Which 2020 Suzuki Swift variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]

Updated Nov 18, 2021 | Same topic: Which Car Variant to Buy?

Want to know for sure which Swift is right for you? Then find out here.

Classified as a subcompact car with a 5-door hatchback body style, the Suzuki Swift is one of Suzuki’s mainstays since the introduction of its first-generation models 20 years ago in 2000.

Now in its fourth-generation, the Swift has evolved into a very attractive hatchback that is built on the Suzuki Heartect platform. In the Philippines, the latest version of the Swift was launched in 2018 with three variants.

SWIFT | "Swift Uplifts You" | Suzuki

Currently, it has four variants: the 1.2 GL MT, the 1.2 GL CVT, and in 2019, Suzuki added the Swift Special Edition 1.2L MT and CVT.

So which among these three is the right Suzuki Swift variant for you? Let’s find out.

Suzuki Swift Variants: Dimensions

When it comes to size, all Suzuki Swift variants here in the Philippines are 3,840mm long, 1,735mm wide, and 1,495mm in height. All Swift variants also have the same wheelbase length at 2,450mm, and the same minimum ground clearance of 120mm.

A picture of the front of the Swift while parked in an urban environment

The Swift is worth every bit it's price tag when looks are concerned

In terms of exterior design, the Swift is a very attractive hatchback with a sporty feel to it that greatly reminds us of other more powerful hot hatches.

Note that the Special Edition Swift variants do take the model’s look up a notch with a MINI-like paint scheme, a different looking grille, matte black skirts and carbon decals, and a rear spoiler. All Swift variants, however, come with a hidden rear door latch, blacked-out pillars, and a “floating” roof.

Functional exterior amenities include an electromagnetic tailgate opener, halogen multi-reflector headlamps, fog lamps, LED daytime running lights, and a rear wiper.

>>> Related: Top best hatchback cars in the Philippines: Price, Specs & Review

Suzuki Swift Variants: Interior

When it comes to what you get inside the Swift, the GL MT and the GL CVT are just about the same. Both have electric power windows for the front and rear, manual air-conditioning, a seven-inch multimedia touchscreen with an auxiliary jack, a USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as off-line navigation.

A picture of the Suzuki Swift's interior

The interior of the Swift isn't much, but it's well arranged and comfortable

For the Swift’s interior amenities, there’s the usual urethane, three-spoke steering wheel with tilt-adjust and audio controls, an analog speedometer and tachometer, an information display with a clock and fuel consumption meter, a door ajar reminder, dual sun visors with a vanity mirror for the passenger side, and a center console tray.

Suzuki Swift 2020 also has a good number of storage space and storage pockets as well as a good amount of bottle holders and cup holders. All variants of the Swift are equipped with 60:40 split type rear seats and all seats are clad in fabric.

With the rear seats down, the cargo space stretches up to 546 liters. With all the seats in use, the default cargo space shrinks down to 242 liters, which is good enough for the usual grocery run and daily commute.

A picture of the interior of the Swift with the rear seats

There's ample room inside for five people

As for the Special Edition Swift models, the interior remains the same. Weirdly enough, however, the GL CVT and the Special Edition CVT come with a 12V accessory socket for the rear console area, whereas the MT versions have two console sockets for the center console area.

>>> Related: Suzuki Swift 2020 Philippines Review: A great handling hatchback

Suzuki Swift Variants: Engine and Performance

In terms of engines, all the Suzuki Swift variants are powered by the K12M, a naturally aspirated inline-4 gasoline engine with a 1,197 cc displacement.

On both the CVT and MT Swift variants, it makes a maximum of 82 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. The said engine sends power to the front through a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission.

A picture of the Suzuki Swift's engine

The K12M isn't that strong but it sure is efficient

All Swift variants also come with a MacPherson strut with coil spring front suspension and a torsion beam with coil spring for the rear end. Tire sizes are also uniform at 185/55 R16.

>>> Related: SUZUKI SWIFT 2010 FOR SALE

Suzuki Swift Variants: Safety

In terms of safety, the Suzuki Swift comes with all the things one would expect from a modern, affordable hatchback. It’s equipped with dual front airbags, childproof rear door locks, ISOFIX, seatbelts for all five passengers, an anti-lock brake system, high-mount LED stop lamp, and a brake assist function. For security, all Swift variants also have an engine immobilizer and a security alarm.

Also note that with the fourth generation Swift, Suzuki managed to fix the rear visibility issue.

Suzuki Swift Variants: Price

Suzuki Swift Variants
Price
Swift 1.2 GL 5MT
Php 755,000
Swift 1.2 GL CVT
Php 799,000
Swift 1.2 Special Edition 5MT
Php 804,800
Swift 1.2 Special Edition CVT
Php 848,800

>>> Refer to Suzuki Swift Price Philippines

Suzuki Swift Variants: Conclusion

As you can see now with our variant comparison above, there are only several major differences between the Swift variants. There are the transmission options and the position and number of 12V sockets as well as the aesthetic upgrades on the Special Edition.

So when it boils down to it, you’ll want to get the CVT if you have a larger budget and/or if you want a more relaxed drive in the city. If you want to enjoy the agility and responsiveness of the Swift, then we recommend getting the five-speed manual.

A picture of the side profile of the Suzuki Swift while parked in the city

And yes, the Swift is inherently a well sculpted car that's very easy on the eyes

>>> Related: 2021 Suzuki Swift: Expectations and what we know so far

And lastly, if you want to look great (or stand out more) regardless of whether you’re driving in the city or on a highway, then you’ll want the Special Edition variants.

Either way, the Swift is a no-nonsense vehicle that handles great, is fuel-efficient, and most importantly, is very affordable. As such, all of its variants are ideal for a person who lives and works in the city. Heck, it can even serve as a family car for those with small children.

