The ultimate driving challenge: have a passenger with two broken ribs. It not only tests your abilities as a driver and the quality of the roads, but also the ride comfort of your car, says Liana Reiners in her review of the new Suzuki Swift.

The Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLS was up to the challenge

Fortunately I was driving a Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLS. So although there was sweet-blow-all I could do about the speed bumps and the potholes and although I was reasonably confident in my driving abilities, at least I knew that the Swift was up to the challenge.

A finalist in the 2009 car of the Year competition

Price: From R131900 To R144 900 Article Options Email to Friend Print Article Remove from Favorites Add to Favorites Remove from 'Articles to Read' Add to 'Articles to Read'

“It’s no wonder that this model was chosen as a finalist in the 2009 Car of the Year competition,” I thought as I got in behind the wheel. It’s contemporary, youthful and sporty, but with a level of quality and refinement that is virtually non-existent in its class. In fact, Suzuki’s designers worked overtime to ensure maximum interior space but minimum overall size and the result is comfort, functionality and adjustability.

Dynamic handling traits of a much bigger car

This may sound boring, but I assure you that the Swift is anything but. A design that places the large-diameter wheels near the furthest extremes of each corner gives it the widest rear track in its class. This translates into dynamic handling traits, great stability and a level of ride control and refinement typical of a much larger and more expensive car.

Which brings me back to my passenger. To take his mind off the obvious pain he was feeling, the Swift has a rather decent radio/CD sound system, while the air-conditioning ensured that I kept my cool as I dodged endless potholes and crawled over countless speed bumps in mid-morning traffic.

Suzuki Swift offers great safety features too

At least I felt safe in the knowledge that the Swift boasts a host of safety features to ensure that my passenger wouldn’t suffer any further injury if something went wrong.
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.

Speaking of broken ribs, the Swift guarantees a knock-out punch with its 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 1 490 cc unit ensures that its performance characteristics are just as noteworthy as its styling, with outputs of 74 kW at 6 000 r/min and 133 Nm of torque at 4 000 r/min. This propels the little Suzie from standstill to 100 km/h in 10 seconds and on to a top speed of 175 km/h.

Great car, great price - only negative is a small boot

Any criticism? Well, only two things. Firstly, the boot is a bit on the small side. And secondly, I had to give it back. Apart from the features already mentioned, the Swift really has a lot going for it, least of which being its compelling price tag. The 1.5 GL will set you back R116 900, while the model that I drove – the 1.5 GLS – costs R131900. Rounding off the model line-up is the four-speed automatic version at R144 900.

Included in the purchase price of each of these models is the so-called Suzuki Complete package of after sales services. 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 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.

A very good buy in my books.