Suzuki's return to Malaysia: what other models could be launched here?

It has been a very Suzuki-focused week recently. News of the Japanese marque returning to Malaysia was confirmed in early-April, followed by the launch of the 2021 Suzuki Swift Sport here.

But the Swift Sport and the soon-to-be-launched Jimny are not mainstream models. Far from it, really, as the two are there to build the Suzuki brand image in Malaysia, less so about capturing massive sales.

For Naza Eastern Motors to have a chance of succeeding in Malaysia, they need to sell models that have a mass market appeal. 

Let's take a closer look.

Suzuki XL7 – Rugged SUV-esque MPV that could sell well

Origin: Indonesia

The Suzuki XL7 is essentially a SUV-fied version of the regular Suzuki Ertiga. Think how the BR-V is the SUV version of the Honda Mobilio 

As such, it receives a slew of SUV elements, such as a rugged front bumper, fender extensions, and roof rails. Ride height of the Suzuki XL7 is also 20-mm more than the Ertiga, owing to its new shock absorbers and springs.

In markets such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Philippines, the Suzuki XL7 competes directly against the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross – much like how the regular Ertiga competes against the Xpander. The Xpander Cross is currently not sold in Malaysia.

Seeing that Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has secured more than 9,300 bookings of the Xpander since its introduction, it would be a logical choice for Naza Eastern Motors to introduce the Suzuki XL7 in Malaysia.

Prices start from IDR 224,050,000 (~RM 63k) for the XL7, topping out at IDR 259,200,000 (~RM 73k). These prices put the XL7 below rival Xpander Cross, which is priced between IDR 276,500,000 (~RM 78k) to IDR 299,500,000 (~RM 84k).

Suzuki Ertiga – Now with the proper emblem

Origin: Indonesia

The Ertiga name should be familiar amongst Malaysians, for better or for worse. After all, the Ertiga was the first and only product to come out of the short-lived Proton and Suzuki partnership.

Compared to the model it replaces, the new-generation Suzuki Ertiga is developed on the new Heartect platform. At the same time, the 1.4-litre engine has been replaced by a new 1.5-litre unit. The second-generation also adds stability control to the mix, though airbag count is still a measly two.

In Indonesia, the Suzuki Ertiga is priced between IDR 199,400,000 (~RM 56k) to IDR 241,350,000 (~RM 68k).

If the regular Ertiga looks too plebian, one can also opt for the Suzuki Ertiga Sport. This kitted-up version is priced between IDR 242,850,000 (~RM 68k) to IDR 252,650,000 (~RM 71k).

Suzuki Ignis - Cutesy SUV-esque hatchback?

Origin: India

The cutesy-looking, second-generation Suzuki Ignis made its regional debut in Indonesia back in 2017. The facelifted model came two years later in 2019. The Ignis that's sold in Indonesia is imported from India. 

Power is derived from a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre K12M four-cylinder petrol engine capable of delivering 83 PS and 113 Nm, sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT (Suzuki calls it AGS - Auto Gear Shift).

Safety equipment consists of two airbags up front and ABS. There's no curtain or side airbags or stability control on the made-in-India Ignis. 

In Indonesia, the Suzuki Ignis is priced from IDR 175,500,000 (~RM 50k) to IDR 204,500,000 (~RM 58k).

Suzuki Baleno – For when the Swift isn't upmarket enough

Origin: India

The Suzuki Baleno might not be a familiar name with Malaysians, but the model is rather popular overseas, especially in India. It is positioned above the Suzuki Swift in Suzuki's hierachy.

Depending on market, the Suzuki Baleno has been rebadged into the Toyota Glaza or Toyota Starlet.

It was launched in Indonesia back in 2017 and subsequently receiving a facelift in December 2019. Safety equipment of the Indonesia-spec Baleno mirrors the Ignis: two airbags and ABS.

Power is derived from a naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre (K14B) petrol engine that does 92 PS and 130 Nm, hooked up to a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual.

Prices start from IDR 235,000,000 (~RM 67k) to IDR 245,700,000 (~RM 70k). 

Suzuki S-Cross – Return of a long-lost Suzuki?

Origin: India

This is a rather curious one. The Suzuki S-Cross was one of the last few models to be launched by the previous Suzuki distributor in Malaysia back in 2014. 

Three years later in 2017, Suzuki introduced the facelifted S-Cross globally, though Malaysia had to sit out. The model was launched in Indonesia in late-2017, as a fully-imported (CBU) model from India. 

In order to quality for a lower tax bracket, the Indo-spec S-Cross is equipped with, wait for it, a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre (M15A) petrol engine from the ZC21S-generation Swift. Transmission choices in Indonesia include a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic.

It is priced between IDR 302,000,000 (~RM 86k) to IDR 317,000,000 (~RM 90k) in Indonesia.

Suzuki Swift – Return of the fun-to-drive hatchback?

Origin: Thailand

No list is complete without the mention of the Suzuki Swift. After all, the last two generations of the Suzuki Swift have proved to be a hit amongst Malaysians.

Unlike the Ertiga and XL7 that are manufactured in Indonesia, the Suzuki Swift is made in Thailand and exported regionally – Philippines and Vietnam are just two example that have launched the Swift.

Like the aforementioned Suzuki Ertiga, the Swift is built on the featherlight Heartect platform, allowing the B-segment hatchback to weigh between 875 kg to 910 kg.

Power is derived from a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine that outputs 83 PS and 108 Nm, mated to a CVT-type automatic transmission. These figures may seem abysmal, but coupled with the lightweight platform, the Swift is actually quite, swift.

The Suzuki Swift is priced between THB 557,000 (~RM 73k) to THB 629,000 (~RM 82k) in Thailand.

Suzuki Ciaz – Could this rival the City and Vios? 

Origin: Thailand

The Suzuki Ciaz is the company's answer to Thailand's Eco Car program, competing against rivals such as the Toyota Yaris Ativ, Honda City, Nissan Almera, Mazda 2 Sedan, and Mitsubishi Attrage. 

Being an Eco Car, it gets a small naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre (K12B) petrol engine that does 91 PS and 118 Nm, connected to a five-speed manual or a CVT-type automatic. Suzuki claims that the Ciaz can return up to 5-litre/100 km (20 km/l) under the NEDC R101 test cycle.

As handsome as the Ciaz may be, sales are average at best, as Suzuki Thailand only managed to sell 3,047 units of the sedan in 2020, far behind rivals such as the Honda City (35,807 units), Toyota Yaris Ativ (20,337 units), and Nissan Almera (19,008 units).

Out of these, which is the model you're looking forward to?