For years, the Suzuki Swift has stood as one of the best-handling small hatchbacks available in the Philippines. The third-generation model in particular struck the right balance between agility, lightness, and just enough refinement to make it fun both in city traffic and on a winding road.
In fact, before I ended up buying my Honda Brio, the Swift was one of the top contenders on my shortlist – a car that always seemed a little more eager to play than most of its peers.
Unfortunately, that enthusiasm wasn’t enough to keep it on the market. Without much fanfare, Suzuki Auto Philippines quietly discontinued the Swift, removing one of the last true driver-focused hatchbacks from local showrooms.
During our first drive with the all-new Fronx, Autocar Philippines asked Suzuki Auto Philippines general manager Norihide Takei whether the Swift might make a comeback in its latest form. His response did not hide his frustration with the local landscape.
“We would love to introduce the new Suzuki Swift here. Unfortunately, the problem is the market; the sales of hatchbacks are low in the Philippines.”
– Norihide Takei, General Manager, Suzuki Auto Philippines
His comments underline a broader truth: hatchbacks have been falling out of favor locally, squeezed out by the popularity of small crossovers and, surprisingly, budget sedans.
The Swift was only one of the few discontinued nameplates that once carried weight in the hatchback scene, including the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris. For those who still value compact dimensions, sharp driving dynamics, and practicality, the options have grown very thin.
While the Philippines has turned its back on hatchbacks, the global market has welcomed the fourth-generation Suzuki Swift. Launched in India in 2024, the new model still has the model’s familiar compact proportions but introduces fresh design touches like a wrap-around character line, LED projector headlights with boomerang DRLs, and new alloy wheel designs.
Under the hood lies the all-new Z-Series 1.2-liter engine, producing 81 horsepower and 111.7 Nm of torque. Safety has also leaped with the new-generation Swift, with six airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD, and hill hold assist offered as standard.
Inside, the cabin features a new layout, highlighted by a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear AC vents, and USB-C charging ports.
Globally, the Swift continues to embody its reputation as a stylish, fun-to-drive small car that’s now more technologically advanced than ever. Sadly, unless market tastes change, Filipino buyers may only admire it from afar.
