2018 Suzuki Swift - Cars it will fight against

The Swift has always been a source of steady profit for the automaker, not just in the Philippines but around the globe. Lately, the new-generation Swift has been launched with a variety of cosmetic updates, tech and safety upgrade and enhanced cabin amenities.

With considerable modifications under its belt for the 2018 year model, the latest Swift is a definitely a stronger contender to beat. A completely revamped exterior profile, new and stylish 16-inch alloys, blacked-out pillars, two-door look, LED taillights and refreshed headlamps with LED daytime running lights are some of the new inclusions on the 2018 Suzuki Swift.

The all-new Suzuki Swift uses a 1.2-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine like before that churns out 82 PS of max power and 113 Nm of peak torque while being mated to either a 6-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. The automatic gearbox is a welcome addition to its offerings list. Weighing just 920 kg, it is claimed to return a fuel economy of 22 kmpl.

It comes equipped with features like automatic climate control, flat-bottom steering wheel, and a 7-inch SmartPlay infotainment system. Connectivity options on the Swift include MirrorLink connectivity, Bluetooth, USB, AUX, built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto support. Other bits include rear parking sensors and camera and speed-sensitive auto door lock.

The safety features like ABS with EBD and brake assist, dual front airbags, seatbelt reminder, ISOFIX with child seat anchors, and engine immobilizer are offered as standard with the new 2018 Swift.

Undoubtedly, the new design of the Swift is a hit. And one of the prime reasons for buyers to consider it ahead of others. It rivals against the likes of Honda Jazz, Ford Fiesta Hatch and Kia Picanto and here’s what they bring to the table.

Honda Jazz

The Honda Jazz gets a 1.5-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine that puts out 120 PS of peak power and 145Nm of torque - way more powerful than Swift. It weighs 1,084kg, which makes it 164kg heavier than the new Swift. The 7-speed CVT makes it up for an excellent fuel efficiency of around 18-20 kmpl on highways and around 10-12 kmpl when driven in the city.

On the outside, the Jazz looks absolutely astonishing, comes with LED lighting on the top RS trim, 15- and 16-inch alloy options, vibrant colour shades, and a sporty rear profile. From the inside, it is extremely spacious and sophisticated. It gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the top-end model with USB, Bluetooth and AUX connectivity options, fabric-covered seats and upholstery, cruise control, auto climate control, speed sensing door locks and lots of space.

For safety, dual front airbags and ABS with EBD are standard offerings, while it also gets vehicle stability control (VSC), hill start assist (HSA), and reverse parking camera.

Ford Fiesta Hatch

The Ford Fiesta Hatch is offered with two engine options, 1.0-litre Ecoboost and 1.5-litre gasoline mill. While the former is capable of producing 127 PS and 170 Nm. While, the latter generates 113 PS of power and 140 Nm of peak torque, mated to either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed PowerShift transmission system. With next-gen technology, the hatch is claimed to return a fuel economy of 27 kmpl, best of the lot.

It is one of the sporty hatches available in the Philippines market, gets halogen headlamps and chrome-garnished sleek radiator grille up front. Additionally, there is power folding ORVMs, chrome-treated windows, 15- and 16-inch alloy options, integrated rear spoiler, and a shortened rear windshield.

Inside, it gets 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel, which can be adjusted to your comfort, an intelligent multi-information display, and remote keyless entry system. The Ford SYNC audio system comes with six-speakers, in-dash CD FM/AM, MP3, AUX, USB connectivity.

Taking care of occupants safety are features like ABS, traction control, hill hold and hill launch assist (HLA), rear parking sensors, SRS airbags (front passenger and driver), and curtain airbags.

Kia Picanto

Lastly, the Kia Picanto has a 1.2-litre Kappa four-cylinder gasoline engine under the hood with a multi-point fuel injection system that produces 84 PS and 124 Nm of torque, very much in the same league as of the Swift. The engine is mated either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission system. On the economy front, it is slightly better than Swift with 24 kmpl.

The Picanto is another stylish hatch that rivals the new Swift in the Philippines market and aimed at the younger crowd. The front comprises of the signature Tiger nose grille, square, big auto headlamps, and U-shaped LED DRLs. The red accents on the GT Line are pleasing to eyes. Some other exterior bits include a roof-mounted rear spoiler, C-shaped LED tail lights, chrome door handles, an option of 13- and 15-inch alloy wheels, and rounded bumpers.

Inside, it gets fabric-wrapped seats and upholstery, leather steering wheel, twin-pod instrument cluster, LCD multi-info display, manual temperature control, auto light control, 4-speaker audio system with radio, USB, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, it gets plenty of storage compartments including a glove box, double tray just under the centre console, front cup holder, rear storage pits and dual-level luggage board.

Safety wise, the Picanto is equipped with dual airbags, ABS, reverse parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Pricing

• As far as pricing is concerned, the all-new Swift retails at a starting price of Php 755,000, while the higher-end variants the GL CVT and GLX CVT are available at Php 799,000 and Php 899,000 respectively.
• The Honda Jazz is the most expensive here, with a starting price tag of Php 857,000, which goes up to Php 1.08 million for the top-end 1.5 RS CVT variant.
• The Ford Fiesta Hatch is available in three variants, with base variant priced at Php 755,000 and the top-end variant at Php 905,000.
• The Picanto is, however, the least expensive of the lot with a starting price of Php 696,000. Its top of the line GT Line AT variant can be bought at Php 798,000.