Suzuki Auto South Africa ripped the covers off the all-new Swift at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami on Thursday.

The new-generation hatchback is set to go on sale locally around November, with Suzuki confirming that five variants will be available at launch.

All will be powered by a brand new 1.2-liter three-cylinder normally aspirated petrol engine, which offers up 60kW and 112Nm. Suzuki says the torque is available over a wider range thanks to a new multi-point injection system. For the record, the current 1.2 four-cylinder unit that it replaces produces 61kW and 113Nm.

The new Suzuki Swift will be available in three specification grades: GL, GL+ and GLX, with the latter two optionally available with a new CVT gearbox as an alternative to the standard five-speed manual.

The list of comfort and safety features has been upgraded across the board.

For instance, all models now feature six airbags (up from the current version’s two crash bags), as well as ESP stability control.

Starting at the base of the range, the Swift GL comes with digitally-operated air conditioning, electrically adjustable mirrors, electric windows on all doors and rear parking sensors. Externally it is distinguished by 14-inch covered steel wheels.

The GL+ additionally ships with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera and 15-inch alloy wheels.

The GLX flagship gains a 9.0-inch infotainment system, automatic climate control, automatic LED headlights, cruise control, push-button start and auto-folding side mirrors. Furthermore, the alloy wheels now have a diamond-cut finish.

The GLX flagship gains a larger touchscreen. Picture: Jason Woosey.

Pricing remains under wraps until closer to launch, but given the additional features fitted to the new Swift, it is likely to take a step upmarket from the current Swift range, which starts at R213,900 in the very basic GA trim that will no longer be offered. The current Swift GL starts at R233,900, which is perhaps a better indication of where the new range might take off.

IOL Motoring