Suzuki’s stab at the mainstream

It was only a matter of time, really. When the people at Suzuki launched the oh-so-cute Jimny a couple of years back, then followed it up with two variants of the stylish Grand Vitara, you knew they were only hoping to build a solid fan base before finally poking their fingers into the mainstream car market. Earlier this year, they did just that by coming up with the affordable yet practical APV. A couple of weeks ago, they launched what is unabashedly their big (pun intended) ticket to the mainstream — the compact car aptly named the Suzuki Swift. And, to add emphasis to the bold new effort, they timed the launch of the new Grand Vitara with it as well.

Straight for the hip

One look at the Suzuki Swift and you’re certain that the car wasn’t made for the nonchalant first car owner who could care less about a vehicle’s looks. No sir. This car was made for the hip, the confident, the unique. In fact, at first glance, the Swift shows a strong resemblance to the one compact car any serious car lover would not mind having in his garage — the Mini. To cut a long story short, this is one car that — despite its diminutive size — can turn heads with the best of them.

Powered by a 1.5-liter Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT), the Swift promises some exciting driving as well. Though the maximum output may not look staggering on paper (110 hp), its relatively stout peak torque rating (143 Nm) should put any doubts to rest. All this is mated to an unconventional gate-type (think Mercedes Benz) 4-speed automatic transmission that should add an element of fun to the Swift’s driving dynamics.

Inside, the Swift is as versatile as any car in its class. With a rear compartment whose seats can fold into a 60:40 configuration, it allows for up to 213 liters of usable space. Add to this the fact that smart storage spaces abound in the instrument panel, the glove box, the seat back, the front doors and even underneath the front passenger seat, and you’re practically assured of storage space for all your in-car paraphernalia.

Refinement and quality in finish, technology and instrumentation are also cornerstones of the Suzuki Swift. The aluminum highlights smartly integrated amongst high-grade plastics in the interior panels add an elegant touch. As do the triple-gauge instrument clusters and the standard CD player which is seamlessly integrated into the car’s center console.

What takes the cake for this writer, however, is the Scandinavian-like list of safety features found in this tiny automobile. With dual front airbags complimented by the safety alphabet (ABS with EBD), a collapsible steering column, leg injury mitigating brake and clutch pedals, front seatbelt pretensioners and a child seat ISOFIX attachment to the rear seats, you’d think you were getting a European marquee in the Suzuki Swift.

Suzuki’s no-nonsense first swing into the mainstream car market sticks its tongue out to expected rivals by going to battle with the kind of armor fit for a gladiator made of sterner stuff. We dare say it’s more a match for Honda’s new 1.5 Jazz VTEC than it is for any Korean compact car. Expectedly, its P738,000 price tag is nothing to scoff at, either.

Grander the third time around

With the introduction of the third generation Suzuki Grand Vitara comes the repositioning of the one vehicle that actually started it all in the compact SUV segment — at least in Philippine shores. Back in 1988, Suzuki Vitaras were already plying the streets of Metro Manila. None of those Vitaras, however, looked like the Grand Vitara that Suzuki is now peddling alongside the Swift. Strong, big and confident, this third generation all-new Vitara looks more suited to its target market than any of its siblings that came before it.

A 2-liter, 16-valve in line four gasoline engine with a full time 4-wheel drive system powers the new Grand Vitara. With 145 horses running simultaneously and a healthy 193 Nm of torque, the Grand Vitara can run with the best of them — with frugal mileage numbers to boot. A very accessible switch found in the center console, meanwhile, allows for easy shift-on-the-fly convenience between high and low settings of the 4x4 mode. Its largest-in-class 66 liters of fuel then ensures worry free driving. As does — at least off the roads — the high, 200 mm ground clearance.

Inside, the sporty cockpit is highlighted by easy-to-read cylindrical meters while a display mode that can jump from digital clock to outside temperature to instantaneous fuel consumption ensures worry-free driving. Like the Swift, the Grand Vitara also abounds in smart storage pockets, all the way from the overhead console to the under-floor compartment. And again, the seamless integration of the sound system in its dash makes for a "grand" in-car perspective.

Also like the Swift, this Suzuki is loaded to the brim with safety features. The new Grand Vitara boasts of dual front airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, head impact protection, cabin structure reinforcements, side impact beams, deformation-resistant members, impact-absorbing crush zones, a sturdy built-in ladder frame, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist. A keyless entry system comes standard as well.

All these goodies come at a commanding yet reasonable P1,280,000 price tag. If the Grand Vitara rides anywhere near as good as it looks and sounds, then the asking price is certainly justifiable. From the looks of it, Suzuki isn’t pulling any punches at all — not in the new Swift and certainly not in this version of the Grand Vitara.