passengers have plenty of space under the front chairs to park big feet. Three head restraints and belts and a trio of baby seat tethers are provided. Seat backs are split 60:40 and fold completely flat once head restraints have been removed. The boot measures 210 litres with the seatbacks up and has a removable horizontal divider should you wish to keep certain things private. Loading sill height is fairly high. The spare is a steel spacesaver.
For a 1400, the new Swift packs more than its fair share of grin factor, scuttling up to 100 km/h in a claimed 10,9 seconds and going on to a maximum of 170 km/h. While not the fastest kid in class, it isn't slothful by any means. The meandering Midlands road becomes a happy point-and-squirt adventure and it's comfy too. Rumble strips and speed bumps hardly faze it at all. I believe I want one.

For Launch details and equipment information, click here

The numbers:
Price: R169 900
Engine: 1 372 cc DOHC, 16-valve VVT, four cylinder, inline                                          Power: 70 kW at  6000 rpm                                                                                    Torque: 130 Nm at 4000 rpm                          Performance:                                                                                                             Zero to 100 km/h: 10.9 seconds                                                       Maximum speed: 170 km/h
Real life fuel consumption: about 5,8 l/100 km
Tank: 42 litres
Warranty: 3 years/100 000 km
Service plan: 4 years/60 000 km

What We Do

This is a one-man show, which means that road test cars entrusted to me are driven only by me. Some reviewers hand test cars over to their partners to use as day-to-day transport and barely experience them for themselves.

What this means to you is that every car reviewed is given my own personal evaluation and receives my own seat of the pants judgement - no second hand input here.

Every car goes through real world testing; on city streets littered with potholes, speed bumps and rumble strips, on freeways and if its profile demands, dirt roads as well.

I am based in Pietermaritzburg, KZN, South Africa. This is the central hub of the KZN Midlands farming community; the place farmers go to to buy their supplies and equipment, truck their goods to market, send their kids to school and go to kick back and relax. 

So occasionally a cow, a goat or a horse may add a little local colour by finding its way into the story or one of the pictures. It's all part of the ambience!

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