For more buyer’s guides like this, keep reading here on Philkotse.com. We’ve got more to come.

Know more about Suzuki Swift 2024

Suzuki Swift

The Swift is the Japanese small-car expert Suzuki's entry into the growing demand for reliable subcompact hatchbacks. For the Philippine market, the Suzuki Swift 2024 has one variant which is the Swift 1.2 CVT. It comes with a price tag of Php 989,000.  

Powering the Philippine-spec Suzuki Swift is a 1.2-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. This four-banger can make up to 82 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque. The said engine is then paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) only. Power is then sent to its front wheels. 

Size-wise, the Suzuki Swift is 3,840mm long, 1,735mm wide, and 1,495mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,450mm and a ground clearance of 120mm.  

Locally, the Swift Philippines competes against the likes of the Toyota Wigo, Mitsubishi Mirage, Honda Brio, Kia Picanto, and the Mazda2 Hatchback. 

>>> New and used Suzuki Swift 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Suzuki Swift Launch

The Suzuki Swift was released on June 28, 2018, together with the Suzuki Dzire. The revamped model got more curves, letting go of its previous boxy build. This helps Suzuki make its entry to the local market more competitive as other rivals such as the Toyota Wigo come with great hatchback styling.

Suzuki offers the hatchback in the Philippines with one variant only, namely the GL 1.2 CVT priced at Php 844,000.

The Suzuki Swift goes to Guitar Pusher | Philkotse Trippings

Suzuki Swift Exterior

The overall look of the Suzuki Swift Philippines is clean, athletic, and mature in a good way. Its sporty-looking grille, LED headlights, and daytime running LED light complements each other, creating a strong front fascia look. Meanwhile, the body lines on the sides going to the rear are sleek, connecting with the taillights that are wonderfully incorporated which give a fluidity throughout.

A noteworthy update is the hidden rear door handle. It makes the Japanese hatchback look like a two-door sports car from afar. Another well thought detail is the black accents below the roofline that goes all the way to the back. It gives a snazzier styling on the side.

Suzuki Swift front view

Suzuki Swift Interior

Dominating inside the Suzuki Swift 2024 Philippines is mostly sturdy plastic beneficial to the car’s weight capacity, as well as for cost-cutting measures. Interior panels are black and shiny providing a solemn vibe. As for the head and legroom, these are pleasant for adult-size passengers, while the cargo compartment can carry 242 liters and can be further expanded by folding the rear seats. The driver and passenger seats at the front and back are plush, making near or long drives enjoyable.

The standard features Suzuki Philippines incorporated in the hatchback include fabric seats, a sun visor for passenger's side with a vanity mirror, two cup holders for the front and one for the rear passenger, two bottle holders upfront and two at the back, chrome parking brake release button, and white door trim ornaments with a dimple pattern.

Suzuki Swift interior view

Suzuki Philippines Colors

For something affordable, the 2024 Swift Swift five-seater hatchback looks like it could do well on twisty roads. Specifically, Suzuki gave it a planted look that has some degree of sportiness to it. To further give flavor to its design, there are six Suzuki Swift colors to choose from. 

That said, the Suzuki Swift Philippines can come in white (Pure White Pearl). One can also have the Suzuki Swift in red (Ablaze Red Pearl). There’s also the Suzuki Swift grey (Mineral Gray Metallic), and Suzuki Swift blue (Speed Blue Metallic).

Suzuki Swift side view

Technology & Safety

The Suzuki Swift is equipped with an 8-inch infotainment screen as standard that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The said system is complemented by two front and two rear speakers for the entertainment of all passengers on the road.

As for safety, the Japanese hatchback was accredited with an outstanding four-star by the ASEAN NCAP and three-star by the Euro NCAP for its safety performance. It is designed with a lot of safety features such as an anti-lock braking system paired with electronic brakeforce distribution, crash and reversing sensors, and front dual airbags.

Platform & Chassis

The Suzuki Swift Philippines is a five-door hatchback with a front-engine, front-wheel layout considered as a Supermini (B segment) type. Though small compared to other vehicles in the Philippines, it generally functions like a sedan. Its platform is the Suzuki HEARTECT, known for its reliable metal strength, innovative design, and body structure that can absorb impacts. Meanwhile, the chassis was designed to equally distribute force, ensuring a small amount will be felt inside the vehicle in case of a collision.

Suzuki Swift rear view

Suzuki Swift Engine & Drivetrain

The Suzuki Swift is powered by a 1.2-liter K12M gasoline engine that makes 82 hp at 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 4,200, providing a fuel-efficient vehicle for Filipino car buyers. It is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard.

Suzuki Swift engine view

Suzuki Swift 2024 Price List

Let's check out the Suzuki Swift 2024 price in September in the Philippines.

 Variant Price
 Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL  ₱989,000

Suzuki Swift FAQs

1. Is the Suzuki Swift fuel efficient?

Yes, the Swift's average fuel consumption is 20km/L when driving on the highway.

2. Is the Suzuki Swift Philippines 2024 reliable?

Yes, the Suzuki Swift can handle great, is fuel-efficient, and most importantly, very affordable. It is a suitable option for those who live and work in the city.

3. How much is Suzuki Ertiga 2024 in the Philippines?

Suzuki Ertiga 2024 has only available variants. It is a Suzuki Swift GL 1.2 CVT with a price tag of 989,000 PHP.

4. What is the body type of the Suzuki Swift?

Suzuki Swift is a Hatchback.

5. Which Suzuki Swift  Philippines color is best?

It’s difficult to tell which color is best since this depends on each one’s preference. However, Suzuki Swift White seems to be a popular choice.

 

₱ 972,000

Explore
Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

View more