Is it fair to say that Suzuki’s Swift just got even swifter?

South Africa’s top award-winning budget car of the year has been given a makeover and comes sporting more than just a new good look.

With extra specifications introduced as part of its mid-life upgrade, the current generation Suzuki Swift was introduced here in 2018 and has become a best-seller locally and abroad.

Car of the year awards have been collected by the Swift in Europe, Japan and South Africa.

And while it may have retained the overall visual signature look, the new Swift features a distinctive chrome line which divided the grille into a section with the brand’s large emblem and a lower section which holds the number plate.

A line-up of visual changes are hard to miss, with the grille receiving a more distinctive mesh patterns which places emphasis on the Swift’s sporty nature.

The range-topping GLX also adds a high-resolution reverse camera that displays its image on the touchscreen infotainment system.

It’s not all about the looks though, with safety and security features also being upgraded.

Automated manual models have had Hill Hold Assist as well as Electronic Stability Control.

All models will also see Isofix anchor points equipped for child safety restraints, additionally central locking, safety belts fitted with pre-tensioners and force limiters and immobiliser alarm systems.

At the heart of the Swift’s winning recipe is the combination of the lightweight and rigid Heartect platform as well as the free-revving and frugal K12M petrol engine.

The Heartect platform uses Suzuki’s proprietary Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) design to create an ultra-rigid platform that is much lighter than other similar-sized vehicles.

This not only makes the Swift one of the safest vehicles in its class, but it creates the ideal platform for the K12M four-cylinder petrol engine to shine.

The Suzuki K12M-engine uses variable valve technology to deliver 61kW at 6 000rpm and 112Nm at 4 200rpm, rated to consume only 4,9 litres per 100km.