If there is one event that perfectly captures the adrenaline-fuelled spirit of South Africa’s motoring scene, it’s the Simola Hillclimb. Each year, the hill above Knysna transforms into a playground for some of the country’s fastest machines and most passionate petrolheads—and fans have just received good news for the future of the event.
Suzuki Auto South Africa has officially signed a new three-year sponsorship agreement, securing its position as a Tier 1 Manufacturer sponsor of the hillclimb through to 2028. It’s a move that reinforces the strength of the event and the growing relationship between Suzuki and the festival that has become a highlight of the South African motorsport calendar.
Suzuki has been a high-energy presence at the hill since 2021, bringing its adventurous brand spirit to the wider Knysna Speed Festival. Over the past five years, the partnership has helped the brand connect with an audience that thrives on performance, adventure and lifestyle — something that fits perfectly with the character of the event.
For Suzuki, continuing that relationship was an easy decision. Brand Marketing Manager Brendon Carpenter explains that the Simola Hillclimb has a unique appeal that aligns naturally with the brand. Its iconic location, dramatic course and electric atmosphere reflect Suzuki’s philosophy of turning every drive into an adventure.
That connection becomes even more visible at the 16th edition of the event in 2026. Suzuki won’t just be supporting the event from the sidelines — it will also be putting cars on the mountain. The manufacturer plans to enter four vehicles into the prestigious King of the Hill challenge, allowing selected media representatives to experience one of the world’s most exciting hillclimbs from behind the wheel.
Fans will also get an early taste of the action during the traditional King of the Hill Parade at the Knysna Waterfront on Friday, 1 May 2026. The parade has become a fan-favourite part of the weekend, bringing drivers and their machines into the heart of town before the serious business of attacking the hill begins.
For the organisers of the event, Suzuki’s renewed commitment is a major vote of confidence in the future of the festival. Ian Shrosbree, Managing Director of the Knysna Speed Festival, says the brand has brought a unique energy to the event through its high-profile presence and ongoing support. With the partnership now secured for another three years, organisers are looking forward to building on that momentum in 2026 and beyond.
Here at ZA Bikers / ZA Lifestyle, we’re particularly excited to see Suzuki extending its involvement with the Simola Hillclimb. Our team experienced the event first-hand during the 2025 edition, and as we highlighted in our feature “The Full Suzuki Lifestyle Experience at the 15th Simola Hill Climb,” the brand’s presence went far beyond traditional sponsorship.
What stood out was how Suzuki embraced the full lifestyle surrounding the event—from the high-performance action on the hill to the broader culture of adventure that defines the festival. The experience connected different parts of the Suzuki world, bringing together cars, motorcycles and enthusiasts in a way that perfectly matched the spirit of the event.
That’s ultimately what makes the Simola Hillclimb special. It’s not just about lap times or horsepower—it’s about the shared passion for performance, machinery and the lifestyle that surrounds it. With Suzuki committing to the festival until 2028, fans can expect even more excitement, innovation and unforgettable moments on the hill in the years ahead.
The 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place in Knysna from 30 April to 3 May 2026, and with Suzuki continuing as a major partner, it’s already shaping up to be one of the biggest and loudest editions yet.
