Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift is a recognizable subcompact hatchback that's been a staple in Suzuki Philippines' lineup since its debut. With several international generations and two locally, it stands as one of Suzuki's flagship models, rubbing shoulders with the popular Ertiga and Jimny.

The Hyundai Swift is offered with a 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual or CVT gearbox. It's built on Suzuki's TECT chassis for added safety and strength, and features LED lights as well as a high-end 8-inch infotainment system.

History

The Swift's journey began as a humble econobox in the 1980s, known as Cultus in Japan. It entered the Philippine market in 2005, transforming over time from a simple commuter car to a sleeker model with European MINI Cooper flair, a robust engine, and improved handling. In 2018, the all-new Suzuki Swift made its debut, showcasing its evolution into a stylish and capable vehicle.

Variant and Price

The 2023 - 2024 Suzuki Swift is offered in 2 variants - which are priced from ₱ 775,000 to ₱ 972,000.

The Swift presents a smoother, more alluring aesthetic than its predecessor, featuring LED projector headlights with daytime running lights, and LED illumination in the fog and tail lights for a radiant finish.

With an imposing grille and acute headlights leading the charge, the Swift showcases a daring look. The sides host pronounced front fender lines and rear flares, while a slender air intake gracefully connects two fog lamps below. The rear door handle is cleverly concealed on the window frame, while black sections on the C-pillars blend the side windows and hatch to create a slick floating roof. To top it all off, angular tail lights at the rear impart a wider visual stance.

Dimensions

The Swift comes with a refreshed dashboard boasting chronograph-style analog gauges, central circular AC vents, and an updated 8-inch infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its sporty edge is accentuated by a flat-bottomed, three-spoke steering wheel.

The Swift's sporty black fabric seats complement its overall aesthetic and ensure a child-friendly ride with its built-in child seat anchors. For those who need extra cargo space, the rear seats can be folded down with just a touch.

Its large main gauge is elegantly finished with red and white highlights. The water temperature and fuel gauges feature a sporty and easy-to-read design.

A cutting-edge, 4.2-inch color TFT LCD takes center stage in the instrument cluster, feeding the driver with precise and intuitive data on the vehicle's performance. It presents a visual portrayal of gravity, engine output and torque, as well as accelerator and brake usage, and much more.

The audio system comes packed with a smartphone-like touchscreen display. Simply pair your smartphone via Bluetooth or USB and gain access to your apps directly from the display, which also supports radio, a rear view camera, and navigation.

Safety features

The Suzuki Swift boasts a four-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating. Standard features include two airbags, ABS and EBD, electronic and central locking for added convenience. All five seats come equipped with 3-point seat belts, reinforcing its commitment to passenger safety.

The Swift is armed with a pedestrian-friendly body that minimizes injuries upon collision. It also utilizes Suzuki's Total Effective Control Technology (TECT), an impact-absorbing design that expertly distributes and absorbs crash energy, enhancing overall safety.

Storage space

With its spacious trunk, the new Swift is ready for more. The split-folding rear seats, standard on GLX and GL models, make room for versatility. The lower seating arrangement provides generous headroom, and convenient storage spaces are within easy reach.

Under the hood of the Suzuki Swift lies a fuel-efficient 1.2-litre petrol engine, delivering 82 hp and 113 Nm of torque. Despite being smaller than its predecessor, it pledges enhanced fuel economy. This powertrain is coupled with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT for optimized efficiency.

Maintaining its predecessor's independent MacPherson struts upfront and semi-independent torsion beams at the back, the Swift's handling has been enhanced through subtle modifications. These include lighter, shorter stabilizer bars and a less heavy subframe at the front, with a reworked cross member and revised trailing arms at the rear. Additionally, its steering employs a variable-gear ratio for increased responsiveness.

Suzuki Swift is your car of choice for city navigation. Its wide windows and upright seat provide great visibility, while its compact size and light steering simplify city parking.

Suspension & Brakes

The Swift's curvy frame enhances vehicle performance by boosting underbody rigidity while also improving safety, by effectively dispersing crash energy. Its slightly rigid suspension may not iron out urban bumps perfectly, but it makes for an exhilarating ride on winding country roads. Unlike some softly-sprung hatchbacks, you can confidently fling the Swift around bends without concern for grip loss or excessive body roll.

With its refreshed design, the Swift stands as one of Suzuki's most striking offerings. Dominating the hatchback segment for over a decade in the Philippines, the Swift is set to impress further with a new design and a price elevation in 2023.