Globally the automobile sector is shifting towards the crossovers, but there is still room for sedans and hatchbacks. When we talk about small and entry-level vehicles, we can’t forget about the Suzuki brand and same is true for our local Pakistani market. Suzuki has been ruling the segment for decades in Pakistan. Although their product line is not very vast, attractive, or well-sorted out when compared with overseas markets, it is still statically number 1 in the country as far as the sales are concerned. And Suzuki Swift , a B-segment hatchback is one of the most famous and important models from the brand sold across the globe.
The first global generation of this car came back in 2004. It is sold in over 140 countries and as per official numbers, the model crossed over 5 million worldwide sales in year 2016. We don’t have the exact number today, but we can assume it might be near the 7 Million mark, with over 50% sales coming just from India. Remember that Swift’s name was in use by Suzuki much earlier than 2004 in Japan, while it was rebadged in other markets as a different model under the joint ventures.
New Swift is Coming to Pakistan but Not Swiftly :
Swift was also introduced by Pak Suzuki in 2010. It was the first generation in Pakistan and launched at a time when 2nd generation went into production globally. The 2nd generation remain in production until 2016 which was later replaced by third generation with chassis code “A2L”. On the other hand, Pakistan kept producing the same old first-generation, which Pak Suzuki discontinued 11 years later in September 2021.
As we already know that soon we will welcome the third generation in Pakistan but there is a catch. We are receiving a model which went into production outside Pakistan in 2016, meaning the generation has almost completed its life cycle. In other words, the new 4th generation Suzuki Swift is almost ready to arrive in 2022 outside Pakistan . So, Pak Suzuki will keep producing older generations.
Let’s go over what we know about the third-generation Swift for the local market. This is an opinion post and the information presented here is not official. Additionally , the pictures shared of interior are from overseas model for understating the equipment and features. The red and silver vehicle in this article is CBU, photographed at Pak Suzuki factory and imported last year to develop domestic models.
Footprint
Normally the newer generation dimensions are compared with the immediate predecessor but as in Pakistan, the first generation will be replaced with the third so, we will do a quick comparison. The third-generation Swift/ A2L is 3845mm long,1735mm wide and have a wheelbase of 2450mm while the height touches 1494mm. In comparison, the first-generation Swift was 3755mm long, 1690mm wide, and had a wheelbase of 2390mm while a height of 1525mm.
So, the third generation Swift will be longer and wider and with the increased wheelbase, we can experience an increased interior volume and cargo capacity. The A2L Swift has 37 liters of fuel tank and a curb weight between 875 to 905 kg depending on the variant. The model gets 268 liters of cargo capacity in the hatch; for reference, the first-generation Pakistani Swift had 213 liters.
Possible Variants for Pakistan
I think we will see three variants for the Pakistani market and possibly will be named as GL(Manual), GL (Auto) and fully loaded top of the line GLX ( Auto). We will talk about it later in this post. Notably, this generation of Swift is already available in the local market as an imported car, so it might not look like a new arrival.
Exterior
Its 1st and 2nd generation Swift exterior looked like more of an evolutionary design. The same applies to the third-generation, although there are some improvements and updates. Firstly, there is a new front face with a wider new grille flanked by newly styled headlamps, and you might notice a little bit of Jaguar F-Type at first glance. The bonnet line is now very straight, giving the car a wide, sporty, protruding front.
There was a facelift to this generation back in early 2021, although it didn’t change much on the exterior besides horizontal chrome. The front grille had horizontal slates in some markets, unlike the cross honeycombed grill on the facelift. Maybe Pakistani model will offer both slated and honeycombed grills depending upon the variant. The base model of Swift carry a regular halogen headlamps while higher trims get halogen projector headlights. Fog lamps are also available on upper trims within the C-arched-shaped bumper, which appears to be an air intake but its more for styling. We can expect projector headlights for GLX.
On the side elevation, the 3rd generation swift has bulkier wheel arches with identical slopping profile as previous generations. The one major change on the third generation is rear passenger door handles, which are now tucked upwards, replacing conventional location. Now they are on the edge of the door at the C-pillar/ roofline contact. The non-visible door handles gives an impression of a 2-door vehicle with sportiness.
