Bucket Seat: Suzuki Across GL 1.5 Automatic

The partnership between Toyota and Suzuki seemed pretty one-sided over the years with South African's getting used to seeing a lot Suzuki models being re-badged as Toyota's. They were not even subtle about it, in most cases it was the exact same car just with a differed logo and name, while having the Toyota name to the model did boost sales for the brand, it did mean that the cars with their actual badge on it didn't sell as well as they thought it would. Fast forward to a couple of months ago, Suzuki unveiled their all new SUV/ Crossover the Across. This was something different from the brand as they stepped up from their usual small/ budget offering to something more mid-sized and premium. The design was bold and different, fitted with 1.5 Mild Hybrid it makes an interesting addition to the South African market because it represents a shift in what buyers expect from Suzuki. Step inside the Across and then things start to look a bit familiar, its clear that there's a lot that the Across shares with the locally manufacturer Corolla Cross. I spent a week with the mid level GL Automatic and I share my thoughts on it. 

DESIGN

From a styling perspective, the Across is arguably one of the best-looking vehicles Suzuki has launched locally in recent years. It carries a mature and upmarket appearance with a bold front grille, sharp LED lighting signatures and sculpted body lines that give it a confident road presence. The proportions strike a balance between urban sophistication and SUV ruggedness, while the raised ground clearance and alloy wheels ensure it still looks at home on South African gravel roads. It is not an overly flashy design, but it has enough character to stand out in a crowded segment without becoming polarising.

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet sits Suzuki's familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a 12-volt mild hybrid system. Outright performance is not the Across's primary focus, and drivers expecting hot hatch levels of acceleration may find the power delivery a little relaxed, especially when carrying a full load of passengers and luggage. However, the mild hybrid assistance helps smooth out acceleration in everyday driving and makes stop-start traffic considerably more refined. Where the Across truly excels is fuel economy. Suzuki's mild hybrid technology quietly works in the background by recovering energy during braking and assisting the petrol engine when needed, helping to keep fuel consumption impressively low. In a country where fuel prices continue to rise, a family SUV capable of delivering excellent economy is a major advantage. Whether it is the daily commute, a business trip or a holiday journey to the coast, the Across promises low running costs that will appeal to budget-conscious South African motorists.

COMFORT

The cabin of the Across has been designed with practicality and comfort in mind. The seats provide good support for long-distance travel, while the spacious interior offers generous legroom for both front and rear passengers. The driving position is comfortable, visibility is excellent and the suspension does a commendable job of absorbing rough road surfaces and potholes, making it well suited to local driving conditions. Road and wind noise are also well controlled, creating a relaxed environment for both the driver and passengers. Suzuki has ensured that the Across remains competitive when it comes to modern technology. The infotainment system features a large touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, allowing effortless smartphone integration. A digital instrument display adds a modern touch to the dashboard, while features such as wireless charging, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a reverse camera make daily driving easier. Safety has also been prioritised, with multiple airbags, electronic stability control and Isofix child seat mounts providing reassurance for families.

VERDICT

The biggest strength of the Suzuki Across GL 1.5 Mild Hybrid is that it understands exactly what its target audience wants. It is not trying to be the fastest SUV on the market or compete with premium European rivals. Instead, it focuses on delivering reliability, excellent fuel economy, generous standard equipment and sensible ownership costs in an attractive package. For South African consumers, that combination is particularly appealing. Rising fuel prices, increasing vehicle costs and the need for a practical family car make the Across a compelling option. While some buyers may wish for a little more power, the majority will appreciate its refined driving experience, low running costs and comfortable cabin far more than outright performance. Overall, while I did say at the beginning there are some shared items from the Corolla Cross, the Across feels like a whole different car. For buyers looking for a dependable and economical SUV that can comfortably handle both city life and long-distance travel, the Across is a vehicle that deserves serious consideration.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5-liter NA with 12V Mild Hybrid
Gear Box	6-Speed Automatic
Power	75.8kW
Torque	136.8Nm
Fuel Economy	6.4L per 100km
Price	R372,000.00

Bucket Seat: Suzuki Jimny 5-Door GL Manual

The Suzuki Jimny has long been a fan favourite in South Africa with it having its own fan club and multiple groups that plan Jimny events around the country. The number of accessories and modifications one can do to their Jimny has even expanded. Apart from the appealing price point, the Suzuki Jimny is one of those cars that is genuinely fun to drive because it has so much personality compared to most SUV's on the market today. I got to spend time with the updated GL 5-door model recently and during my time with it did some long distance driving to see how it compared to the launch 5-door model. 

