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( The RED & SILVER car shared in pictures is for CBU test units at Suzuki factory yard. Rest of pictures for interior steel from overseas Swift and shared for understanding features and equipment )
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 canβt forget about the Suzuki brand and same is true for our local Pakistani market.
Suzuki has been ruling the segment for decades in Pakistan and although their product line is not very vast , attractive or well sort out like maybe older when compared with overseas markets, it is still statically number 1 in the country as far as the sales.
Suzuki Swift , a B-segment hatchback is one of the most famous and important model from the brand sold across the globe and the first global model arrived as first generation 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 donβt have exact number as of today but we can assume it might be very near 7 Million mark with over 50% sales coming just from India.
Keep in mind that Swift name was in use by Suzuki much earlier than 2004 and Japan specific only ,while it was rebadged in other markets as different model under joint venture. The real globally first generation started with model introduced in 2004.
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Swift was also introduced by PK-Suzuki in 2010. It was the first generation in Pakistan and it was launched at a time when globally the 2nd generation went into production in 2010. The 2nd generation remain in production until 2016 which was later replaced by third generation with chassis code βA2Lβ . Pakistan on the other hand kept on producing the same older first generation which was discontinued by Pak-Suzuki, 11 years later in September 2021. Local consumers in Pakistan didnβt experience the 2nd generation BUT now things going to change.
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 ,which means the generation has almost completed its life cycle. In other words and as per reports, the new 4th generation Suzuki Swift is almost ready to come and possibly in 2022 outside Pakistan . So, Pak- Suzuki will keep intact its DNA of producing older generations and we will witness it with the upcoming Swift.
Well, letβs go over what we know so far as far as this upcoming model THIRD generation Swift for local market. This is an opinion post and the information presented here is not official.
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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 we had is 3755mm long, 1690mm wide and has a wheelbase of 2390mm while it has 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 37 liters of fuel tank and it has a curb weight between 875 to 905 kgβs depending on variant. The model gets 268 liters of cargo capacity in the hatch , for reference the Pakistani first generation Swift had a 213 liters of space behind the rear seats.
The A2L is based on Suzukiβs newer generation modular platform/chassis known as HEARTECT which it shares with other Suzuki models like Ignis as well as Baleno . The platform is lighter and more rigid than before and obviously results in improved performance as well as overall safety design.
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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. This post includes pictures of the CBU model imported by Suzuki Pakistan last year were seen at the Suzuki factory yard. I will also include pictures from overseas market for interior and exterior so, we can understand the model and features in general.
It should be noted that this generation of Swift is also already available in local market under used car import so, it might not look an absolutely new arrival.
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Over its 1st and 2nd generation , Swift exterior looked like more of an evolutionary design. The same is applicable to third generation although there are some improvements and updates with the design language. New front face with wider new grill flanged 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 and backwards which gives the car a wide, sporty and protruding front.
There was facelift to this generation back in early 2021 while it didnβt change much on the exterior beside an addition of horizontal chrome . In some markets and basically at time of launch, the front grill had horizontal slates unlike the cross honeycombed grill on the facelift seen. Maybe a Pakistani domestic model/ PKDM offer both slated and honey combed grills depending upon the variant. The base model of Swift carry a regular halogen headlamps while higher trims gets 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 and nonfunctional. We can expect projector headlights for GLX on Pakistani versions of Swift.
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 and no more on the door at conventional location, rather now 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 while 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 as well as a new hatch door design. you will also notice a new bumper with new license plates location. Like previous generations, taillights wraps around the rear fender. 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 possibility we might see same on Pakistani versions.
In certain international market, rear screen wiper is not available on base model while in certain regions, it standard across the model. 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 15β.
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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.
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 regular manual dial type climate control system. We can expect the digital climate control on the top variant in Pakistan hopefully a 7β LCD headunit which will be a localized unit [ designed by local supplier] unlike you see in the pictures here. A regular LCD conventional unit is in international market. We can expect similar setup for PKDM Swift. Swift also gets flat bottom steering wheel with cell phone integration/ steering wheel controls. A leather wrapped option is also available on fully loaded versions.
The top variant is also offered with push button start while the automatic is also available with a cruise control. Tilt steering, power windows and central locking also comes standard and we can expect same. Remote keyless entry , power adjustable and folding side view mirrors, rear defogger , driver seat adjustment will be something to look for in Pakistani version.
