Knysna, South Africa – Against a dramatic backdrop of roaring engines, scenic mountain passes and emotional tributes, Suzuki Auto South Africa’s trio of entries carved out a weekend of plucky, punch-above-your-weight performances at the 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb.
Taking place over the first weekend of May, the famed 1.9km stretch of tarmac once again tested driver and machine alike. And while the field was packed with high-powered, finely-tuned machinery, Suzuki’s lineup – a Jimny, a Swift GLX, and a Swift Sport – proved that heart and handling still count for something in the fast-paced world of hillclimb racing.
Sean Nurse climbs to a podium
Leading the charge was AutoTrader journalist Sean Nurse in the ever-charming Suzuki Jimny 3-door. Entered in Class B9 for SUVs, the Jimny – with a modest power-to-weight ratio of 68.2kW/ton – was clearly outgunned on paper. But on the hill, it never put a foot wrong. With each run, Nurse trimmed down his time, eventually clocking a 1min 06.404sec in the class final.
Admittedly, he was one of only three entries in the class, but that doesn’t take away from the spirited drive or the message it sent.
“The Jimny surprised a lot of people,” said Nurse. “It’s more dynamic than people expect. A podium is a podium – it doesn’t say how many cars were in your class, it just says you placed. I’ll keep that trophy with me forever.”
Indeed, with the second-placed SUV sporting nearly double the power-to-weight ratio (134.5kW/ton), the Jimny’s performance was more than just a statistical footnote – it was a demonstration of capability and consistency.
Ernest Page enjoys the ride
For ALL THINGS MOTORING host and racing enthusiast Ernest Page, the weekend was about more than results. Behind the wheel of the 1.2-litre Suzuki Swift GLX, Page tackled Class A1 with enthusiasm, despite running at the rear of the field throughout.
His best time of 1min 4.8sec didn’t earn him a spot in the finals, but the smile never left his face.
“A fantastic experience,” said Page. “I was smiling the entire time. I’m happy with the car’s performance and impressed by the fuel economy – 5.7 litres per 100km over the whole day. The new Swift GLX is clearly a safe, fast, fun car for the right person.”
Jeanette Kok-Kritzinger Narrowly Misses the Finals
Television presenter and motorsport aficionado Jeanette Kok-Kritzinger came closer than anyone in the Suzuki stable to reaching the class finals, with her turbocharged Swift Sport delivering an impressive best time of 56.538sec in qualifying.
Running a Boosterjet 1.4-litre engine and a six-speed auto transmission with steering-mounted paddles, her Swift Sport delivered silky acceleration and confident gear shifts throughout the weekend.
“What an awesome, fantastic experience!” she exclaimed after her final run. “For me, my performance is a personal victory. Yes, I missed out at the class final, but it was a privilege to be here – just brilliant!”
A weekend of emotion and respect
Suzuki’s presence at the Hillclimb was not just about performance. The event was overshadowed by a tragic loss in the motorsport community, prompting a moment of reflection and unity.
Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager for Suzuki Auto South Africa, paid tribute:
“First of all, on behalf of Team Suzuki, we’d like to express our deepest condolences to the Joubert family. It is a very sad day for motorsport in South Africa. The drivers chose to continue at the family’s request, and I think they put on a really good show despite the somber mood.”
Carpenter summed up the team’s effort best: “We are very proud – not only of the performance but of the spirit of the team. The Jimny reached the final and delivered a great result. More importantly, all the drivers had fun – and that, for us, is the real win.”
A Fitting Milestone
Now in its 15th year, and marking Suzuki’s fifth year as a sponsor, the Simola Hillclimb remains a jewel in the crown of South African motorsport. Suzuki’s involvement continues to reinforce the brand’s identity as a plucky, fun-to-drive alternative to high-budget competitors – and this year’s event only bolstered that image.
As the dust settles on Knysna’s legendary hill, Suzuki’s trio of racers return home with smiles, stories, and a few surprise results to their name – a true testament to the brand’s underdog spirit.