The Philippine Star

Suzuki launches all-new Swift, Dzire

- By MANNY N. DE LOS REYES

SMALL car specialist Suzuki took the wraps off the much-anticipate­d all-new Swift hatchback and Dzire subcompact sedan in a grand launch held at Marriott Hotel in Pasay City recently.

Over 500 bankers, dealers, and members of the media saw firsthand not only the latest upgrades on two of Suzuki’s popular vehicles but also the revolution­ary Japanese technology behind these newest innovation­s.

“We are grateful for the strong support we continue to receive from the Filipino market, particular­ly during the first months of the year. As testament of our commitment to delivering only the bestqualit­y products and services, we at Suzuki Philippine­s are more than happy to finally share with everyone the all-new Dzire and all-new Swift equipped with the latest of our innovative technology. I am optimistic that these latest product offerings will drive SPH to new milestones, all while staying true to the goal of sharing with more Filipinos the Suzuki Way of Life,” shared SPH VP and GM for automotive Shuzo Hoshikura.

The all-new Swift hatch showcases a bold transforma­tion while retaining its signature styling features like prominent shoulder lines, blacked-out A-pillars, dynamic side-window treatment and distinctiv­e vertically arranged lamps. These are complement­ed by a black interior with a white pearl accent and a dimple pattern to create a fresh, youthful look.

To emphasize the sporty and confident styling, the well-loved hatchback is now shorter, lower and wider with a muscular stance. The compact dimensions guarantee easy handling without compromisi­ng comfort. The car’s cargo area has been expanded by 54 liters compafred to the previous model — a major feat considerin­g the smaller dimensions of the new car.

For improved fuel efficiency, the new Swift adopts a continuous­ly variable transmissi­on (CVT) which keeps the engine always in its torque band, and which also makes driving smoother thanks to seamless gear changes.

Both the Dzire and Swift, which have identical wheelbases, boast Suzuki’s new-generation platform, HEARTECT. The continuous frame resulting from the comprehens­ive overhaul of the vehicles’ underbody structure and component layout increases underbody stiffness. The highly rigid yet light body should help improve the vehicle’s dynamic performanc­e, particular­ly in terms of handling and riding comfort.

The new smooth curving form also effectivel­y disperses impact energy throughout the car body in case of a collision.

Both vehicles’ structure is specially designed to feature Total Effective Control Technology to absorb impact and mitigate injury in case of a pedestrian accident. They are equipped with dual airbags.

Meanwhile, the all-new Dzire is a subcompact sedan that packs advanced technology and features. It boasts Suzuki’s Auto Gear Shift (AGS) technology, which combines the fuel efficiency of a manual transmissi­on and convenienc­e of an automatic transmissi­on.

AGS technology is an automated manual transmissi­on featuring an Intelligen­t Shift Control Actuator that automatica­lly operates the clutch and shifting operation. It allows for smooth automated gear changes or shifting from manual transmissi­on without having to step on the clutch pedal and operate a shift lever.

The new Dzire is lower and wider than the previous model. The compact body makes the sedan light and easy to take on any city adventure yet sports a sleek and confident style. The larger trunk capacity ensures there is enough space for luggage for a business trip or quick getaway.

“We introduced a new-generation platform and engineered a completely new chassis, body structure and powertrain with a new body structure. We set out to create a car that would let people experience a new level of excitement like never before! The instant they see it, the instant they get inside and the instant they step on the accelerato­r,” said Masao Kobori, chief engineer of the allnew Suzuki Dzire and Swift.

The Swift hatchback has three variants: the GL MT priced at P755,000, GL CVT at P799,000 and the GLX CVT at P899,000. The Swift comes in Speedy Blue Metallic, Fervent Red, Pure White Pearl, Premium Silver Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic and Super Black Pearl.

The all-new Dzire comes in two variants: the GL MT and GL+AGS. The GL MT is available in Premium Arctic White, Metallic Silky Silver and Premium Midnight Black colors and lists at P638,000. The GL+AGS variant comes in Premium Oxford Blue, Premium Sherwood Brown, Premium Arctic White, Premium Midnight Black and Metallic Magma Gray colors and has an SRP of P698,000.

Expect test drives of these two new Suzukis soon.

 ??  ?? (From left) SPH managing director and treasurer Norminio Mojica, SPH president Hiroshi Suzuki, SMC chief engineer Masao Kobori, SMC group manager of Asia Automobile Group 2 Keiichi Suzuki and SPH VP and GM for automobile Shuzo Hoshikura lead the...
(From left) SPH managing director and treasurer Norminio Mojica, SPH president Hiroshi Suzuki, SMC chief engineer Masao Kobori, SMC group manager of Asia Automobile Group 2 Keiichi Suzuki and SPH VP and GM for automobile Shuzo Hoshikura lead the...
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Philippines