Fabric seats comes standard in the Swift as well as rear folding 60:40 split seats and this will be similar for Pakistan. Overall the interior space is more than before because of increased wheelbase and improvements in the other dimensions.
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Globally the third generation/ A2L Swift is offered in multiple petrol engine options like 3 Cylinder 996CC & 4 cylinder 1373CC as Turbocharged [ Suzuki call Boosterjet ]while 4 cylinder 1197CC & 1242CC as Naturally Aspirated . 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 upcoming Pakistan domestic model. Many people are predicting a 1242CC engine .
I personally think and believe that the next Swift locally will have a 1197CC engine and my believe is on basis of some documentary facts which shows 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 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 engine have power output of 82HP@6000 but the Dualjet have 113NM of torque @4400 while standard engine makes peak torque of 108NM @4200. Itβs not clear if we will get a regular or the engine with Dualjets.
Last year that had been rumors that Pak-Suzuki might offer the upcoming Swift in Hybrid. Swift is available in conventional proper Hybrid technology and exclusively in Japan although Swift is offered with Mild Hybrid globally which is more of an assistive system. Suzuki offer this technology in its all version of petrol engines for Swift.
The K12 is also available with SHVS/ Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki. This mild hybrids technology which 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 battery under the front passenger seat. The stored energy is then used for idle start stop function where the belt driven ISG restarts the engine .
The ISG works as a motor as well and also helps in providing additional torque to the engine when the engine speeds up . This results in reduced engine load and improved acceleration. The energy stored by ISG is also used by car accessory electrical systems like radio. As of now I canβt confirm if we will be getting the SVHS version of Suzuki Swift.
OK, now letβs move to the transmission. The 1.2L engine is available with 5 speed manual, AGS [ we know what it is ] as well as conventional CVT. I can report that we will MOST PROBALY 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. Swift comes with 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 on top variant GLX and maybe drums on the rear on the lower version. Swift comes with Mac-Pherson Strut on front & Torsion Beam. In some intentional market Suzuki proprietary ALLGRIP /AWD is also offered and NO, we are not getting it.
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The Swift underpins the HEARTECT platform , which sues 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 a long list of active and safety systems BUT in outside world. 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 of Pakistan domestic model, we can expect 2 air bags, ABS with Brake assist and Hill control assist on models with CVT. Possibly we will see a regular cruise control.
Backup camera will come of GLX and we might see rear parking sensors on it as well. Speed sensitive auto door locks and immobilizer will be there. I hope Pak-Suzuki donβt skip the vehicle stability control and make it standard across all trim levels but I have a fear.
I donβt think we will see active safety features on PK domestic model Swift. I donβt think we will see active safety features on PK domestic model Swift. I hope Pak-Suzuki shatter the myth of less equipped vehicles and introduce these features in local market and create a new benchmark.
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From last several days, a single image of a SWIFT on top of a truck trailer was shared on social media and with a news that the new SWIFT is en-route 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 SWIFT as seen is a used JDM import. If you want to buy one as of today, there are few available on Pakwheels used car section > here < . Pak Suzuki has not yet officially launched the model so, its delivery to dealership is little early at this point. Anyways, the good news is and I am sure you already heard 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.
The next question is obviously price. Well , Swift sits one step above Cultus in Suzukiβs portfolio and the fully loaded top variant of Cultus AGS has now a sticker price of 2,422,000/- . We can easily guess and assume that the Swift pricing will start higher and possibly 2.6 Million for base model , 2.7 Million for the mid trim with CVT while the top GLX with CVT might reach or even cross 2.8 Million easily . 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 itβs no brainer. But there might be some fellas who would go for a hatchback and most probably enthusiasts.
Keep in mind that previous generation of Swift which was offered from 2010 till 2020/21 had an average sales of 4400 units per year [ total sales 48369 in approx. 11 years ] . The previous generation didnβt post an exceptional numbers & for being too dull and dead but maybe the newer generation attract some consumer and we might see little improvement as far as sales statistics although it might be tough sales because of 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 Pak-Suzuki. 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 vehicle as soon as possible and make utmost effort to deliver the vehicle to 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 end of 2022, we will not be able to say that a PK domestic model is as new as an overseas model. Letβs hope for the best and Stay Tuned to Pakwheels for updates on this topic.
Letβs hope for the best and Stay Tuned to Pakwheels for updates on this topic.
[f-w@pakwheels.com]
