A Growing Concern

With over 14,000 fatalities and countless injuries annually, road accidents in South Africa pose a significant threat to public safety. These incidents not only result in tragic loss but also impose a substantial economic burden of R150 billion per year.

FleetMax Africa, a South African transport consultancy, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the DriveSMART campaign. Led by Ashref Ismail, a seasoned professional with over 20 years in road safety education, traffic management, and law enforcement, the company’s team of qualified individuals will contribute to the development of effective training programs.

The DriveSMART Campaign

Suzuki will provide two Grand Vitara GLX models to be used in training programs across South Africa and the production of road safety videos. These videos, ranging from two to three minutes in length, will cover a wide range of topics, including defensive driving, vehicle maintenance, and other essential road safety practices.

The goal of the DriveSMART campaign is to create shareable content that can be disseminated through social media channels and partner networks.

If you’ve been living under a rock and are not familiar with the model name, the Suzuki Grand Vitara was first introduced in 1988 as a compact SUV, but it wasn’t until 1998 that the name “Grand Vitara” was officially used. It quickly gained popularity for its off-road capabilities and versatility, becoming a best-seller in several markets. The second generation, released in 2005, was larger and more refined, featuring advanced safety and technology features. This is now the 2022 version.

First Looks

The exterior design is quite interesting, with some people alluding to the idea that it looks like a little Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Suzuki Grand Vitara has a modern and sleek exterior design that combines elements of both sportiness and elegance. The front of the vehicle features a bold, chrome-finished grille with a large Suzuki emblem in the center, flanked by sharp LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights. The body of the car is characterized by smooth, flowing lines and curves, with pronounced wheel arches and a distinctive shoulder line running the length of the vehicle. The rear of the car features a sporty-looking bumper with integrated exhaust tips, and LED taillights that wrap around the side of the vehicle.

All models of the Grand Vitara come with roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Technical Specifications

The Grand Vitara is now available in two different drivetrain options, both using Suzuki’s K15 engine. The K15B engine, also found in the Baleno is a 1.5l that produces 77Kw and 138Nm. The second option is a K15C engine with mild hybrid electric power, and that churns out 75.8Kw and 136.8Nm.

We drove the latter for most of our launch journey and that variant is dubbed the Hybrid All-Grip, albeit it does not sound much like a hybrid, seems to be quite loud to be coined that. We drove to Knysna, Uniondale and back to George, tackling various terrain along the way. Part of our route included a 100km+ stretch of gravel where we put the Grand Vitara to its paces, and it fared quite well. The six-speed automatic transmission and engine pairing work decently together.

Niceties All Around

The Grand Vitara comes in two trim levels, namely GL and GLX. All trims come with keyless entry, keyless start and stop, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto and electric windows. The GLX model comes with a large panoramic sunroof, wireless charging tray, ambient lighting and a leatherette interior. Safety features are also extensive, with electronic stability control, ABS brakes, Hill hold assist and rear parking sensors being standard in all models.

Overall, the Grand Vitara is a good flagship model for the brand, coming in with a plethora of features and competitive pricing that is sure to capture many consumers locally.

Pricing for the Grand Vitara:
1.5 GL Manual: R339 900
1.5 GL Auto: R359 900
1.5 GLX Manual R397 900
1.5 GLX Auto: R417 900
1.5 GLX Hybrid AllGrip Auto: R529 900

Pricing includes a 6 year/90 000km service plan and a 5 year/200 000km promotional warranty

Words by Reba S

The new model, which was launched on Wednesday in its biggest market – India – to a global audience, takes the baton from its predecessor in every way. It welcomes a new design philosophy called Crafted Futurism and in the same breath introduces a market-leading level of specifications.

Many of this design language’s foundational elements, such as the mix of organic and dynamic lines, large and striking lights and a purposeful stance, are a refinement of the Liquid Flow philosophy.

Other elements, such as a wider front air intake, the new three-dimensional grille design and the flow of the body lines and brightwork in one continuous swoop, are not only new, but a sign of designs to come.

The design also applies to the new interior, where a multi-layered dashboard creates the impression of space. There are also more comfortable and contoured seats, which are both functional and visually appealing, and higher-grade materials.

The Baleno will continue to be offered in two model specifications, the entry GL and luxury GLX version.

For starters, the GL model range now has cruise control and climate control (as opposed to standard air conditioning) with rear-mounted air vents as standard.