DESIGN

The Suzuki Jimny 5-Door GL Manual is one of those rare vehicles that immediately stands out on South African roads without trying too hard. While most modern SUVs have moved toward rounded shapes and overly futuristic styling, the Jimny stays true to its roots with its boxy proportions, upright stance and old-school off-road design. The extended wheelbase of the 5-door model adds practicality without ruining the charm of the original 3-door version. In fact, the longer body actually makes it look more balanced and purposeful. The flat bonnet, circular headlights, chunky wheel arches and vertical grille give it genuine character, almost like a miniature G-Wagon designed for real-world adventures rather than social media appearances. The GL trim keeps things simple and rugged, which honestly suits the Jimny’s personality perfectly. It looks functional, durable and unapologetically mechanical in a market full of soft-looking crossovers.

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet sits Suzuki’s familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 75 kW and 130 Nm, paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. On paper, those numbers don’t sound impressive, especially considering the added size and weight of the 5-door model, but the Jimny has never been about outright speed. Around town, the lightweight construction and short gearing make it feel lively enough, while the manual gearbox adds a level of engagement that many modern SUVs have lost. On the highway, however, the Jimny starts to show its limitations. Overtaking requires planning and the engine can feel strained at higher speeds, particularly when fully loaded. But where the Jimny completely redeems itself is off-road. Thanks to its ladder-frame chassis, low-range gearbox and Suzuki’s ALLGRIP PRO four-wheel-drive system, this little SUV is capable of tackling terrain that would leave many larger and more expensive SUVs struggling. It’s not fast, but it feels honest and incredibly capable when taken off the beaten path.

COMFORT

Comfort is probably the biggest compromise you make when buying a Jimny. The cabin is practical rather than luxurious, with hard plastics throughout and a design focused more on durability than premium feel. That being said, the 5-door version significantly improves everyday usability compared to the smaller 3-door model. Rear passengers finally have proper space and getting into the back seats is no longer a gymnastic exercise. The upright seating position and large windows create excellent visibility, which makes the Jimny feel easy to drive in urban environments. Ride quality, however, remains fairly firm and bouncy due to the solid axle suspension setup. On rough roads and gravel, it feels completely at home, but on highways you’ll notice wind noise and body movement more than you would in a traditional crossover. Long-distance comfort isn’t its strongest point, but for weekend trips, city driving and outdoor adventures, the Jimny still manages to feel charming rather than uncomfortable.

TECHNOLOGY

The Jimny 5-Door GL Manual keeps technology relatively simple, but it covers all the essentials modern buyers expect. The infotainment system includes a touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Bluetooth, USB functionality and steering-mounted controls. You also get rear parking sensors and a reverse camera, which help compensate for the upright design when parking in tighter spaces. While the system itself isn’t as flashy or advanced as some of the newer Chinese rivals entering the South African market, it remains easy to use and functional. Safety features include ABS, electronic stability control, hill-hold assistance and dual airbags, which are acceptable for this segment, although some competitors now offer more advanced driver assistance technologies. The Jimny’s technology approach feels very similar to the rest of the vehicle simple, practical and focused on functionality rather than trying to overwhelm drivers with unnecessary features.

