Suzuki, whichintroduced its 4th-generation Swift inSouth Africa in 2018, recently expanded the compact hatchback's line-upthroughthe addition of 1.2 GLX and 1.4T Sport derivatives. Herewith specs & prices for the full range.

Characterisedby a youthful styling and an all-new platform, the Swift is a top-seller for Suzuki Auto in South Africa and the 1.2 GL derivative famously won the budget car category of the 2018/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards– powered by WesBank. Compared with its predecessor,it is 10 mm shorter, but 40 mm wider and repositioned to appeal to top-end budget-car, rather than traditional compact hatchback,buyers. However, the introduction of the higher-spec 1.2 GLX and 1.4T Sport versions, both available in manual or automatic guise, sees the Swift move upmarket.

The 1.2 GLX is new to the range. It can be easily distinguished from the 1.2 GL derivativeby its 15-inch alloy wheels.

The wheelbase has been extended to2 450 mm(making the Swift almost as long as the Ciaz sedan) and the tracks are wider at each end: by 40 mm (front) and 35 mm (rear). Theincreased dimensions have led to improved interiorspace…Suzuki claims front passengers benefit from more shoulder room and rear occupants are afforded a bit more headroom. Plus,everyone sits a little lower down, which gives the car a sportier feel.

One of the criticisms of past Swifts was stingy luggage capacity. This has been increased to 268 litres (a58-litre increase) and the rear seatbackfolds down in a 60/40 split. Furthermore, Suzuki claims the Swift is 95 kg lighter than its predecessor, which benefits fuel efficiency.

The Swift 1.2 GL was namedthe best budget car in the 2018/19 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards– powered by WesBank.

Engine line-up

Most Swift derivatives are powered by the same1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine as the outgoing car. It produces 61 kW and 113 Nm, fuel consumption is rated at 4.9 L/100 km. It has a fuel tank capacity of 37 litres. You have the choice of either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automated manual gearbox (AMT). An AMT behaves much like a manual gearbox except the operation of the clutch is controlled by the vehicle.

1.4T Sport derivatives (lower and lighter than their predecessors) arepowered by a direct-injection 1.4-litre 4-cylinder BoosterJet turbopetrol that features roller rocker-type variable valve timing,a revised air intake system (with dual air-intake pressure sensors and a pair of electric radiator fans), as well asSwift Sport-exclusive engine mapping. It delivers 103 kW at 5 500 rpm and 230 Nm of peak torque between 2 500 and 3 500 rpm.

The 1.4T Sport is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 kphin 8 seconds and reach a top speed of 205 kph. Thestated performance figures are identical for derivativesequipped with the uprated 6-speed manual 'box or new 6-speed autotransmission (with 'wheel-mounted shift paddles).

Features

The 1.2 GLX's fasciasports a 7-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system that is Andriod Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible.

All Swift derivatives comeequipped witha sporty steering wheel, tilt (or rake) adjustable steering column, a trip computer,air conditioning, front/rear electric windows, power steering and remote central locking.

Compared with the entry-level 1.2 GA, 1.2 GL and 1.2 GL automatic derivatives can be distinguished by colour-coded side mirrors, front fog lamps anda rear luggage cover/parcel shelf. Theyadditionally feature chrome accents and a chronograph-design instrument cluster,an audio system with Bluetooth/USB connectivity, audio controls on the steering wheel and electrically adjustable side mirrors.

The recently introduced 1.2 GLX and 1.2 GLX automatic come with15-inchalloy wheels, shod with 185/65 profile tyres, while their grilles, A- and B-pillars and C-pillar inserts are blacked out. The derivatives' rear bumpers featurerecessed, colour-coded parking sensors.

The 1.2 GLX further features a leather-wrapped steering wheel with handsfree telephony and voice command satellite buttons.

Inside, a1.2 GLX cabin comes equipped with a leather-clad steering wheel,height-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic climate control and a keyless access system with Start/Stop button. The 7-inch colourtouchscreen infotainment system offersvoice command integration, full Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and also displays the image from the integrated reverse-view camera.

Click here for detail specifications of the Suzuki Swift Sport.

Read our launch review of the 1.4T (Swift) Sport.

Safety-wise, 1.2-litre Swift derivatives are equipped with dual front airbags,ABSwith electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), ISOfixchild-seat mounting points, LED combination tail lamps (including a high-mounted LED stop lamp),an immobiliser and integrated alarm system. 1.4T Sport derivatives feature all of the above, as well as 4additionalairbags (side and curtain 'bags) and electronic stability control (ESP).

With the introduction of a turbocharged 1.4-litre BoosterJet engine, the 1.4T SwiftSport offers much more flexible performance.

Suzuki Swift (2019) price in South Africa

All 1.2-litre derivativesare sold with a 2-year/30000 km service plan and 5-year/200000 km promotionalmechanical warranty, whereas 1.4T Sport derivatives come with a 4-year/60 000 km service plan and a standard 5-year/200 000 km vehicle warranty(prices as stated in August 2019).

Get a quote / Request a test drive on Cars.co.za

Further Reading:

Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL (2018) Review

Suzuki Swift (2018) Launch Review

Suzuki Swift (2018) International Launch Drive [w/Video]

Suzuki previews Swift Sport, Extends Warranty (Updated)

New Suzuki Swift (2017) First Drive

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