The Baleno GL also features a 7” touch screen infotainment system as standard. This further adds a two USB type A (one front and one rear) and one Type C (rear) charging port to the standard specification list.
In addition, Suzuki has also added Hill Hold Control, which was previously not available on this model.

Other GL luxuries and safety features remain, including Electronic Stability Programme, dual front airbags with ABS, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assistance (BAS) and the leather clad steering wheel with controls for the audio, phone and cruise control systems and the electric windows and mirrors.

The GLX features all of the luxuries of the GL but upgrades or adds to them with a range of first-in-segment features. The most prominent change to anyone familiar with the Baleno GLX is the new infotainment system. The GL’s new 7” infotainment system is replaced by a striking 9” high-definition infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Back to the GLX. The 9” infotainment system is also home to the imagery from the Baleno’s 360-degree view camera system. That means the reverse camera found in the current model is replaced by an array of cameras that creates an all-round view of the vehicle when manoeuvring in tight spots or when parking.

The real treat for GLX buyers is placed in direct sight of the driver – Head’s Up Display. This luxury, previously unheard of in this segment, features a full colour display of a host of vehicle features, including speed, temperature and other vehicle warning symbols. This, too, is standard on the new model.

Like before, the GLX features luxuries and safety equipment like 6 airbags, LED daytime running lights, LED projector headlights, keyless entry and a push-button start and dual-colour 16” alloy wheels.

Under the new bonnet lies Suzuki’s beloved K15B engine, which replaces the K14B engine and increases the engine volume from 1.4 litres to 1.5 litres.
The new engine delivers 77 kW (9 kW more than before) and 138 Nm of torque (an improvement of 8 Nm). The vehicle weighs in at less than a tonne (955 kg) for a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio of 81 kW per tonne.

More details on the range, pricing, service plan and warranty information will be made available at the time of launch around June 2022.

Now in it’s fourth generation, the vibrant Stig-Mobil comes exclusively with 17” polished alloy wheels and larger front brakes. It has a wider and longer body than previous models and sits lower on the ground for more responsive and agile driving experience and is claimed to be 10% more aerodynamically efficient.

There is also something about this vehicle that makes it look more aggressive and ready to fight, that is also thanks to the honeycomb front grille which warns other drivers that it does indeed sting like a bee, without even uttering a word the evidence can be seen by the carbon fibre front bumper and side skirts. Let’s not forget the leather sports steering with a glossy piano black finish and red stitching detail which can also be found on the car seats and door handles.

To add salt to an open wound, Suzuki decided to throw in nice-looking aluminium pedals just for the special effects and figure-hugging sports seats and just because this car is such a show-off it comes in a four door option to give all your friends a lift and give them a first-hand experience of all this sassiness.

There is a total weight reduction of 90 kg from the previous model which now brings it down to 970 kg making it even easier and pleasurable to drive. The model comes fitted with a new engine with Booster-jet technology making the car a bit quicker and more fuel-efficient. The brand was starting to feel a bit left behind and forced the guys in the engine workshop to work overtime and ensure that the new Suzuki Swift Sport carries 3kW of power more than the previous model which now tweaks it at 103kW and produces a torque output.

Expect to jet off on a straight line from 0 – 100 in 8,1 seconds with a claimed top speed of 210 Km/h.  This is not at all shabby if I may say so myself, did I also mention that it offers paddle shifts for more power control and pleasurable drive.

Suzuki has even made even more modern changes to the model by equipping it with not only a keyless entry start/stop technology across the range and its multifunctional steering also features a height/ reach adjustment. How could we ever forget the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which certainly is a plus from my side, indeed I can’t deny the fact that this a certainly a light hot hatch with a touch of modern-day sophistication.

In this market segment the focus is primarily on assembling a nimble and practical vehicle, however like many other offerings in this class the Swift has a rather small boot capacity for bigger travel suitcases but can fit a few duffel bags. Despite the sporty and refined finishes which are aesthetically pleasing, the dual exhaust sound is rather quiet and doesn’t do the car much justice and of course, there are some cheap plastic finishes, which can feel a bit out of place.

What I’m particularly fond of about this nimble warrior is its dashboard cluster and speedometer which displays the G-meter, boost produced by the turbo, torque, acceleration and braking information.  Something a lot of rivals in this segment don’t offer. Additional thumbs up go to the amount of leg and headroom for rear passengers which isn’t bad and is still relatively comfortable in the back, not forgetting SRS airbags for both front and rear passengers.  Metallic paint comes standard in a range of vibrant colours to choose from with the champion yellow option taking the pole position according to me.