VERDICT

The Jimny offers something those vehicles simply cannot replicate personality. It feels authentic in a world where most SUVs have become overly polished and emotionally disconnected. The combination of timeless design, genuine off-road capability and everyday usability makes the 5-door Jimny one of the most unique vehicles currently available in the South African market. It’s a car you buy because you love what it represents, not because it wins every comparison test. And for buyers who value character, adventure and individuality over outright refinement, the Jimny remains incredibly easy to fall in love with.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5-liter Naturally Aspirated
Gear Box	5-Speed Manual
Power	77kW
Torque	138Nm
Fuel Economy	6.4L per 100km
Price	R439,000.00

Bucket Seat: Suzuki Grand Vitara GLX

Anyone who has been keeping an eye on the NAAMSA monthly sales figures would have noticed that Suzuki sales has been surged over the last year and with good reason too. The Swift remains one of the most reliable and affordable budget friendly options when it comes to an entry level hatch back, its solid, it's comfortable and most importantly, its light on fuel. The rest of their line-up has also been picking up, with the likes of the Jimny being a firm favourite for many. With their JV with Toyota which see's a lot of their vehicles wear the Toyota badge, it has done them some harm with the consumer opting to go for the bigger Japanese name rather than the Suzuki, when the new shape Grand Vitara was first launch, Suzuki SA thought they'd hold the trump card by only offering Toyota SA to sell the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine while they had exclusivity over the 1.5L Hybrid, unfortunately for Suzuki, the price of this Hybrid model saw them sitting with stock as many opted for the Toyota version or if they wanted a Hybrid, they went and bought the Corolla Cross XS which was not a lot more than the Grand Vitara. After burning their fingers, Suzuki decided to can the Hybrid and bring their 1.5L N/A model to compete directly with the Toyota Urban Cruise but offering a bit more. I spent some time with this model and here are my thoughts.

DESIGN

The Suzuki Grand Vitara doesn’t scream for attention but it doesn’t need to. It’s one of those SUVs that grows on you the more you look at it. Up front, you’ve got a bold, upright stance with a layered grille and sharp LED lighting that gives it a modern edge, while the clamshell bonnet and squared-off proportions subtly nod to its heritage. Around the back, the clean surfacing and light bar keep things contemporary without overcomplicating the design. It’s not flashy like some of the Korean alternatives, but there’s an honesty to it that works. Whether you’re pulling up in Sandton or heading out onto a gravel road, it looks perfectly at home in the South African landscape. The little details they add to the exterior of the car make the Grand Vitara stand out more than the Urban Cruiser, the chrome accents, LED lighting and panoramic sunroof give the Suzuki so much more character. 

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet, the Grand Vitara is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, and you feel exactly what that suggests. Around town, it’s smooth and easy-going, making it perfectly suited to daily commuting and stop-start traffic. It doesn’t feel strained in normal driving, and it delivers power in a predictable, linear way. However, the moment you push it whether it’s overtaking on the highway or tackling a steep incline with passengers it starts to feel a bit out of its depth. The 4-speed automatic gearbox adds to that feeling, as it’s more about reliability than responsiveness, and can come across as slightly dated compared to newer transmissions. That said, the bigger picture tells a different story. Fuel consumption is impressively low, which is a major advantage given South Africa’s fuel prices, and the mild-hybrid system helps smooth out low-speed driving while improving efficiency even further. It’s not built to excite, but it is built to make financial sense.

COMFORT

This is where the Grand Vitara really comes into its own. The ride quality is genuinely impressive, soaking up bumps, potholes, and uneven road surfaces with a level of composure that feels tailor-made for South African conditions. It’s the kind of car that makes long-distance driving feel effortless rather than tiring. The cabin is well insulated, keeping road and wind noise to a minimum, which adds to that relaxed driving experience. Inside, there’s enough space for five adults to sit comfortably without feeling cramped, and while the boot isn’t the biggest in the segment, it’s practical enough for everyday use. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making it a great companion for both daily commutes and longer road trips. It’s not trying to be luxurious, but it gets the fundamentals of comfort absolutely right.

TECHNOLOGY

Suzuki has equipped the Grand Vitara with all the essentials you’d expect from a modern SUV, without going overboard. The infotainment system is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while features like wireless charging, keyless entry, and a reverse camera add everyday convenience. Everything works as it should, and that’s really the point there’s no unnecessary complexity or gimmicks. On the safety side, it’s well covered with multiple airbags, stability control, and driver assistance features that give you peace of mind on the road. It may not have the cutting-edge tech you’d find in more premium offerings, but it delivers where it counts for the average South African driver.

