Three media drivers, three dynamic cars, and sportbike showstoppers take centre stage at South Africa’s premier motorsport event.
Suzuki Auto South Africa is shifting into high gear for the 15th annual Simola Hillclimb, returning to Knysna from 1–4 May 2025 with a line-up that celebrates performance, accessibility, and sheer driving joy. Reaffirming its commitment as a Tier One OEM sponsor, the Japanese carmaker will once again take charge of Zones 4 and 8 – the latter affectionately dubbed the Suzuki Esses – where thousands of fans gather for a visceral close-up of speed and skill.
But this year, Suzuki isn’t just turning up – it’s turning heads.
Three Drivers. Three Cars. One Epic Hill.
Continuing its tradition of empowering South African motoring media to experience the adrenaline of Simola first-hand, Suzuki is fielding three unique vehicles across the 1.9 km hill course, each piloted by a respected journalist and seasoned racer.
Ernest Page – Fourth-Gen Swift GLX
First up is Ernest Page, familiar face from the small screen and longtime automotive content creator, who will be tackling the twisty incline in the all-new fourth-generation Suzuki Swift GLX. Beneath its compact hood is Suzuki’s new Z12E 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, pushing out a sprightly 60kW and 112Nm.
While those figures might seem modest in a field often dominated by high-output machinery, Page is counting on the Swift’s featherlight HEARTECT platform, recalibrated suspension, and agile handling to make up ground.
“The last time I raced up Simola with a manufacturer was back in 2016,” says Page. “So it’s great to be back – and I’m really intrigued to see how the new Swift performs under pressure.”
With his background in club racing and extensive vehicle testing experience, Page is sure to wring every last drop of performance out of the pint-sized powerhouse.
Jeanette Kok-Kritzinger – Swift Sport
Joining Page in the hotly contested A1 class is Jeanette Kok-Kritzinger, who brings racing pedigree and pace in equal measure. An ex-Group N production car competitor and SA Women’s Land Speed Record holder, she’ll be commanding the fiery third-generation Swift Sport, known for its punchy 1.4-litre turbocharged BoosterJet engine delivering 103kW and 230Nm – all while tipping the scales at just 970kg.
“I’ve wanted to do Simola since the first event back in 2010,” she says. “The Swift Sport is perfectly balanced – light, responsive, and quick through the corners. I can’t wait to see how far I can push it.”
Chasing a class record of 53.551 seconds, Kok-Kritzinger’s return to the competitive cockpit promises to be a highlight of the event.
Sean Nurse – Jimny GLX 3-Door
Proving that performance comes in many shapes and sizes, Sean Nurse will climb Simola in the Suzuki Jimny GLX 3-Door, a fan favourite more accustomed to trailblazing through muddy tracks than tarmac. Entered into the B9 class (for bakkies and SUVs), the Jimny’s robust 1.5-litre petrol engine makes 75kW and 130Nm, and is paired with Suzuki’s rugged AllGrip Pro 4WD system.
“It’s not your usual hillclimb contender,” Nurse admits, “but if the weather turns – and it often does – that four-wheel-drive grip might give us a surprising edge.”
As the 2024 Toyota GR Cup Media Challenge champion, Nurse has the precision and composure to hustle the compact off-roader to a memorable finish.
Two Wheels, Maximum Thrill
Not content with dominating the four-wheeled stage, Suzuki is also injecting two-wheeled theatre into the 2025 edition with GSX-8R sportbike demonstration runs. Piloting these nimble machines will be none other than Nicole Purificati, rider in the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, and Tristin Pienaar, a standout in Junior Superbike racing.
Their high-speed dashes up the hill are set to showcase the balance, agility, and performance of the new GSX-8R, adding even more spectacle to Suzuki’s already rich offering.
“Performance for All” – Suzuki’s Hillclimb Ethos
For Suzuki Auto South Africa, Simola Hillclimb is more than just a motorsport event – it’s a celebration of accessible performance and the joy of driving, no matter your horsepower count.
“Although the spotlight often falls on the mega-power machines built for pure speed, we’re here to show that excitement isn’t measured in kilowatts alone,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager for Suzuki Auto South Africa. “This year’s driver line-up, vehicle mix, and our GSX-8R showcases all reflect our brand philosophy: great engineering and real-world fun for every kind of enthusiast.”
The Final Word
From compact hatchbacks to 4×4 icons, from turbocharged thrills to two-wheeled dynamite, Suzuki’s 2025 Simola Hillclimb campaign promises variety, entertainment, and plenty of surprises. Whether you’re a diehard petrolhead or just along for the ride, make your way to Zones 4 and 8 – and prepare for a show.
See you at the Suzuki Esses.
