After 11 long years, Pak Suzuki finally discontinued the 2nd generation Swift hatchback in Pakistan. The vehicle was introduced in January 2010 and remained almost entirely unchanged during a production span that lasted for over a decade.
Interestingly 2010 was the same year when 2nd generation Swift was replaced in international markets with the 3rd gen model. Bear in mind the one we had here made its debut at the 2004 Paris Motor Show.
(Left) Suzuki Swift debuted in 2004, (Right) 6 years later Swift launched in Pakistan in 2010
Now that the Swift is no longer on sale, it will be interesting to see whether a newer generation model will be introduced as a replacement. Although Pak Suzuki is yet to officially announce the launch of new Swift, sources working within the company have claimed that the 4th generation model will be introduced but have denied revealing about the timeline.
Related: Swift is Gone, What’s Next?
Couple of years ago, test mules of the 4th gen Swift hybrid were appearing on the internet but then there was a complete silence on the proceedings. And now with the government giving incentives on hybrid vehicles & Indus Motor Company already announced its plans to inject more investment in producing locally assembled hybrid cars in Pakistan, the new Swift hybrid does make some sense.
Swift hybrid that was seen testing on the roads of Karachi
Bear in mind the previous 1.3L Swift hatchback was never a handsome seller and was seated at the bottom of domestic sales chart for years. So there is no charm for Pak Suzuki to launch a replacement in such a slow selling segment as 1.3L hatchback never really sell well. Recent discontinuation of 1.3L FAW V2 hatchback is just another example.
So the 1.2L Swift hybrid makes a strong case for Pak Suzuki to introduce a hatchback of this size with the benefits of fuel efficient hybrid powertrain under its hood. Equipped with a 90hp 1.2L 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 10 kW generator motor unit and a 5-speed AGS (AMT) gearbox, the Swift hybrid can average 32.0 km/liter (JC08 cycle) according to Suzuki.
Related: Next Gen Suzuki Swift, WagonR, Vitara & Alto to Debut in 2022
However there is one more problem, as according to the recent report published by BestCarWeb.jp– Japan’s most trusted automotive website, the 5th generation Swift will be making its debut in July 2022.
This probably means that the 4th gen Swift will arrive after getting done from the rest of the world? Well, we will have to wait to find out. But if that’s the case, auto consumers will again welcome yet another globally retired car in Pakistan. Do share your thoughts on the possible arrival of 4th gen Swift hybrid in Pakistan.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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