Suzuki Philippines launching ‘desirable’ new model at MIAS 2025
Suzuki Philippines Inc. is set to unveil an all-new car at the 2025 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) this April 10 to 13 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Although rumors have been swirling over what the Japanese carmaker will show, the company has yet to make an official announcement as of press time. But given that many of its current models like the S-Presso, Swift, Ertiga and Jimny come from Indian subsidiary Maruti Suzuki, we list down some of the possible suspects that are already available in other markets.
Suzuki Fronx
Since the untimely discontinuation of the Vitara in 2022, Suzuki has not had a contender in the country’s highly lucrative crossover segment.
However, the Fronx might just fit the bill – it rides on the same HEARTECT B platform as the Swift and Swift Dzire sold locally. It is also available with a variety of engines, ranging from a turbocharged 1.0-liter inline-3 to a 1.5-liter mild-hybrid inline-4.
At just under 4 meters long, the Fronx would likely go up against the highly popular Toyota Raize and Kia Sonet. But given the partnership between Suzuki and Toyota, this little crossover is also known as the Toyota Starlet Cross in South Africa.
Suzuki Swift
The Swift subcompact hatchback sold in the Philippines as of press time is already seven years old, which means it is certainly due for a successor.
In fact, the latest-generation Swift (chassis code AOL) debuted globally in December 2023, with India getting the model in May last year. It rides on a newer version of Suzuki HEARTECT platform and is available with an electrified 1.2-liter inline-3 engine.
Besides revamped exterior and interior styling, the all-new Swift can be equipped with advanced driver assistance systems in other markets.
Suzuki Dzire
The Dzire is essentially a Swift with a more prominent posterior.
In line with the AOL Swift, the new Dzire was launched worldwide in November last year. It is powered by a 1.2-liter, twin-cam, 12-valve inline-3 gasoline engine pumping out 81 horsepower and 112 Newton-meters, coursed through either a 5-speed manual or Suzuki Automated Manual Transmission.
As before, the Dzire would likely go against subcompact stalwarts like the aging Toyota Vios and the ancient Mitsubishi Mirage G4. It also scored five out of five stars in a 2024 Global New Car Assessment Programme crash test.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Vitara and Grand Vitara were among the most popular models that Suzuki Philippines ever sold.
And the name is still in use today for a subcompact crossover that was launched in India in 2022. Co-developed with Toyota, the Grand Vitara (and its sister, the Toyota Urban Cruiser) rides on Suzuki’s Global C platform and is considerably larger than the Fronx.
The Grand Vitara is available with non-hybrid and mild-hybrid versions of Suzuki’s venerable K15 inline-4 gasoline engine. There’s also a full-hybrid model that uses a Toyota inline-3 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor, producing a combined 114 horsepower.
Which of these vehicles do you think will make its debut at MIAS 2025?
