Nearly three years since its introduction in Thailand, Suzuki Motor Thailand has just launched the new and improved 2021 Suzuki Swift facelift in the Kingdom. As before, the model is locally-assembled (CKD) in Thailand.

First things first. Suzuki has trimmed the Swift line-up in Thailand, axing the 1.2 GA and 1.2 GLX Navi variants, bringing the total number of variants to just two – GL and GLX.

Starting with the GL variant, this new entry-level model now gains a keyless entry system with push button start, automatic air-conditioning, and power-adjustable side mirrors. These additions have bumped the GL variant’s price up to THB 557,000, a THB 21,000 increase.

As for the GLX variant, it gains restyled 16-inch alloy wheels, new interior trim colour, and a new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. This update also adds a new reverse camera to the GLX variant. That said, the GLX’s price remain unchanged at THB 629,000.

While the entry price to the new Swift is slightly higher than rivals such as the Toyota Yaris 1.2-litre (starting price THB 549,000 to THB 679,000), it comfortably undercuts the Honda City Hatchback 1.0 Turbo (starting price THB 599,000 to THB 749,000). 

Apart from that, both variants of the new Suzuki Swift gain a new front grille design with chrome trim, which was first seen on the Japan-market model.

Power comes from a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine that does 83 PS and 108 Nm, hooked up to a CVT-type automatic transmission. Engine auto start/stop is also standard across the range, allowing the Swift to return a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.3-litre/100 km (23 km/litre).

Suzuki Motor Thailand plans to sell 12,000 units of the new Swift in Thailand this year. 

Closer to home, the Suzuki distributorship is rumoured to be taken up by the Naza Group. Could the Swift be primed for a reintroduction in Malaysia?