Suzuki Swift 2018

Overview

Like other small cars, the Swift had humble beginnings. The first ever Swift was introduced in the early 1980s, these earlier econoboxes models were known as the Cultus in Japan. In 2005 the Suzuki Swift was finally launched in the Philippine market. No longer was it just a simple plain vehicle for getting from point A to point B, the Swift now had a more European MINI Cooper-ish styling, a decent engine, and good handling. In 2011 it was replaced by a slightly larger model, styling was evolutionary but it was noticeably sleeker. In 2018, the current all-new Suzuki Swift landed on our shores.

The all-new Suzuki Swift is now 10mm shorter, 40mm wider, and 15mm lower than the model it replaces. The new model’s styling is still recognizable as a Swift but this time around the Japanese carmaker’s designers got more adventurous when it came to giving its fun little hatchback a new look. Its front is dominated by a larger aggressive grille and sharper headlights. At the bottom is a slim lower intake which links the two foglight surrounds. On the sides it has prominent front fender lines and rear haunches. The rear door handles are now hidden units located on the window frames.  The C-pillars now have blacked-out sections that connect the side windows to the hatch; this gives it a trendy floating roof design. The rear features more angular taillights that give the car a wider look.  

The all-new Swift’s dashboard features chronograph inspired analog gauges, circular central aircon vents and an integrated touchscreen infotainment system. It also gets a sporty three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel. On the practical side, passenger space has also been increased thanks to its 20mm longer wheelbase and wider body. It also has many storage spaces which include cup holders, bottle holders, and pockets.

The Suzuki Swift now rides on the Japanese carmaker’s all-new HEARTEC platform which is more rigid and lighter than the old one. The frame features more curves and less joints, the new design efficiently disperses the impact energy in the event of a collision. While still uses Independent MacPherson struts in front and a semi-independent torsion beam at the back like its predecessor, modifications have been made to improve handling. The front suspension now has a shorter hollow stabilizer bar and a lighter subframe, the rear suspension gets a redesigned crossmember and revised trailing arms. The Swift employs a variable gear ratio steering system for a more direct response. Low profile 185/55R16 tires are now standard across the board. Stopping duties are handled by front vented discs and rear drums, the range topping variant gets disc brakes on all corners.

Under its hood is a new more compact K12M 1.2-liter inline-4 gasoline engine which has an output of 82hp at 6000rpm and 113Nm of torque at 4200rpm. It's mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or the new continuously variable transmission.

On the safety department, all Suzuki Swift variants get dual-airbags, ABS, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and three-point seatbelts for all five occupants.