The 2019 Suzuki Swift Sport comes in two six (6) forward transmission variants; The manual and self-shifting automatic transmissions and pricing starts from R315 900 and R335 900 respectively.  Though some might see it as one of the more expensive vehicles in its class pushing it closer to the ford fiesta ST, which I can confidently say that the Swift is a better option in this instance as it still offers a reasonable value for money.

Written by Lerato Sepotokele

It’s the heart and soul of the company – no pun intended – and in its five years of planning it’s set to smoke the competition, leaving many in the dust and others out of production altogether. Yup, this car is that good – and per the company, the Ignis has multi-generational reach across buying demographics. 

To be frank, it’s an odd looking car – no, not to the extent of Kia Soul-odd, but still funky to look at – and that’s a good thing. According to Suzuki, consumers and dealers love it, adding up to 50 confirmed orders during its launch week alone. It’s a fun car that gets you from point A to point B while showing off a lot of attitude in the process.

I must confess, when I first saw the Ignis my thinking was more along the lines of “what the hell is this Mini Cooper Countryman looking thing?” than instant appreciation, and it was only on a later press drive that I finally got what all the fuss was about. 

Did I mention that the Ignis is a fun and well-rounded car? Well, it’s all that and zippier to boot. All of the models feature a 1.2-liter  engine, mated in either Suzuki’s similarly new GL Manual or GLX Manual and GLX Automatic five speed transmission. 

Whether we (myself and driving partner Wezile Bonani) were driving around the city in downtown Cape Town, cruising on the highway, or carving through roads clinging to the side of a mountain, the relatively new gearbox (previously used in the Swift 1.2) delivered faster and smoother shifts.

To be honest, though: the 5-speed is perky yet smooth with little kick from standstill. Our adventurous driving through the Cape winelands to the back country of Cape Town’s hilly roads demonstrated that the Ingis is more than sufficiently-equipped to satisfy my thirst for performance – and for the most part, I had to keep reminding myself that this is after all intended as a “ultra-compact crossover”.

The new engine is hands-down the biggest highlight of the Ignis, though to be fair it’s about damn time Suzuki put it to use. After all, it’s already powering the likes of the Swift as mentioned earlier.

Did I mention that the Ignis is a fun and well-rounded car?

For those really insistent on controlling the shift points on the auto verion, thankfully Suzuki didn’t leave you in the cold. A quick tap of the shifter to the right allows for manual gear shifting, though honestly it didn’t feel as quick as letting the transmitter do all the work.

Suzuki also comes in with a new-generation, modular chassis, that then boosts the crossover’s low mass, while also offering a rigid platform. There’s also the generous 180 mm ground clearance confirms that the newcomer isn’t scared to get its boots dirty. My biggest complain is the size of the wheels, while its to understand that they are to optimise engine performance, they make the vehicle actually look light and a tad cheap as opposed to the ‘affordable’ we’re aiming for. 

As for fuel economy, Suzuki claims that, you’ll get off with 5,1 litres/100 km in the case of manual gearbox models, and an even more frugal 4,9 litres/100 km for the automated manual model. That was proved correct during our drive. 

The base Ignis with a manual transmission starts at R169 900. The Ignis 1.2 GLX manual is priced at R189 900 while the automatic comes in at R204 900.

Helping make you feel you’re really getting something for that premium, the GLX models come with additional exterior features such as new 15-inch alloy wheels, wheel arch and roof rails and chrome around the grille. The headlights and fog lamps get projector type LED’s. The exterior mirrors include turn signal repeaters.

Inside, a start/stop button confirms that the GLX offers keyless starting, while the air-conditioning features fully automatic climate control. The climate control switchgear is housed in an innovative, cylindrical housing. The Ignis is really that customisable. 

Even with all that, there’s really one main takeaway here. Courtesy of its 1.2l engine, the ignis takes a ultra compact utility vehicle with a premium interior and exterior, and injects a decent chunk of fun. If you’re looking for a more performance-oriented ltra- CUV, the Atios Cross and Sandero Stepway might sway you, but its mixture of perky practicality helps the new Suzuki Ignis stand out in a rising segment.