- Suzuki back as Tier One OEM sponsor of the event
- Four media drivers in identical cars
- Special-edition Hayabusa Ultimate Sportbike demos
Suzuki Auto South Africa is getting ready to tackle the 16th annual Simola Hillclimb, taking place in the sleepy seaside town of Knysna from 30 April to 3 May.
The Japanese carmaker recently extended 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 competitors and spectators as the Suzuki Esses. For the fifth consecutive year, Suzuki will also field a colourful squad of vehicles in the King of the Hill challenge, driven by some of South Africa’s best-known motoring media.
“We are excited to be returning to the Simola Hillclimb once again,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa. “It remains one of the standout events on the local motorsport calendar, giving race fans rare access to a wide variety of cars and drivers. While the spotlight often falls on the high-powered, high-value machines built specifically for the competition, Suzuki’s involvement proves that you don’t need extreme performance or deep pockets to be part of the action.”
For its 2026 campaign, Suzuki is levelling the playing field by running four identical Swift 1.2 GL+ manual hatchbacks. Endowed with a low kerb weight of 917kg, each is powered by the brand’s 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, producing 60kW at 5,700rpm and 112Nm at 4,300rpm. This gives the car a frisky power-to-weight ratio, which is beneficial when it comes to off-the-line acceleration. Riding on an extremely rigid ‘HEARTECT’ platform with recalibrated suspension, the fourth-generation Swift will also allow the four media racers to push their cornering speeds with confidence.
“Someone, somewhere is probably looking at this whole thing and saying, ‘that Swift doesn’t belong on a hillclimb.’ And that’s exactly why we’re doing it,” explains Top Gear South Africa’s Avon Middleton. “Motorsport has always been about possibility and courage, and there’s something very Suzuki about proving that you don’t need the biggest engine to take on the biggest challenge. I’m all in!”
Another competitor who’s all in and ready to put it on the line is YouTube content creator, sim racer and avid rally fan, Girlie Lukhele.
“Going from sim racing to the hot seat at the Simola Hillclimb is going to be a whole new ball game,” says the Driving with Girlie host. “I cannot wait to take on the hill this year behind the wheel of the fearless and confident Swift. Expect nothing less than a ‘swift’ and epic performance from the entire Suzuki team!”
A main rival to Lukhele, both in front of the camera and behind the steering wheel, is Ziphorah Masethe. This year, the Ignition TV regular will be trading her presenter duties for a chance to take on the challenging 1.9km Simola Hill.
“Having attended the hillclimb as a spectator several times and experienced the energy from the stands, I’m thrilled to now be part of it as a driver. I’m especially excited to be behind the wheel of a car I share so many traits with – it’s fun, full of character and personality, and feels right at home in the fast lane on our South African roads.”
Rounding off the media quartet is Instagram content creator Samuel de Fonseca.
“Being a spectator at Simola over the years and taking my followers along through the lens has always been unforgettable,” says TheCarScene founder. “Getting the chance to take on the Hill myself is every South African petrolhead’s dream, and I’m incredibly proud to be doing it with a brand that loves fun as much as I do. I can’t wait to share the raw, unfiltered thrill of the Hill with you guys.”
Supporting the media drivers on two wheels is multiple championship drag racer and Suzuki Richards Bay Dealer Principal, Jaco Viviers, who will be exhibiting the brand’s special-edition Hayabusa Ultimate Sportbike in a number of demonstration runs.
“There’s nothing quite like Simola,” says Viviers. “The atmosphere, the fans and the machinery all come together in a unique way. To be able to showcase the latest Hayabusa here is a real highlight. It’s a legendary sportbike, and I’m looking forward to letting it stretch its legs on the Hill and giving the crowd something to enjoy.”
Viviers, along with the Swift media squad, will also take part in the immensely popular pre-event King of the Hill Parade at the Knysna Waterfront on Friday, 1 May. “With a diverse driver line-up and a new take on this year’s challenge, we’re looking forward to a memorable Simola Hillclimb,” concludes Carpenter. “Alongside the thrilling Hayabusa demo runs, Team Suzuki is ready to give fans plenty to lap up.”
