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Suzuki PH to launch new Swift hatchback on June 27

What engine will you find under its hood?

The Philippine market is getting the version with the honeycomb grille. Do you prefer this? PHOTO FROM SUZUKI

You might recall that back in February, Suzuki simultaneously launched the new-generation Swift subcompact hatchback in India and Thailand. We even asked you to pick the version that you liked since the new Swift wears a different grille for each market (horizontal slats for India, honeycomb for Thailand).

In said article, we told you about our chance encounter with a Filipino Suzuki executive at the Bangkok airport who had just attended the car’s introduction in Thailand. At the time, she wouldn’t confirm whether her company would bring in the Indian or the Thai version, but then the answer seemed pretty obvious to us from the fact she had been sent to observe the presentation event in Thailand, not India.

The new Swift will reportedly carry the same 1.2-liter petrol engine from the outgoing model. PHOTO FROM SUZUKI

Well, it turns out we were right. Suzuki Philippines is launching the new Swift together with the recently previewed Dzire sedan on June 27, and the invite shows the version with the honeycomb grille. We can’t share any information with you right now other than the engine that the new Swift will come equipped with. According to a source within Suzuki’s dealership network, the new Swift will have the carryover 1.2-liter gasoline powerplant from the outgoing model. This engine, mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic gearbox, was released locally by Suzuki in July 2014, eventually supplanting the car’s original 1.4-liter motor.

Interestingly, there’s word Suzuki is planning to offer the Swift Sport powered by a 1.4-liter turbo gasoline mill in the near future—assuming they can price it competitively. This one packs 138hp and 230Nm, figures that should endear the little hatchback to sporty drivers.

Just one week to go, guys!



Vernon B. Sarne

Vernon is the founder and editor-in-chief of VISOR. He has been an automotive journalist since July 1995. He became one by serendipity, walking into the office of a small publishing company and applying for a position he had no idea was for a local car magazine. God has watched over him throughout his humble journey. He writes the ‘Spoiler’ column.



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