VERDICT

The Suzuki Grand Vitara isn’t trying to be the fastest, the flashiest, or the most high-tech SUV in its class, and that’s actually its biggest strength. It focuses on what really matters in South Africa, like fuel efficiency, comfort on less-than-perfect roads, reliability, and overall affordability. If you’re looking for something thrilling, this isn’t it. But if you want a dependable, comfortable, and cost-effective SUV that fits seamlessly into everyday life, it makes a very compelling case for itself. It’s not the car you show off about at a braai, but it’s the one that quietly proves its worth every single day.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5-liter Naturally Aspirated
Gear Box	4-Speed Automatic
Power	77kW
Torque	138Nm
Fuel Economy	5.6L per 100km
Price	R453,900.00

Bucket Seat: Suzuki Swift CVT

The Suzuki Swift has quietly been a strong competitor in the budget hatch segment in South Africa, now in its latest guise, sales have been stronger than ever and keeping the Japanese manufacturer ranked high in the monthly NAAMSA stats, rivaling their Japanese counterparts who seem to be stealing all of Suzuki's good models and badging it as their own. I don't foresee this happening to the Swift as Toyota already have a budget hatch of their own in the Vitz, which granted isn't as popular as the Swift but holds its own in the market. 

DESIGN

The 2024 Swift keeps the compact, playful silhouette that made earlier Swifts such favourites in SA towns and cities. The new model tightens up the lines: a lower, wider stance, pronounced wheel arches and cleaner side panels give it a sportier, more grown-up look compared with the previous generation. Higher-spec GLX models add LED projector headlights, integrated LED daytime running lights and fog lamps which lift the visual presence after dark and make the car look more premium than its price suggests. Interior styling follows suit  a smarter dash layout with a larger touchscreen on GLX trims and pleasant, modern trim materials give the cabin a more up-to-date feel than the car’s compact footprint might imply. 

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet South Africa gets the new 1.2-litre, three-cylinder Z12E petrol engine that produces about 60 kW and 112 Nm of torque. It’s not a performance car, it’s engineered for low fuel consumption and usable torque across the rev range rather than outright thrust. When it comes to tiny hatches like this, I tend to prefer the 5-speed manual transmission but this particular model was the automatic option with a CVT  gear box, which keeps revs low and smooth in urban driving and helps the claimed economy figures sit in the mid-4 to mid-5 L/100 km range. That makes it an economical daily driver for stop-start city runs and steady highway cruising. Real-world feel,  the Swift is light and nimble, so it feels lively in town easy to flick into parking spots and to change lanes in traffic. The trade-off is that the three-cylinder character and CVT behaviour deliver a buzzy note at higher revs and the CVT can feel rubber-banded under hard acceleration. If you need brisk overtakes on fast freeways often, the Swift will manage but won’t feel especially rapid; it’s happiest as a commuter and urban runabout. Multiple local road tests and reviews note that the new engine’s torque spread helps low-down response, improving real-life drivability versus a very small high-rev engine. 

COMFORT

Inside, the Swift is cleverly packaged: front seat occupants get supportive seats with decent bolstering and visibility is good for city driving. Rear seat space is acceptable for adults on shorter trips but two adults will be more comfortable than three on longer journeys. Boot size is typical for the class — enough for groceries, weekend bags or a stroller but not for large family loads. Higher GLX trims add nicer touches (larger infotainment screen, more audio features, automatic climate control on GLX) that make longer trips less tiring. Ride quality is firm rather than pillowy — it soaks up city potholes reasonably well but can feel choppy over very poor surfaces or at higher speeds. For many South African buyers who split time between city streets and occasional highway runs, the balance will be acceptable; if you do lots of long, rough-road trips you may prefer something with more suspension travel. 

