The new turbo 2020 Suzuki Swift Sport in Australia makes us jealous

Updated Jun 23, 2020 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

This is a car that finally lives up to its name.

The Suzuki Swift subcompact hatchback was something of a sleeper hit, at least when the second-generation model made its debut here. Imagine its 1.5L M15A pumping out 100 hp and 133 Nm of torque to power a petite frame that weighed only a fraction above a ton.

SWIFT | "Swift Uplifts You" | Suzuki

And if that wasn’t enough, the low and wide stance made it a joy to throw around tight corners, so much so that it reminded one of a certain British motoring icon. 

When the third generation came along, the Swift’s name became something of a misnomer. Although the emphasis was placed on fuel economy, not only did it ditch the original 1.5L in favor of smaller 1.4 and 1.2L engines, but it got heavier in terms of curb weight.

Suzuki Swift Sport 3

The bright orange color makes the Swift Sport II look like a thunderbolt ready to strike

Thankfully the current Swift is actually lighter than its predecessors, but with a 1.2L gas power plant making an even more paltry 82 hp and 113 Nm of torque, it’s a mere shadow of its former self.

We’ll argue that all these…observations are justified, considering what customers in Australia get to enjoy: the Swift Sport Series II. The name might sound a bit of a mouthful, but there’s more to the Suzuki Swift down under than just a couple of more words appended to the name.

Suzuki Swift Sport 3

The Swift Sport Series II retains the 1.4L BoosterJet turbocharged engine shared with the Vitara S

Chief among them is a 1.4L BoosterJet turbo gasoline engine, whipping up 138 hp and 230 Nm of torque. While an optional six-speed automatic is available, a six-speed manual transmission on hand to spin the front wheels sounds like a more attractive proposition to those who take their driving seriously.

And if all that sounds exciting on a subcompact hatch, consider that the Swift Sport Series II weighs just 970 kgs., light enough to have you zooming around with glee. 

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

Swift Sport interior

Nothing matches a turbocharged engine better than a manual transmission

As the flagship of the Swift range, the Sport Series II benefits from an equally enviable list of standard kit. Automatic LED headlamps with high beam assist flank the wide grille. The power side mirrors have an auto-fold feature, while the car rides on 17-inch alloy wheels. The instrument panel now comes with a digital speedometer. A 7-inch touchscreen head unit comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite navigation.

Driver-assistive features include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. A total of six airbags complements the Swift’s standing score of five stars in Australian NCAP crash tests.   

Swift Sport 2

One can only hope that the Swift Sport Series II arrives on our shores soon enough

The Suzuki Swift Sport Series II manual variant has a sticker price of AU$26,990 (Php 929,157) while the automatic equivalent goes for AU$28,990 (Php 998,000). We wonder what will make Suzuki PH bring this tricked-out Swift here, so that the badge can finally live up to its name again.

More dream-worthy cars await you at Philkotse.com.

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

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

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

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