1. Name and Surname
Paul Jeffrey
2. Date of birth
01/05/1987
3. What model is your Swift? (incl. year)
2019 Swift Sport 1.4T
4. What is the mileage on your Swift?
42 476 KM
5. Does your Swift have a name?
If it does, it hasn’t told me yet.
6. How long have you owned your Swift, and what has your experience been like?
Since new in 2019. It’s been excellent so far – definitely a good choice for my
first new car.
7. What cars have you previously owned?
A Citi Golf – which was more of a track car towards the end, and a 2012
Subaru WRX STI
8. What made you choose the Suzuki Swift? And what other cars did you consider?
I saw a few of them taking part in the Michelin Cup and it looked like a fun but
affordable option while also being unique. Other considerations were a VW
Scirocco R, Up GTI if they were available in SA, or another Subaru
9. What do you love most about your Swift?
I like that it’s a very unassuming car that tends to take people by surprise. It’s
also easy to work on and responds very well to some initial modifications.
10. If you could describe your Swift in three words, what would they be?
Performance & Driving Experience
11. How does your Swift handle sharp corners, winding roads, and straight lines?
Like a champ. From stock the Swift inspired confidence on the roads and it
only improved as modifications came.
12. What modifications have you made to your Swift? How have these mods affected the driving experience?
If Suzuki asks: Just an intake and exhaust, for everyone else:
– Hybrid turbo
– Intercooler, exhaust, downpipe, intake
– Custom tune to match
– H&R Springs and custom Koni Yellow shocks
– Quaife Limited Slip Differential
– Various bushings and inserts for handling/feel
– Endless MX72+ Brake pads, EBC discs and braided lines
– Mistubishi Evo IX wheels for road, A-line sprees for track
– Red pedals for that extra 15kw
13. Have you taken your Swift to a track or motorsports event? If so, how did it perform?
A few, the car performed great, surprising me each as I continued to refine
the performance and handling mods.
14. What’s one feature of the Swift that surprised you the most?
It’s power to weight ratio, something you don’t really see on dyno numbers
but that shows on the road or track.
15. How does your Swift compare to other cars you’ve driven?
I’d say it’s the fastest of the cars I’ve had on track. It’s pretty easy to learn to
drive and handling is predictable and progressive. It’s the most modern
interior I’ve had, so that’s been a welcome addition as well.
16. If you could improve one aspect of your Swift, what would it be?
Suspension/Handling – but that’s purely from a track standpoint
17. Would you recommend the Swift for someone who enjoys spirited driving? Why or why not?
Most definitely, it’s easy to drive and the handling is predictable and
progressive while inspiring confidence.
18. What’s the best road trip or journey you’ve taken with your Swift?
I haven’t done any proper long-distance trips with the Swift so the best I’d say
was to Red Star
19. What’s the most fun or exciting experience you’ve had with your Swift
I’ve had many enjoyable trackdays, my first trophy in the Vilaca Racing series
was one of the most exciting as well as the recent Swift Fest at Red Star.
The Swift Speed Club
20. What made you decide to join a car club, and why did you choose Swift Speed?
I wasn’t specifically looking to join a car club but the people and community
around the Swift were great and welcoming – so it was a natural fit.
21. How did you find out about the Swift Speed Club?
Through an ex Michelin Cup member who has the previous generation Swift
Sport
22. How long have you been a VIP member of Swift Speed?
Since 2021
23. What’s the best memory or event you’ve experienced with Swift Speed so far?
The most recent Swift Fest was definitely a highlight, I also have fond
memories of the 11 year birthday treasure hunt as one of the first post-
lockdown events.
24. How has being part of Swift Speed enhanced your experience as a Suzuki Swift owner?
I’ve been able to meet many like minded people from which I’ve gotten great
advice and generally good conversations. I have also made several good
friends who will continue to be so outside of the scope of Swift Speed.
25. Do you feel that being in Swift Speed has helped you learn more about your car? If so, in what ways?
Definitely, just seeing what other people do provides a lot of inspiration and
ideas that I can apply or adapt to mine. It’s also great to see what are great
common modifications and the benefits people have experienced from them.
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?
It has. It’s made it more comfortable to attend meets by myself and know that
I will have good company or make new friends easily while there.
27. What advice would you give to someone considering joining a car club for the first time?
Don’t take it too seriously, but also take your time to get into the club and
listen and learn from previous peoples experiences.
Future Plans & Improvements
28. Are there any future upgrades or modifications you’d like to make?
Yes. All of them – most specifically handling modifications such as upgraded
suspension and complementary handling components.
29. If Suzuki were to improve the Swift, what features or changes would you like to see?
There’s not a lot to improve on as a stock car, but maybe a sportier exhaust
note from the factory. On the more track-focused size the stock brake calipers
could be improved for harder driving scenarios and better feel.
30. Would you consider buying another Swift in the future?
I would, maybe as more of a daily while making my current one a dedicated
track car.
31. What advice would you give to someone considering a Swift as their next car?
In the famous words of Shia LaBeouf: “Just do it”
