In two weeks’ time, Knysna is set to host the 15th Simola Hillclimb event and while the likes of Johan Kristoffersson, Franco Scribante and Dawie Joubert are set to threaten the 1,9km overall track record of 38.129 seconds, a somewhat uncharacteristic vehicle is about to make its appearance.
Suzuki, as one of the title sponsors of the event, has always entered the event with its superstar hatchback, namely the Suzuki Swift Sport. Not necessarily entered as a front-runner contender, the Swift showcases that anyone can enter the hillclimb with any car, just for the sake of having fun. However, whilst also being a competitive event, the times have tumbled year-after-year, with Thomas Falkiner setting a new Swift record during the 2024 event with a time of 53.551 seconds.
For 2025, there will once again be a Swift Sport on the start line, in the hands of the talented Jeanette Kok-Kritzinger.
It will, however, be a battle of old and new as the Swift Sport, weighing in at 970kg, will be powered by a 1.4-litre four cylinder engine kicking out 103kW and 230Nm. Kok-Kritzinger should be close to the 53 second mark.
Ernest Page, known as a TV personality and an avid racer, will once again compete at the Simola Hillclimb; this time, with the new Suzuki Swift. Although it’s not in a Sport specification, the fourth-generation Swift GLX is powered by the new Z12E, 1.2-litre, three cylinder engine. This lighter engine, with an improved power-to-weight ratio, kicks out 60kW and 112Nm.
With his racing pedigree and knowledge of the event, it will be interesting to see if Page can edge into the 53 second, or even the 52 second barrier.
Joining the four-wheeled Suzuki squad in 2025 will be another interesting entry, in the form of a 3-door Jimny JB74. Whilst not competing in the same A1 class as the Swifts, the Jimny, in the hands of Sean Nurse, will be entered in the B1 class for SUVs and bakkies.
With a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine at hand, the Jimny offers up 75kW and 130Nm. Whilst falling perfectly between the power delivery of the two Swifts, the Jimny is known to be more off-road focused, and somewhat less aerodynamic.
It will be interesting to see what the Jimny can do.
Suzuki will once again enter the 2025 event with a different philosophy, and I am completely on board!