This new design also eliminated the quarter window on the side. Meanwhile, the blackout accent for door handles, converging into the black-colored trim, connects to the rear hatch glass. On the rear end, there are again some evolutionary changes as it has received a new shaped spoiler, newly designed LED taillights, and a new hatch door design. you will also notice a new bumper with new license plates location. Like previous generations, taillights wrap around the rear fender. Also, LED taillights/ combination lamps comes standard on certain international model while in some countries halogen taillights are also available in lower trims and there is a possibility we might see same on Pakistani versions.
In certain international markets, the rear screen wiper is not available on the base model while it is standard in certain regions. This should be something to look for on the Pakistani version and might skip it on the basic model. As of wheels, Swift is available with multiple versions internationally like 165/80/R14 steel , 175/65/ R15 alloy ,185/65 R15 alloy , 185/55 R16 alloy and 195/45 R17 alloys. We can expect R14 steel wheels on the base GL model while R16 alloys on GLX. The mid-level might also get alloy wheels and in 15″.
Interior
The interior of the third-generation Swift is simple and looks attractive even being almost 6 year old. Swift is an entry level mini economy hatchback so one cannot expect a lot from it but it is well designed but obviously with plastic everywhere but feels solid at least on the international model. There are twin circular analogue gauges each for speed and the tachometer with LCD MID/ Multi-information display in the middle. You will find two circular air vents right in the middle & top of the dashboard with infotainment system underneath.
Swift also gets digital single-zone automatic climate control on top trim levels while base models get a manual one. We can expect digital climate control on the top variant in Pakistan. Furthermore, hopefully, we will see a 7″ LCD touchscreen head-unit. A regular conventional radio unit is offered in the base models, and we can expect a similar setup for PKDM Swift. Swift also gets flat-bottom steering wheel with controls. A leather-wrapped option is also available on fully loaded versions. Unfortunately, there is no option for a central armrest on the Swift so, we will not have it either.
The top variant also offers a push-button start, while the automatic is available with a cruise control. Tilt steering, power windows and central locking also come standard. Meanwhile, remote keyless entry, power-adjustable and folding side-view mirrors, rear defogger, driver seat adjustment will be something to look for in the Pakistani version. Fabric seats comes standard in the Swift, as well as rear folding 60:40 split seats.
Engine and Mechanicals
Globally the third generation/ A2L Swift is offered in multiple petrol engine options like 3 Cylinder 996cc and 4 cylinder 1373cc Turbocharged, along with Naturally Aspirated 4 cylinder 1197cc and 1242cc. These engines are available in regular as well as Mild Hybrid / SHVS setup. There had been a lot of discussion about the possible engine for the Pakistan model as many are predicting a 1242cc one . I personally think that the next Swift will have a 1197cc engine locally. My belief is based on some documentary facts, which show that Pak Suzuki imported CKD kits with 1197cc/1.2L displacement.
The K12 inline 4-Cylinder, 16 Valve engine has been improved over the years and in use by Suzuki in various models since 2009. This standard engine is available with a single fuel injector per cylinder or with an improved twin injectors which Suzuki call Dualjet. This improves thermal efficiency and better fuel efficiency . Both standard and Dualjet engines have a power output of 82hp@6000 but the Dualjet have 113NM of torque @4400 while the standard engine makes a peak torque of 108NM @4200. It’s not clear if we will get a regular or the engine with Dualjets.
Last year there were rumors that Pak Suzuki may offer the upcoming Swift in Hybrid. This mild hybrid technology uses an ISG/ Integrated Starter Generator instead of the conventional alternator. The ISG performs multiple functions like Brake Energy Regeneration while working as a generator , which converts the kinetic energy during braking/ deceleration into electricity which is then stored in a spate compact 12V lithium battery under the front passenger seat.
OK, now let’s move to the transmission. The 1.2L engine is available with 5-speed manual, AGS, and conventional CVT. I can report that we will be getting a 5 speed manual as well as the CVT. I am sure many Suzuki Swift enthusiasts will be very happy about it.
