Suzuki is bringing something new to MIAS 2025 — but what exactly?
Suzuki teases the silhouette of its upcoming model ahead of its official debut at MIAS 2025.
Photograph courtesy of SUZUKI
Daily TribuneSuzuki teases the silhouette of its upcoming model ahead of its official debut at MIAS 2025.
Photograph courtesy of SUZUKI
Suzuki Philippines is gearing up to introduce a brand-new model at the 2025 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), happening from 10 to 13 April at the World Trade Center in Pasay. But they’re being unusually secretive about what, exactly, they’re unveiling.
The company hasn’t officially named the car yet, though rumors have been flying for weeks. So far, all Suzuki has said is that the new model will be “desirable.” What that means, exactly, is anyone’s guess. But given that many of Suzuki’s recent local offerings — like the S-Presso, Swift, Ertiga and Jimny — come from its Indian arm, Maruti Suzuki, it’s not a stretch to think the next big thing might follow suit.
Here’s a look at the likely contenders.
The current Swift is getting long in the tooth — it’s been around for about seven years, which in car years is basically senior citizen status.
A completely redesigned Swift debuted globally in late 2023, and it’s already making the rounds in India. The new version keeps the playful hatchback vibe but adds a sleeker look, a newer platform, and a 1.2-liter engine that gets a bit of help from an electric motor.
It also brings some tech upgrades like driver-assistance features, which could help it compete against fresher rivals in the segment.
When Suzuki pulled the plug on the Vitara in 2022, it left a pretty noticeable gap in their lineup — especially in the crossover category, which continues to boom in the Philippines.
Enter the Fronx. Built on the same platform as the Swift and Dzire, it’s small but sporty and packs some interesting options under the hood — ranging from a tiny but punchy 1.0-liter turbo engine to a more conventional 1.5-liter mild-hybrid setup.
It’s just shy of 4 meters long, putting it in the same league as the Toyota Raize and Kia Sonet. And here’s a fun twist: Thanks to Suzuki’s global partnership with Toyota, the Fronx also goes by the name “Toyota Starlet Cross” in some markets like South Africa.
The Dzire is basically the Swift’s more formal cousin — the same face, but with a trunk.
The latest version of the Dzire came out in late 2023 with an updated 1.2-liter engine that puts out 81 horsepower and 112 Nm of torque. Nothing groundbreaking, but reliable enough for daily city driving.
What’s impressive is the safety rating: the new Dzire earned a perfect 5-star score in the Global NCAP crash tests earlier this year. Not bad for a budget-friendly sedan.
The Grand Vitara — possibly the most recognizable name on this list. Longtime Suzuki fans will remember the old Vitara fondly, and the name has made a comeback in India in the form of a larger, tech-savvy crossover.
It was co-developed with Toyota and shares DNA with the Urban Cruiser. Depending on the version, the Grand Vitara can come with either a traditional gas engine, a mild hybrid, or even a full hybrid setup that uses a Toyota-sourced 3-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor.
It’s a more upscale offering than the Fronx, and if Suzuki is aiming to make a bigger splash at MIAS, this could be it.
We don’t know yet if it’s the zippy Swift, the practical Dzire, the stylish Fronx, or the returning Grand Vitara. But Suzuki’s definitely cooking something up for MIAS 2025.
We’ll find out soon enough. Until then, feel free to place your bets.