1. Name and Surname
Norman Marshall
2. Date of birth
9 September
3. What model is your Swift? (incl. year)
I have a 2020 ZC33S Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4T AT in ZVR Pearl Pure White
4. What is the mileage on your Swift?
Around 65k km now.
5. Does your Swift have a name?
Yes, she’s known as Ghost to me, but previously Darla.
6. How long have you owned your Swift, and what has your experience been like?
This Swift, I’ve owned since October 2023. It’s been great, fun and enjoyable.
7. What cars have you previously owned?
2001 Mazda 323 sedan, and a 2015 ZC82 Suzuki Swift 1.4GLS AT.
8. What made you choose the Suzuki Swift? And what other cars did you consider?
Originally when I got into the Suzuki family, I was looking at buying new, and regrettably, one of the options new was a Renault Kwid. My mother had owned a Suzuki Ignis, then traded in her Iggy on a 2014 Swift 1.4GLS AT. At the time, my commute wasn’t far, but it was long in time, commuting at least 3-4 hours a day, and because of the stop-start traffic, I was specifically looking for something in auto. This led to my love affair with my ZC82. Then it happened, an opportunity arose to buy an old Suzuki SA media vehicle in Champion
Yellow. To try to make the deal happen though, I had sold off my nice upgrades to have cash for a deposit. Unfortunately, that car turned out to be a bit of a wreck and the deal did not go through.
I kept my ZC82, and even though she was a perfectly good vehicle, I was sad that I didn’t get the Sport. This led to around a year of not being as in love with my ZC82 anymore. I was no longer looking for a different vehicle though, and was re-falling in love with her. In September 23, however, I got a new offer…
One of the other Swift Speed members was fully emigrating, and I got the opportunity to buy his ZC33S Sport. Having gained experience the previous year of what needed doing, I did the sums, did the things, and fortunately, could swing things in my favour! I haven’t looked back and don’t regret the upgrade at all.
9. What do you love most about your Swift?
The ZC33S Sport is one of the finest-looking vehicles ever. Perfectly aggressive, and power when you need it.
10. If you could describe your Swift in three words, what would they be?
Sexy, Spicy, Stimulating. 3 other S’s that don’t mean Suzuki Swift Sport.
Performance & Driving Experience
11. How does your Swift handle sharp corners, winding roads, and straight lines?
The Swift handles great, and loves twisties. Straight lines are well and fine, but it’s not made for top speed. It’s made for getting to speed – Swiftly.
12. What modifications have you made to your Swift? How have these mods affected the driving
experience?
I might have some spicy mods on Ghost:
- 17x7j wheels shod with 205/45 Goodyear F1 A6 Tyres,
- Tuning, Intake, Downpipe, Exhaust.
- The turbo has been reconditioned with upgraded internals through Gaby at Fastek.
- I also like my non-flea market aftermarket spoiler in body colour, it definitely gives the silhouette a bit more.
13. Have you taken your Swift to a track or motorsports event? If so, how did it perform?
Yes, she’s driven on a few track days, and performs very well, more so considering I have only used road tyres, and not track-purpose semi-slicks.
14. What’s one feature of the Swift that surprised you the most?
Definitely the power-to-weight ratio. Let’s just say it’s surprised some others too.
15. How does your Swift compare to other cars you’ve driven?
To cars I’ve owned, it’s far above. To other cars I’ve driven, it holds its own.
16. If you could improve one aspect of your Swift, what would it be?
Only one? Top priority would be suspension, it could be stiffer from factory.
17. Would you recommend the Swift for someone who enjoys spirited driving? Why or why not?
Yes, definitely. The power-to-weight ratio makes the car punch far above what it says on paper.
18. What’s the best road trip or journey you’ve taken with your Swift?
Unfortunately, I haven’t gone too far with Ghost. But any time we’ve been to Harties, she’s been a pleasure! Same with going to Redstar! I did have the pleasure of driving my ZC82 to Jeffreys Bay however, and that was eye opening. She really enjoyed the coastal air, and felt far more powerful.
19. What’s the most fun or exciting experience you’ve had with your Swift?
It has to be the track days that have allowed me to better learn my vehicles in a more controlled environment.
The Swift Speed Club
20. What made you decide to join a car club, and why did you choose Swift Speed?
It started with looking for info on accessories for my ZC82, and after my first meet, I knew I had found good people!
21. How did you find out about the Swift Speed Club?
A lot of Google searching and Facebook.
22. How long have you been a VIP member of Swift Speed?
Yes! It’s about 5+ years.
23. What’s the best memory or event you’ve experienced with Swift Speed so far?
So many… but if I had to single it out, it’s definitely the opportunity to have gone down to Cape Town and be part of the Media Launch for the New Gen ZCDESR Swift. Wow is a word that was uttered, a lot! I was so grateful to have been part of the opportunity!
24. How has being part of a Swift Speed enhanced your experience as a Suzuki Swift owner?
It’s fantastic! There is a lot of built-up knowledge, and it helps that our wonderful chairlady is also directly linked to Suzuki SA (Although Swift Speed is not endorsed or affiliated with Suzuki SA). It’s a proper, official club, and Chelsy does so much for us as members, and goes out of her way to make things awesome and enjoyable!
25. Do you feel that being in Swift Speed has helped you learn more about your car? If so, in what ways?
Yes, knowledgeable members sharing valuable insight through real experiences.
26. 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?
Yes, most definitely! Like-minded people chatting, enjoying the Swift Speed experiences, and genuine friendships! Whether it’s get-togethers, dinners, weddings, parties, track days, the friendships are more like family you want to have in your life! All my gratitude has to go to Chelsy, because none of this would have happened without her!
27. What advice would you give to someone considering joining a car club for the first time?
Do it, you’d be surprised about what you learn.
Future Plans & Improvements
28. Are there any future upgrades or modifications you’d like to make?
Yes, of course. I need to get my tune updated, have to sort out my intercooler for that as well. Brakes, suspension. At some time, I also really need to get my proper sound system back in, but that’s another story for another day.
29. If Suzuki were to improve the Swift, what features or changes would you like to see?
If we’re talking the normal Swift, Suzuki have done a tremendous job with the new gen Swift and from my time with it, there is little I can suggest improvements on. For Swift Sport? That becomes a lot harder to give suggestions on, but one thing that stands out is stiffer springs. Another is a better, higher quality, stock speaker system, or at least the option to spec this before purchase, like in Japan.
30. Would you consider buying another Swift in the future?
Definitely, Suzuki’s old slogan of “A Way Of Life” still rings true.
31. What advice would you give to someone considering a Swift as their next car?
Do it, it’s a fantastic vehicle.
