It’s not always that there’s fresh metal on Suzuki’s Bangkok Motor Show stand, but we have one this year. The new Suzuki Swift was launched in Thailand last month, and it was the model gaining the most attention from customers at Impact.
Like the previous-generation Swift that Malaysians are familiar with, the 2018 Swift is an eco car in the Kingdom, which means that it’s powered by a 1.2 litre engine and is affordably priced. The K12M “Dualjet” engine makes 83 PS and 103 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. The MPI unit with auto start-stop is E20 compatible and is mated to a CVT automatic gearbox – there’s no base manual option.
That’s less power than before, but the new Swift is a Phase 2 eco car that meets the more stringent 23 km/l fuel economy and 100 g/km CO2 emissions requirement. The previous model was a Phase 1 eco car that had to meet 20 km/l and 120 g/km levels. The Suzy is a featherweight B-segment hatchback, weighing in at 875 to 910 kg.
In Thailand, the Swift will take on fellow eco car hatchbacks like the Mazda 2, Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan March and market leading Toyota Yaris. Four trim levels are available – GA, GL, GLX, GLX-Navi – priced from 499,000 baht (RM61,736) to 629,000 baht (RM77,820).
The base Swift GA is rather sparse – two speakers, no vanity mirrors, no rear hand grips, no rear power windows, no central locking/remote, reflector halogen headlamps, steel wheels – although there are two airbags ABS and ESP.
The 609,000 baht (RM75,346) GLX is closer to our par, with things such as leather wrapped telescopic steering, steering audio buttons, cruise control, keyless entry and push start, auto air con, six speakers, meter LCD panel, fog lamps, LED DRLs and projector LED headlamps as standard, among other goodies.
The GLX you see here wears 16-inch alloys (an inch larger) and a sportier exterior with a red accent line on the new big grille. Going all the way to the GLX-Navi will net one a seven-inch touchscreen head unit with navigation, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink.
Unfortunately, there’s no chance of the new Swift (and the freshly turbocharged and very interesting Swift Sport) coming to Malaysia, with Suzuki having left our market in 2016 following the then cooperation with Proton.
What do you think of the new Swift? Also check out the showcar with the Suzuki MotoGP team livery below.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Why does Malaysia never get the interesting stuff
Omaigod! The ugliness is too hard to comprehend..
Aiya base spec ofcourse always ugly. The 2018 Swift Sport looks much better. But just like Paultan said, no chance of it coming here. Hence = we never get the interesting stuff
Proton done the ertiga. rebadged Proton Swift 1.4L Boosterjet 138HP anyone? Likes!
Approaching Fiat Multipla ugliness.
Pergggh merah merecikk. Apelagi Drb Suzuki…
Becoz these type of cars r dangerous. See comments from such a user:
“I’ve driven the HB-derivative of this (the Yaris Ativ 1.2 L + CVT) back in Bangkok 3 weeks ago as a rental car. It was extremely underpowered & literally had to floor it all the time to match the average speed of other motorists on the motorway.”
This is worse and even more dangerous. It makes overtaking lethargic and those who do try will risk lives cuz taking too long.
I am sure there are many capable businessmen in msia that can bring it and sell it here successfully.Give it to them!
sell here for RINGGIT MALAYSIA 30k la dei,,,i will take 2 units pls.. tq v v much!!
Myvi lawa lagi
Starting priced from 499,000 baht (RM49,900). Oh waitt…
so??
the nicest swift will be the 2004 model..after that generation, it become ugly and this new generation become uglier..seems that their designer is outta idea..
If the Suzy were to sell in M’sia, the price will kill it B4 it has arrived “IF” it start from RM61,736 to RM77,820. I’m not questioning its ability or its quality here. Its the price.
It looks alot more flimsy than the previous chunky looking Swift. Reviewers arent outright saying it for fear of upsetting Suzuki, but I’m guessing the old one is alot more fun to drive.