Suzuki Swift posts 1-star Global NCAP safety rating 

Updated Dec 13, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Does this mean the Philippine-spec Swift is unsafe? Not necessarily. 

The Global New Car Assessment Program (Global NCAP) has given a one-star rating to the current-generation Suzuki Swift.  

The Maruti Suzuki Swift disappoints with only one star

The Swift got a score of 19.19 out of a total of 34.00 for adult occupant protection, which equates to one star. When it comes to child occupant protection, the Suzuki model achieved a score of 16.68 out of 49.00 which is also equivalent to a one-star rating. 

According to Global NCAP, the Indian-spec Swift did provide good protection for the driver and front passenger’s heads and necks. Their test however, indicated marginal protection for the front cabin occupant’s knees, and weak protection for the front passenger’s chest.  

The Global NCAP also noted that the Swift’s body shell integrity was “unstable.” The same goes for the footwell area, which according to their crash dummy readings didn’t provide protection for the front passenger and driver’s feet during the frontal offset deformable barrier test. The testing organization did find that its side impact protection doors were good.   

A picture of a sheet showing how well the Swift can protect an adult occupant.

The Global NCAP's report for the Swift's adult occupant protection capabilities

Chest protection during the side impact test was also found to be poor. Also, the side pole impact wasn’t performed at all since the India-spec Swift is not equipped with side curtain airbags.  

The India-spec Swift’s ISOFIX tethers are also limited to the second-row leftmost or rightmost seats. It did good for child seats rated for three-year-olds, but then it showed poor protection for the head and chest of the more compact child restraint system for an 18-month-old child.  

Also absent on the India-spec Swift are driver-assistive systems that are considered to be crucial by the Global NCAP. Specifically, it lacks an autonomous emergency braking system, as well as a lane assist system.  

Just like the Indian market version of the Suzuki Swift, the local PH-spec Swift also gets two airbags for the front only. Our version likewise lacks driver-assistive technologies.  

A picture of the Suzuki Swift for the Indian market

The Suzuki Swift for the Indian market

Both the Philippine and Indian Swift models do come with a reverse camera, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and antilock braking with electronic brake-force distribution. Then again, the Indian version does have hill hold assist, and parking sensors, both of which are not present on the Philippine-spec Swift.  

Do remember though that the Global NCAP has slightly more stringent standards than the more localized ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (ASEAN NCAP). In fact, the latter gave the Suzuki Swift a more favorable four-star rating. 

For more car news and car reviews, keep it here on Philkotse.  

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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Price List

Let's check out the Suzuki Swift 2025 price in January 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 2025 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 2025 in the Philippines?

Suzuki Ertiga 2025 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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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

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