TGSA scheduled to compete in annual Simola Hillclimb… in a Swift
The Simola Hillclimb has a proper democratising effect on motorsport. In sixteen runnings of the Knysna-based event, Suzuki Jimnys, VW Polos and motorbikes have shared tarmac with full-fat AMGs and M cars, and the hill doesn’t care which badge is on the grille, only who attacks it with the most conviction.
Suzuki Auto SA knows this well. For the fifth year running, the Japanese manufacturer is sending four race-prepared up the hill, this time in Swift GL+ hatches with SA motoring media behind the wheel. TGSA Publisher Avon Middleton is joined by Samuel Da Fonseca (The Car Scene), Ziphorah Masethe (Ignition TV) and Girlie Lukhele (Driving with Girlie) for the event, which runs from 30 April to 3 May.
“I’m so excited to be a part of this. There’s a real TopGear-type story to this – racing a standard Swift up the famous Simola hill amongst Supercars and modified Hillclimb specialists is all sorts of crazy. And I like that!” says Middleton
The four cars will also feature in the King of the Hill Parade at the Knysna Waterfront on 1 May, which, if you’ve never been, is worth the trip on its own.
The Swift GL+ is familiar territory for Middleton, specifically, as it’s the car TGSA’s Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment is built around, and by all accounts, it’s been the right tool for the job all season. Whether it’s the right tool for a hillclimb is the more interesting question.
“The Simola Hillclimb holds a unique charm that resonates with Suzuki,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa. “Its iconic location, passionate community and thrilling atmosphere align with our brand’s commitment to turning everything into a fun adventure. Over the past five years, our partnership has not only showcased Suzuki’s vehicles in an adrenaline-fuelled setting, but has also allowed us to connect with a dynamic audience that shares our values of adventure and performance.”
The Swift is powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated 3-cylinder engine producing 60kW and 112Nm, enough to put it at roughly 65kW per tonne. That’s not a number that intimidates seasoned hillclimbers, but Simola has never been purely about power. It rewards commitment and mechanical sympathy, and a 917kg Swift with media behind the wheel has both in reasonable supply. We’ll have a proper verdict from Knysna.
