From classic to cutting-edge: Suzuki Swift through the years

The Suzuki Swift has become a beloved and iconic car in the local automotive market, offering a perfect blend of style, performance, and affordability.

Suzuki positioned the Swift as a versatile and practical choice for urban dwellers who value both style and functionality. Its compact size makes it perfect for navigating through traffic, while its sporty design adds an extra dash of personality.

With its affordable price tag, the hatchback appeals to young professionals and first-time car buyers who are looking for a compact yet reliable companion on the road.

Since its introduction to the Philippine market in 2005, the Swift has undergone several transformations, evolving with each generation to cater to the ever-changing needs and preferences of Filipino drivers.

Let’s take a closer look at the Swift's journey over the years in the Philippines.

First generation (2005-2011)

The first-generation Swift introduced the iconic design that became synonymous with the model. Its distinctive headlights, compact dimensions, and youthful appeal made it an instant hit among Filipino drivers.

Power came from a 1.5-liter engine that produced 109 horsepower (hp).

As an affordable hatchback, the first-gen Swift provided excellent value for money, offering practicality without compromising on style.

Second generation (2011-2018)

The second-generation Swift brought a more refined and matured look to the table. With its sleeker profile, improved interior space, and enhanced safety features, it further solidified its position as a top choice in the hatchback segment.

This time, the Swift was equipped with a 1.4-liter K14B engine that delivered 94 hp and 130 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque.

The second-gen Swift's agility and nimble handling also made it a favorite among city drivers who needed a car that could easily maneuver through tight streets and parking spaces.

Third generation (2018-present)

The current third-generation Swift embraces a more contemporary design language while retaining its sporty flair. It boasts a more muscular and aerodynamic exterior, along with a more premium and tech-savvy interior.

Under the hood is a  more economical 1.2-liter engine that produces 81 hp and 113 Nm of torque. It is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

In 2022, Suzuki Philippines introduced a redesigned grille for the Swift. It also now comes with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity,  a reversing sensor, and a reversing camera.

Priced at P989,000, the third-gen Swift continues to appeal to the practical yet style-conscious Filipino car buyers.

Upcoming features and upgrades

The future looks bright for the Swift. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting features and upgrades in future models.

Earlier this month, Suzuki Motor Corporation launched the fourth-generation Swift in Japan. It features a rounded exterior, projecting a sophisticated impression and aiming for style that exudes distinctiveness and driving prowess. Meanwhile, the interior styling unites the door trim and instrument panel to represent unity between the driver and the vehicle.

The fourth-gen Swift is powered by a newly developed Z12E engine mated to either a CVT or a five-speed manual transmission, depending on the variant.

Advanced driver assistance systems are also standard on the new Swift. These include dual sensor brake support, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, adaptive high beam system, and driver monitoring system.

There is no confirmation yet from Suzuki Philippines on whether the fourth-gen Swift will be available in the country, but we’re hoping to have it here soon as its main competitors in the local compact hatchback segment are now equipped with modern features and tech that make driving comfortable and convenient.

Photos from Suzuki

Also read:

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Sneak peek: Here’s what's inside the Suzuki Swift