No need to book an eye test, what you see here really is the all-new Suzuki Swift… let's just say that it has an extremely familiar look about it.
I can't say I disagree with this evolutionary approach as its predecessor really was a refreshing addition to the compact hatch brigade, immediately raising nods of approval for its racy styling, peppy 1.5-litre motor and bargain price tag.
Sadly it soon became a victim of runaway inflation (something Suzuki SA blamed on an equally athletic Yen) and the new one doesn't resolve this, with the 1.4 GL coming in at R152 900 and the GLS at R169 900.
Suzuki is swimming upstream with this one, yet feature-for-feature it still undercuts the big fish in the pond, otherwise known as Fiesta, Polo and co. It's just nowhere near the bargain it once was.
To announce its coming of age, the Swift has a chunkier and classier design that still retains most of styling elements that made the old one such a hit.
Smarter it may be, but it has lost some of that swiftness, its 'green' new powerplant displacing just 1372cc and offering lower outputs, albeit still competitive enough with 70kW at 6000rpm and 130Nm at 4000. It's 13 percent more efficient, says Suzuki, with combined consumption of 5.5 l/100km, equating to 132g/km of CO2.
As the press launch took place in the Durban area, we can't yet tell you how it'll perform at Reef altitude but it is reasonably brisk at the coast. The first three gear ratios are short, making it a keen sprinter around town, but the comparatively long fourth and fifth gears kept me busy on the open road, with hills often requiring a change down to third - although these ratios make it a good cruiser on flat stretches.
Suzuki also offers an alternative to the five-speed manual in the form of a four-speed autobox, which - despite not being the smoothest or most sophisticated self-shifter around - worked intuitively most of the time.
The Swift's biggest talent became apparent when pushing it through some fast sweeps. Not only was I impressed by its stability and directness, but I enjoyed the weighty and communicative feel of its speed-sensitive electric power steering. Show it some tight bends and the Swift entertains like an overgenerous hedonist.
Despite Suzuki having softened the suspension (the increased rigidity and lower centre of gravity compensating for this in the corners) this Suzuki still feels a bit firm over imperfect asphalt. I wouldn't call it uncomfortable, but a few hundred kays over deteriorating roads had me wishing for a softer set-up.
Suzuki's more upmarket approach can be seen most clearly inside, where the new dashboard imparts a smarter and more modern vibe. On the flipside, cabin and boot space still seems tight compared to its aforementioned rivals.
As before, you get to choose between GL and GLS trim levels. The GL boasts the basics like air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking and a full trip computer. Better sharpen up your Idols audition, however, as this one has no radio.
The GLS adds 16-inch alloys, an MP3/CD player with USB slot, a reach adjustable, leather-covered steering wheel with audio controls, automatic climate control and a keyless start system.
THE PRICES:
1.4 GL - R152 900
1.4 GLS - R169 900
1.4 GLS AT - R183 900
(Includes a four-year/60 000km service plan)
VERDICT:
Despite no longer offering a performance advantage over its peers, this new hatchback still makes a compelling case for itself with a sporty feel, entertaining road manners and lots of kit for the money in GLS form. A more powerful engine option, however, would likely thrust it straight up the alley where its target market resides.