Swift-ly we go

With the Suzuki Swift, “small is beautiful” is what immediately comes to mind.

I had planned for a short trip on the Suzuki Swift 1.2 out of town. With Vodka the Bichon in the car, we were all set. Our destination: Calamba, Laguna, home of our National Hero, Jose Rizal.  I was feeling a bit nationalistic that day, as it was the month of June and around the period of our Independence Day.

I estimated that the drive from Pasig to Calamba would take about an hour, tops. That is, of course if there was no traffic buildup on SLEX or C5.

Small is big

Over the last few years, there have been more and more choices available for a sporty light hatch. Among the few nifty cars that never cease to catch my eye when I see them on the road is the Suzuki Swift. There is something so cute and macho at the same time about it that catches my fancy.

Recently, this well-loved Suzuki Swift hatchback just got more lovable with the arrival of a more affordable version. The new Swift features a 1.2 L engine, compared to the 1.4 L engine of the previous Swift, promising even better fuel efficiency and lower emissions with every drive.

When Suzuki Philippines Inc., the only integrated motorcycle and automobile company in the country, launched this car, they had first-time car owners in mind. And if I were a first-time owner, I would definitely give the Swift a good lookover because it is one fancy hatchback. 

The newest variant of the subcompact boasts a maximum output of 87 hp @ 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 114 Nm @ 4,000 rpm. This India-made version of the Swift features a minimum ground clearance of 170 mm, approximately 30-mm higher than the 1.4 L Swift.

Design counts

Vodka was seated in her usual place in the car as I started the engine and we started our drive towards Calamba.

Just like any other driver who loves cars, I make it a point to give the car a good lookover. I noticed that not all changes are under the hood.

For starters, the turn lights are located on each side mirror. Halogen fog lamps come standard in all models. The grill sports a more aggressive look. Inside, the cockpit has the same sporty yet premium look of the Swift 1.4. Many comforts that make the drive truly comfortable are found inside, like the audio controls on the steering wheel, and a folding backseat for loading large items.

At the launch of the Swift 1.2, Suzuki Philippines president Hiroshi Suzuki said, “We are introducing the Swift 1.2 to the Philippines to make the well-loved Suzuki Swift available to a wider audience. At Suzuki, we are continuously innovating to make our products responsive to the needs of the markets where we operate. This new variant will offer the same great value and best-in-class performance of the Suzuki Swift in a much more affordable package.”

Let the drive begin

In all my years of driving, I have had the privilege of testing quite a few cars. Many times it can be fun to drive a fast car slowly — but when I am in a hurry and I want to get a slow car to move faster, it can sometimes be a really irritating experience.

It was not so with the Suzuki Swift 1.2 because the car lives up to its name — I was surprised at how quickly it responded to my need for a bit more speed when overtaking.

I was happy when I got to overtake the slower-moving vehicles on SLEX when I needed to. Many times, that is all we really need when we are driving on the highway — a car that can overtake and get the job done so we can continue to cruise happily along.

I kept the rev needle fluctuating as I put the pedal to the metal and the Swift responded with much aplomb. I was really quite surprised; happy, too. And driven like this, the Suzuki Swift is one well-performing hatchback. It’s got a big heart to offset its tiny lungs.

The Swift’s all-new engine and new body are slightly bigger and definitely stronger than before, but slightly lighter, too.

The backseats are roomy enough, so Vodka had lots of space to nap in.

We reached Calamba in less than hour, after a comfy drive. Vodka had started to stir, a clear sign that she needed to get out of the car for a bit.

As is my wont when on out-of-town trips with Vodka, we looked for an empty lot where she could stretch her legs. I pulled out her bottle of water and gave her a snack, which we had brought on the trip.

I wanted to do a short look-see of the house of Jose Rizal in Calamba  — but one look at Vodka by the house staff told me that there was no way a doggy could join me on the trip.

But nothing is ever wasted on a test drive. I am always one to say that it’s the drive that counts — not the destination.

We went into the Calamba Cathedral instead. Yes, they let me take Vodka inside. I thanked the Good Lord for a safe trip and asked Him to keep us safe, as we were about to drive back to Manila.

Before I loaded Vodka back into the Swift, I gave it one more good look — and then my imagination took over. 

If I were 18 years old and asked what car I would like to have, I would ask for a Suzuki Swift — it is what first-car dreams are made of.

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The all-new Swift 1.2 will be available in the colors Blazing Red, Glistening Grey, Silky Silver, Pearl Arctic White, and Midnight Black and will be priced at P608,000 for the manual transmission and P648,000 for the automatic one. The Swift 1.2 will be available in all Suzuki dealerships nationwide this July.