Suzuki unleashes a small-car one-two punch

Small car specialist Suzuki closed the first half of the year with twin launches of the much-anticipated all-new Swift hatchback and Dzire subcompact sedan.

The grand launch, held at Marriott Hotel in Pasay City and attended by over 500 bankers, dealers, and members of the media, introduces not only the latest upgrades on two of Suzuki’s popular vehicles but also the revolutionary Japanese technology behind these newest innovations.

“We are grateful for the strong support we continue to receive from the Filipino market, particularly during the first months of the year. As testament of our commitment to delivering only the best-quality products and services, we at Suzuki Philippines are more than happy to finally share with everyone the all-new Dzire and all-new Swift equipped with the latest of our innovative technology. I am optimistic that these latest product offerings will drive SPH to new milestones, all while staying true to the goal of sharing with more Filipinos the Suzuki Way of Life,” shared SPH VP and GM for automotive Shuzo Hoshikura.

The all-new Swift hatch showcases a bold transformation while retaining its signature styling features like prominent shoulder lines, blacked-out A-pillars, dynamic side-window treatment and distinctive vertically arranged lamps. These are complemented by a black interior with a white pearl accent and a dimple pattern to create a fresh, youthful look.

To emphasize the sporty and confident styling, the well-loved hatchback is now shorter, lower and wider with a muscular stance. The compact dimensions guarantee easy handling without compromising comfort. The car’s cargo area has been expanded by 54 liters compafred to the previous model — a major feat considering the smaller dimensions of the new car.

For improved fuel efficiency, the new Swift adopts a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which keeps the engine always in its torque band, and which also makes driving smoother thanks to seamless gear changes.

Both the Dzire and Swift, which have identical wheelbases, boast Suzuki’s new-generation platform, HEARTECT. The continuous frame resulting from the comprehensive overhaul of the vehicles’ underbody structure and component layout increases underbody stiffness. The highly rigid yet light body should help improve the vehicle’s dynamic performance, particularly in terms of handling and riding comfort.

The new smooth curving form also effectively disperses impact energy throughout the car body in case of a collision. 

Both vehicles’ structure is specially designed to feature Total Effective Control Technology to absorb impact and mitigate injury in case of a pedestrian accident. They are equipped with dual airbags.

(From left) SPH managing director and treasurer Norminio Mojica, SPH president Hiroshi Suzuki, SMC chief engineer Masao Kobori, SMC group manager of Asia Automobile Group 2 Keiichi Suzuki and SPH VP and GM for automobile Shuzo Hoshikura lead the ceremonial toast to cap off the successful launch of the all-new Dzire and Swift.

Meanwhile, the all-new Dzire is a subcompact sedan that packs advanced technology and features. It boasts Suzuki’s Auto Gear Shift (AGS) technology, which combines the fuel efficiency of a manual transmission and convenience of an automatic transmission.

AGS technology is an automated manual transmission featuring an Intelligent Shift Control Actuator that automatically operates the clutch and shifting operation. It allows for smooth automated gear changes or shifting from manual transmission without having to step on the clutch pedal and operate a shift lever.

The new Dzire is lower and wider than the previous model. The compact body makes the sedan light and easy to take on any city adventure yet sports a sleek and confident style. The larger trunk capacity ensures there is enough space for luggage for a business trip or quick getaway. 

 “We introduced a new-generation platform and engineered a completely new chassis, body structure and powertrain with a new body structure. We set out to create a car that would let people experience a new level of excitement like never before! The instant they see it, the instant they get inside and the instant they step on the accelerator,” said Masao Kobori, chief engineer of the all-new Suzuki Dzire and Swift.

The Swift hatchback has three variants: the GL MT priced at P755,000, GL CVT at P799,000  and the GLX CVT at P899,000.The Swift comes in Speedy Blue Metallic, Fervent Red, Pure White Pearl, Premium Silver Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic and Super Black Pearl.

The all-new Dzire comes in two variants: the GL MT and GL+AGS. The GL MT is available in Premium Arctic White, Metallic Silky Silver and Premium Midnight Black colors and lists at P638,000. The GL+AGS variant comes in Premium Oxford Blue, Premium Sherwood Brown, Premium Arctic White, Premium Midnight Black and Metallic Magma Gray colors and has an SRP of P698,000.

Expect test drives of these two new Suzukis soon.