VERDICT

Overall the Suzuki Swift automatic is a smart, economical, city-first hatchback with modern styling and sensible equipment — an excellent choice for first-time buyers, urban commuters, and small families who prioritise affordability, running costs and easy parking. It also surprisingly has a lot of safety features, standard safety kit includes stability control/ABS and multiple airbags across the range, and higher trims add parking sensors, bigger infotainment and convenience features (keyless entry, push-button start, cruise control on GLX). These features matter a lot in city traffic and for highway cruising around SA. Pricing of the Swift is really where it wins, in the small hatch market with it starting from R224,900 for the 1.2 MT with automatic transmission starting at R265,900.

SPECIFICATION

Engine	1.2L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Gear Box	5-Speed CVT
Torque	112Nm
Power	60kW
Average Fuel Consumption	4.4L per 100km
Price	R265,900

Bucket Seat: SA Festival of Motoring 2024

Today see's the start of SA's biggest motoring festival, the South African Festival of Motoring taking place at the home of motor racing, Kyalami International Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg. Today they hosted a media day, so the journo's could get up close and personal with what is on display for festival goers, unfortunately I couldn't attend myself but if you are planning or still deliberating on attending this weekend, this post is to give you a snapshot of what you can expect. There has been a host of new car reveals and that is essentially what we will be focusing on today. 

Biggest news of the day, well morning was from Ford South Africa who lifted the covers of their all new Mustang GT. This one caught many by surprise as the car itself was only due later on in the year. Ford SA has already confirmed that we will also be getting the Dark Horse edition of the car. The Mustang boasts that iconic 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 motor which delivers 328kW and 540Nm of torque, with the Dark Horse squeezing out 372kW. The updated interior see's a lot of technology advancements with a huge curved display and a neat remote rev function which can start the car and rev it from the key. No official word on pricing has been given yet but it's definitely North of R1.2 million. 

Next up, we move over to the Germans, Volkswagen SA showcased their updated T-Cross. While the general styling remains the same with revised bumpers for the front and back, the main changes come in the lights, with the headlights getting IQ Matrix LED's and the rear featuring Matrix LED lights. On the inside, there set up has been revised giving it a more mature look and feel. The infotainment has been upgraded to an 8-inch touch screen display and the instrument cluster now being fully digital. Wireless charging and App Connect is now standard throughout the range and VW has introduced a lot more soft touches on the dash and door inserts. Pricing starts at R462,200 for the Life 1.0 TSI 85kW model with 3 lower engine derivatives still making their way to the shores. 

VW also has on display some other cool cars, like their long wheel base ID Buzz, the new Toureg and the soon to be launched new Tiguan! So lots to see from them. 

Suzuki launched their latest edition of the the much loved Swift. Featuring modern styling and an all new 1.2 liter, 3-cylinder petrol engine that promises more efficiency but still delivering decent power at 60kW and 112Nm. There will be 3-trims to choose from, GL, GL+ and the range topping GLX which features CVT automatic gearbox, folding side mirrors, keyless entry, push button start, rear PDC's, 7-inch infotainment screen and reverse camera. 

With the influx of Chinese brands to the market, it wouldn't be right not to feature at least one exciting model showcased and it had to be the Jaecoo J6. This attractive retro looking SUV stole the lime light from the rest with its out there design and robust statue, the J6 commanded attention when it was showcased today. With it being confirmed for SA shores, the J6 will be the brands fully electric offering, with the brand also planning to launched a plug-in hybrid version of the popular J7. Jaecoo seem bullish about the J6 and if pricing is decent, it could see them lead the EV race from the Chinese point of view in SA. 

Speaking of Chinese EV's, that brand everyone knows off but hardly hears much of, BYD also displayed their latest model to the country, the Seal. A fully electric sedan, yes a sedan not an SUV, it almost seems like a breath of fresh air to say that. They have that on display for show goers. There are many other offerings for you to see at this years SAFOM, big names such as Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley also have displays and Volvo having a stellar line up too, with a mixture of their PHEV's and their EV's with the CX30 leading the showcase but also a special edition "Adventure Beast" version of the XC90 is on display at the off-roading exhibit. It seems like a bumper line up is in store at this years festival, and not forgetting the fun on the track so if you're a petrol head or just someone looking to do something fun this weekend, best set your Google maps to Kyalami. Tickets are available via the website and start from R275 for adults and R75 for kids aged 4-12.