2017 is going to be an exciting year if Suzuki has anything to say about it.
Japan’s favourite compact car manufacturer has announced that it will introduce a Special Edition Suzuki Swift in South Africa in limited numbers. The model will enhance the Suzuki Swift’s sporty heritage and will be designed to celebrate its racing pedigree.
The new Special Edition will be called the Suzuki Swift 1.2 RS and is scheduled to arrive at Suzuki dealerships in February.
The new Swift 1.2 RS is based on the very popular manual version of the Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL. This means that it is equipped with creature comforts such as electric windows, a radio / CD player with Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning and a multi-function steering wheel.
Using this version as a canvas, Suzuki’s designers added front and rear spoilers and side skirts to visually lower the vehicle and create a sporty stance. Custom dark machined rims on Goodyear Dura tyres add to the appeal, as does a tailgate spoiler fitted flush to the upper lip of the rear hatch door.
The design is further enhanced by special dark blue sporty decals and RS lettering, which is mirrored in the front spoiler and specially painted side mirror covers. All RS models will be sold in the Artic White Pearl Metallic colour.
Inside the 1.2 RS, Suzuki has added custom seat covers to add to the sporty appeal, while the GL’s level of standard equipment and safety features, such as two airbags, remain standard.
The Suzuki Swift remains one of Suzuki’s most popular models globally, with sales of over 5 000 000 units since its introduction. In South Africa, Suzuki bolstered its range with the addition of the 1.2 litre engine in 2014 and it has since become a highly popular model.
The 1.2 litre 16-valve engine has the same free-revving character as its larger siblings, but benefits from its lighter weight and smaller capacity to deliver a combined fuel consumption figure of only 5.3 litres per 100 km. This engine delivers 63 kW and is mated to a five-speed gearbox in the RS model.
“When we conceptualised the 1.2 RS, we set the target of creating an exciting and visually appealing Special Edition for under R200 000. With a price tag of only R184 800 and a rapidly growing waiting list, we have surely hit our target,” says André Venter, divisional manager for sales and marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa.
The Swift 1.2 RS is sold with a 3-year / 30 000 km service plan and a comprehensive warranty for 100 000 km over the same period.