As of other mechanical, Swift will be offered with rack & pinion Electric power steering. The car comes with a front disc, and in some markets, rear brakes are also disc while some lower variants are offered with drum brakes on the rear. I think we will get 4 wheel disc in top variant GLX and maybe drums on the rear in the lower version. Also, the car comes with Mac-Pherson Strut on front & Torsion Beam on the rear suspension. In some intentional market Suzuki proprietary ALLGRIP /AWD is also offered and NO, we are not getting it.
Safety
The Swift underpins the HEARTECT platform , which uses ultra and advanced high tensile steel. Meanwhile, the new platform design gives an improved crash resistance and uniformly disperses the impact energy. The platform also enhances stiffness and rigidity, reduces noise, vibrations, and harshness, and provides better road handling and comfort. When it comes to safety, Suzuki comes with a long list of active and safety systems but in the global market.
These global features include front, side curtain airbags , Brake Assist, vehicle stability control, ABS, Traction control, Hill control assist, autonomous braking, lane departure warning , high beam assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert as well as cruise control and option of adaptive cruise control. As for Pakistan domestic model, we can expect 2 airbags, ABS with Brake Assist and Hill control assist on models with CVT. Also, we might see a regular cruise control.
Backup camera will come in GLX, and we might also see rear parking sensors. Meanwhile, speed-sensitive auto door locks and immobilizers will be there. I hope Pak-Suzuki doesn’t skip the vehicle stability control and make it standard across all trim levels. I also hope Pak Suzuki shatters the myth of less-equipped vehicles, introduces these features in the local market, and set a new benchmark.
Final Thoughts
From the last several days, a single image of a Suzuki Swift on top of a truck trailer was shared on social media and with news that the new Swift is enroute to the dealerships. It has grill of pre-facelift [ without chrome strip ] and additionally, it has a flat sensor plate on front grill for adaptive cruise control. So, most probably that Suzuki Swift is a used JDM import. If you want to buy one today, there are few available on Pakwheels used car section. Pak Suzuki has not yet officially launched the model, so its delivery to the dealerships is a little early at this point. Anyways, the good news is that we will have a local assembled Swift in Pakistan. The exact timeline and date is not known but it is expected soon within next few weeks.
Price?
The next question is obviously price. Well , Swift sits one step above Cultus in Suzuki’s portfolio, and the fully loaded top variant of Cultus AGS has now a sticker price of Rs. 2.42 millions. We can easily guess and assume that new Swift pricing will start higher and possibly Rs. 2.6 million for the base model, Rs. 2.7 Million for the mid-trim with CVT, while the top GLX with CVT might easily reach or even cross Rs. 2.8 Million. I know this is shocking and might look confusing and at this pricing, there are B-segment sedans available in the market . Obviously many people will prefer a sedan instead, and it’s a no-brainer. But there might be some fellas who would go for a hatchback and most probably enthusiasts.
Keep in mind that the previous generation of Suzuki Swift was offered from 2010 till 2020/21 had an average sales of 4,400 units per year [ total sales 48,369 in approx. 11 years ] . The previous generation didn’t post an impressive number, but maybe the newer generation will attract some consumers. So, we might see a slight improvement in sales statistics, although it might be tough sales because of the saturated price bracket with sedans.
I highly recommend that Pak Suzuki must concentrate on quality control and built quality with better fit and finish as this is always a question mark on the company. Additionally, they should make the domestic model well equipped with better features and safety and as close to international model as possible like for example adding digital climate control, cruise cruise and preferably adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and other such features offered internationally. This way they can make the model more attractive and appealing for consumer.
Pak Suzuki should release the new Suzuki Swift as soon as possible and make utmost effort to deliver the car to the customer at the earliest . At least local customer should feel proud and be able to say that he/she drives a model which is in line with the global model. Unfortunately & most probably by the end of 2022, we will not be able to say that a PK domestic model is as new as an overseas model. Let’s hope for the best and Stay Tuned to Pakwheels for updates on this topic. Meanwhile Join Pakwheels Exclusive Discussion Thread on Suzuki Swift
