Suzuki launches new Dzire, Swift

From left, SPH managing director and treasurer Norminio Mojica, SPH president Hiroshi Suzuki, SMC chief engineer Masao Kobori, SMC group manager of Asia Automobile Group 2 Keiichi Suzuki, and SPH vice president and general manager for Automobile Shuzo Hoshikura the ceremonial lead the toast to cap off the successful launch of the all-new Dzire and Swift.

Every once in a while, the most silent ones throw the mightiest punches. And on the night of June 28, low-profile Japanese carmaker Suzuki swung the proverbial one-two punch in the B segment, simultaneously launching the new versions of the subcompact sedan Dzire and the Swift hatch in a millennial-themed program at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

Suzuki, known more for the quiet and cautious ways it conducts its business and brand-building, reinforced its image as a master of the small cars category, putting on a launch show that appeared to appeal to the new generation of motorists.

The Dzire, targeting upwardly mobile yet practical-minded young professionals, dangles a tantalizing entry-level SRP of P638,000 (for the GL M/T variant), and P698,000 for the GL variant that sports the Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmission technology combining the fuel efficiency and instantaneous response of an M/T and the ease and convenience of an A/T.

The GL MT comes in Premium Arctic White, Metallic Silky Silver and Premium Midnight Black colors.

Chief engineer Masao Kobori of Suzuki Motor Corporation shares his inspiration in creating the all-new Dzire and Swift.

The GL AGS variant dons Premium Oxford Blue, Premium Sherwood Brown, Premium Arctic White, Premium Midnight Black and Metallic Magma Gray hues.

On the other hand, the all-new sporty Swift—the car that catapulted Suzuki’s design image to European-level sophistication back in 2004—has become shorter, lower and wider.

In other words, the Swift has taken on a more muscular and stable stance.

Suzuki executives assure that the more compact dimensions guarantee easier handling without compromising comfort.

A host of conveniences for rear seat passengers

The Swift’s luggage space, surprisingly, has been expanded by 54 liter for more storage capacity than the previous models.

The 1.2-liter gasoline engine (the same displacement as that of the Dzire) is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smoother driving, shock-free gear changes for better acceleration at low speeds, and improved fuel economy at high speeds.

(The Dzire engine, meanwhile, is mated to a DOHC 16V with intake direct action VVT valve train.)

The new Swift is offered in three variants: the GL MT (P755,000), GL CVT (P799,000), and the GLX CVT (P899,000).

These come in Speedy Blue Metallic, Fervent Red, Pure White Pearl, Premium Silver Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic and Super Black Pearl.

“I am optimistic that the new Dzire and Swift will drive Suzuki Philippines to new milestones, all while staying true to the goal of sharing with more Filipinos the Suzuki Way of Life,” said Shuzo Hoshikura, SPH vice president and general manager for automotive.

The Dzire’s cockpit

Suzuki Philippines Inc. is a wholly owned Japanese multinational firm that specializes in the manufacture and sale of motorcycles and distribution of compact vehicles, and has consistently hit successes in its bottomline through the years, focusing on what it does best: rolling out fuel-efficient small cars and small-to-medium 4x4s.

Of course, the media in attendance at this night’s affair knew that the introduction of the Swift and Dzire could be but a mere prelude of more exciting things to come from Suzuki, as word has been quickly spreading that a new-look Jimny 4×4 would be introduced here soon.

Now that’s truly something to swiftly desire.

For more details, log on to www.suzuki.com.ph.