- Suzuki returns as Tier One OEM sponsor of the event
- Three media drivers with three different cars
- GSX-8R sportbike demos for added excitement
Suzuki Auto South Africa is revving up for the 15th annual Simola Hillclimb, taking place in the seaside town of Knysna from 1st to 4th May. The Japanese carmaker continues its long-standing support as a Tier One OEM sponsor of this prestigious event and will again take ownership of Zones 4 and 8 – the latter known to spectators and competitors alike as the Suzuki Esses. For the fourth consecutive year, Suzuki will also field an exciting trio of vehicles driven by select members of the South African motoring media.
“We are thrilled to make another return to the Simola Hillclimb,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa. “It’s an incredible competition and one that allows the public to get up close and personal with an impressive array of cars and drivers. Although the headlines are usually dominated by the mega powerful – not to mention mega expensive – machinery purpose-built for the event, Suzuki is here to demonstrate that you don’t need wads of disposable income and hundreds of kilowatts to take part in what is arguably one of the finest fixtures on the motorsport calendar.”
For its 2025 campaign, Suzuki is spicing things up by running three different cars. Motoring TV presenter Ernest Page will be driving a fourth-generation Swift GLX fitted with Suzuki’s new Z12E 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine making 60kW at 5,700rpm and 112Nm at 4,300rpm. Though this might not sound like much on paper, the hatchback’s lightweight ‘HEARTECT’ platform offers a lively power-to-weight ratio, which is advantageous when accelerating from the start line. Extremely rigid and matched to recalibrated suspension, it will also allow Page to push his corner speed with confidence.
“I’m amped to be back at the Simola Hillclimb as a competitor,” says Page. “The last time I raced up the course with a manufacturer was with Jaguar in 2016. I’m a fan of the new fourth-generation Swift and enjoyed my time behind the wheel when I had it on test at the end of 2024. Needless to say I’m very curious to see how it performs in competition.”
A man with much club racing experience under his belt, Page will be a driver to watch.
Joining him in the competitive A1 class is fellow motoring journalist Jeanette Kok-Kritzinger at the helm of a third-generation Suzuki Swift Sport. Now a familiar sight at the Simola Hillclimb, this hot-hatch punches well above its kerb weight (a mere 970 kg in case you were wondering) thanks to its 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged Booster Jet engine twisting out 103kW at 5,500rpm and 230Nm from 2,500rpm to 3,500rpm. An ex-Group N production car racing driver and SA Women’s Land Speed Record holder, Kok-Kritzinger will surely be able to make the most of what the Swift Sport has on offer.
“I’ve wanted to take part in the Simola Hillclimb since it started in 2010,” she says. “It’s different to the racing disciplines I’ve tackled in the past but I’m up for the challenge. I also think the Swift Sport is the perfect car to do it in as it offers a really good balance between power and handling. I’m counting down the days until I can put on my helmet!” Kok-Kritzinger will want to beat the all-time fastest Swift Sport time of 53.551 seconds.
Rounding off the media trio is motoring scribe Sean Nurse who will be campaigning a Suzuki Jimny GLX 3-door in the B9 class open to bakkies and SUVs. Usually seen on off-road courses and overlanding excursions, the sight of Suzuki’s popular 4×4 roaring up the 1.9km Simola Hill is sure to cause a sensation amongst spectators. It is powered by a 1.5l four-cylinder petrol engine making 75kW at 6,000rpm and 130Nm at 4,000rpm.
“I think it’s really cool Suzuki has thrown the Jimny into the mix this year,” says Nurse. “It might not be the most potent car on pitlane but if it rains – and it usually does at the Simola Hillclimb – then its AllGrip Pro four wheel-drive system might just come to the fore and see us surprise a few people. Whatever happens, it’s going to be entertaining.”
An avid club racer, Nurse’s skills saw him win the 2024 Toyota GR Cup Media Challenge.
Supporting the media drivers will be FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship rider Nicole Purificati and Junior SBK sensation Tristin Pienaar. This talented duo will be performing demonstration runs up the hill on sleek new Suzuki GSX-8R sportbikes.
“With a strong driver line-up and diverse selection of cars – something for all tastes and budgets – I feel this just might be one of our most interesting Simola Hillclimb media challenges yet,” says Carpenter. “Topped off with what will no doubt be electrifying two-wheel performances from Nicole and Tristin, Team Suzuki is ready to treat our fans to yet another feast of hi-octane thrills. We can’t wait to see you all at the start line.”
