- Name and Surname
Etienne Strydom
- Date of birth
14 February
- What model is your Swift? (incl. year)
2010 Suzuki Swift Sport ZA31S #22/100
- What is the mileage on your Swift?
369569km
- Does your Swift have a name?
Dirty Red or Red Panda (when she is clean)
- How long have you owned your Swift, and what has your experience been like?
Owned since 31 December 2016, has been one hell of an experience with many ups and downs, but every time I get a drive a different vehicle, I long for my own car. There is just so many little things like who she drives, the seating position, the driving style and so, so much more.
- What cars have you previously owned?
VW Beetle, Ford Cortina 1.6, Golf Mk1, Corsa Lite, Nissan 1400
- What made you choose the Suzuki Swift? And What other cars did you consider?
I have always known that the Swift is a very nice car, this speaks back to my younger days when I was playing PS2 specifically Gran Turismo and they had the Swift Sport Concept on there. Back in 2010 I spotted a yellow ZC32, and then I knew I would like one. In 2016 I spotted the vehicle on sale in Boksburg and immediately went for a test drive, the rest is history. Other vehicles I looked at was Ford Focus/Icon/Figo, Honda Civic Tdi and an Audi A3.
- What do you love most about your Swift?
The best thing about my Swift is the way it handles and drives. I have not managed to find another vehicle that handles as great as the Swift. There have been may cars I drove, and I honestly don’t seem to trust any of them in the handling department like the Swift does. The brakes are next level and not once was there a time whereby I thought I’m not going to make it. The space is limited in the boot department, but it doesn’t lack space anywhere in the front & passenger department. Plenty of leg room and head space.
- If you could describe your Swift in three words, what would they be?
“Let’s get Rolling”
Performance & Driving Experience
- How does your Swift handle sharp corners, winding roads, and straight lines?
Handling as previously mentioned is of the best I have experienced from any vehicle. She sits on the road like a stubborn dog that doesn’t want to go home after a walk. Takes a corner like bro that is semi pro on a GSXR that has been doing track days and slices a corner as if it was a straight line. Off the line she isn’t the best of performance models out there, but once she gets going, she keeps it rolling and not many cars can keep up with the commoner behind the wheel.
- What modifications have you made to your Swift? How have these mods affected the driving experience?
Modifications done is very minimal – Resonator removed and fitted a Power Flow back box. Did have a 114mm cone filter, but recently gone back to stock filter box. Acquired ZC32 rims and now have the best of both rims, being the 17” and 16” OEM rims.
- Have you taken your Swift to a track or motorsports event? If so, how did it perform?
Tracked my car… Never… Nahh that’s a lie. Participated in the Michelin Cup in 2019 – Managed to be 5th overall in the call I was in. however the competition was very stuff. Have done multiple skid pan event that was arranged via the VIP Swift Speed club. Track I have done is Zwartkops, Midvaal, VKC Gokart track, Zwartkops Gokart track, Red Star Raceway and the 400m drags at Extreme Race way. The experience was of next level on every single track. I had Bridgestone Semi slicks on during the MCC events in 2019 and that improved the handling tenfold.
- What’s one feature of the Swift that surprised you the most?
Drivability and handling – It is unlike any other vehicle I have experienced. The way it also sits on the road and you can be comfortable in knowing that it won’t try to kill you.
- How does your Swift compare to other cars you’ve driven?
There has only been one other car that I’ve driven which provides a small resemblance to the handle and sharpness of the ZC31. All the other vehicle I’ve driven has been dull in comparison.
- If you could improve one aspect of your Swift, what would it be?
If I would change one aspect of my car it would be the Radio – to get a Bluetooth unit. Honestly there is nothing else I would want to change on the car.
- Would you recommend the Swift for someone who enjoys spirited driving? Why or why not?
I would recommend a Swift sport to any car lover that wants to experience a thrilling drive that doesn’t require Porsche GT3RS power. It is power on a budget for a swift. You can rock up at any track event and have blast without the expensive track toys as it doesn’t break the bank.
- What’s the best road trip or journey you’ve taken with your Swift?
Every journey I undertake daily is a joy. There is plenty of road trips I have done with my car. And I honestly can’t single one journey out. The best trips are those with family & friends to destinations for a day out, as she takes us there and back and it is part of the trip.
- What’s the most fun or exciting experience you’ve had with your Swift?
Being able to track it. As it has provided me with confidence in the car capabilities. Doing skidpan events has shown me where the limit on my car is.
The Swift Speed Club
- What made you decide to join a car club, and why did you choose Swift Speed?
It was a biffday gift – And being a huge fan of cars in general it seemed like the logical choice to join a car club – and specifically one that is specifically meant for the brand.
- How did you find out about the Swift Speed Club?
I bought the car in 2016/17, and for February I got a gift from my wife and brother-in-law – That gift was a subscription to join the Swift Speed VIP car club. Had it not been for them, I probably would have only known of the club at a very later stage via social media.
- How long have you been a VIP member of Swift Speed?
I have now been a VIP member for around 7 or 8 years, honestly, I have lost count, because time flies when you are having fun.
- What’s the best memory or event you’ve experienced with Swift Speed so far?
My first skidpan event at Redstar Raceway with the Swift Speed Club back in 2018 – Doing synchronised skids with Insane Zane.
- How has being part of a Swift Speed enhanced your experience as a Suzuki Swift owner?
The club has been one of the many good things that has happened to me in my life. There have only been fun times that has come from joining the club and even made friends that has become family.
- Do you feel that being in Swift Speed has helped you learn more about your car? If so, in what ways?
Being part for the Swift speed & Suzuki family has been a long journey with loads of stuff that I have learned of the brand and the people I have met. I have learned valuable lessons in car care, maintenance as well as other general car related topics.
- Have the friendships you’ve made within Swift Speed grown beyond just car meets, leading to socialising outside of the club? If so, how has this bond impacted your experience as a member?
I have made valuable friends that is part of my family for me. We have regular coffee stops at Schmarie and random braais and get togethers Dewie and Normsy.
- What advice would you give to someone considering joining a car club for the first time?
I would recommend to anyone joining their favourite car club to know that once you do it, you will get to deal with many different characters (you know who you are), you get to meet many people with their own likes and dislikes and that’s the fun part – Don’t judge another person’s build – respect them for their style and they will respect you for yours.
Future Plans & Improvements
- Are there any future upgrades or modifications you’d like to make?
Currently there is no future plans in terms of modifying Dirty Red as I love her the way she is
- If Suzuki were to improve the Swift, what features or changes would you like to see?
One thing I do miss within the new Swifts is the N/A feel which reminds us why we are petrol heads, why we have love for cars, like the old ‘Rolla’s and Civic’s. High revving engines with exhaust tones that only a N/A can provide. I get we need to get with the times and small CC turbo engines is the way to go for performance and fuel consumption, but who checks fuel consumption these days?
- Would you consider buying another Swift in the future?
I would keep my eyes on the Suzuki brand for a future new car. I love the looks of the new Fronx and Grand Vitara… Look if I had my way, I would buy a little Ecco and pimp it as a little K-Truck, with a special made Suzuki wrap in blue, yellow and white. I have managed to get a few people to like the brand, some even bought a new Suzuki.
- What advice would you give to someone considering a Swift as their next car?
One of the best discussions is the “known” brands that offer the same vehicle at a higher price with lower benefits. And getting them to look into the Suzuki brand and end up having a very enjoyable experience.
