As anticipation builds along the Garden Route, Suzuki Auto South Africa is once again preparing to take centre stage at the 16th annual Simola Hillclimb, set to unfold in Knysna from 30 April to 3 May. What began as a modest motorsport gathering in 2009 has since matured into South Africa’s most celebrated hillclimb event, drawing over 20,000 spectators and a global livestream audience, all eager to witness the country’s finest machines attack the tight, twisting ascent.
Suzuki’s relationship with the Simola Hillclimb has steadily deepened over the years, and the brand has now cemented its commitment with a newly signed three-year Tier One OEM sponsorship deal, extending from 2026 through to 2028. It’s a natural alignment. The event’s blend of scenic beauty, high-octane competition and community spirit mirrors Suzuki’s own ethos of accessible performance and everyday adventure.
According to Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa, the partnership goes far beyond branding exercises. It’s about shared energy. The Hillclimb’s atmosphere, its loyal following and its unique setting create a stage where Suzuki’s vehicles can express their character in full voice, not in sterile showrooms, but in the heat of competition and the roar of an engaged crowd.
For the fifth consecutive year, Suzuki will field a quartet of race-prepped entries in the headline-grabbing King of the Hill challenge. This time, the driver lineup reads like a who’s who of South African motoring media. Avon Middleton of Top Gear South Africa, Samuel Da Fonseca from The Car Scene, Ziphorah Masethe of Ignition TV, and Girlie Lukhele from Driving with Girlie will each take the wheel of identical Suzuki Swift GL+ hatchbacks, turning the contest into a fascinating test of driver skill rather than machinery advantage.
These four Swifts may share the same blueprint, but they arrive with a sharp edge. Weighing in at just 917 kilograms and powered by Suzuki’s latest Z12E 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, each car delivers 60kW and 112Nm in a package that thrives on agility. On a course where every corner demands precision and every straight rewards momentum, that lightweight, responsive nature becomes a potent ally. It’s less about brute force and more about rhythm, finesse and the delicate art of carrying speed.
Adding to the spectacle, the drivers and their cars will also participate in the ever-popular King of the Hill Parade at the Knysna Waterfront on Friday, 1 May. It’s a moment where competition briefly gives way to celebration, as fans get up close with the machines and personalities that define the weekend.
Suzuki’s presence, however, won’t be limited to four wheels. The brand is also bringing along a mechanical exclamation mark in the form of the special-edition Suzuki Hayabusa Ultimate Sportbike. Known globally for its blend of speed and stability, the Hayabusa will take on demo runs piloted by Jaco Viviers, Dealer Principal at Suzuki Richards Bay and a seasoned motorcycle racer.
Viviers brings more than just throttle control to the Hillclimb. His racing experience feeds directly into his day-to-day role, shaping how he understands performance, setup and rider expectations. With 140kW on tap and a top speed brushing against 299 km/h, the Hayabusa promises moments that will feel less like demonstration laps and more like controlled bursts of chaos, slicing through the air with unmistakable intent.
As Suzuki enters its sixth year at the Simola Hillclimb, the brand’s approach remains refreshingly consistent. It’s not just about chasing podiums or lap times. It’s about participation, connection and showcasing how performance can be both thrilling and approachable. Whether it’s the nimble Swift darting between barriers or the Hayabusa unleashing its ferocity on two wheels, Suzuki arrives in Knysna not just to compete, but to contribute to the living, breathing spectacle that the Hillclimb has become.
