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REVIEW | Pretty sexy in Suzuki’s Swift
Zest Magazine takes a closer look at Suzuki Swift 1.2 A/T.
Pretty sexy may not (always) be associated with hatchbacks (HBs); but if HBs can be pretty sexy at all, Suzuki’s Swift may well be one epitome of this.
Consider the red (they “officially” refer to this shade as “Blazing Red Metallic”) unit that arrived at my doorstep in Las Piñas.
On the outside, the color is a must-mention; it isn’t at all tacky, instead, it’s of a shade that may easily remind one of… that eye-catching outfit worn by THAT “girl in the red dress” in “The Matrix”. It is also not as boxy as, say, the Wigo – a plus in my books because it gave this car a smooth(er) silhouette (instead of the seeming abrupt cuts of the former), mimicking sportier cars. It has a low hood that emphasizes the headlights that, as a pamangkin (nephew) noted, “looked like Pokemon eyes”. There’s the (more) expansive windshield – perhaps not as expansive as the Jimny’s, but definitely more than Celerio’s. And then there’re the 15-inch alloy wheels that give the car a somewhat “elevated” look (not as elevated as Jimny’s, but higher than Celerio’s).
The inside of Swift has touches that are also worth mentioning – e.g. comfy black seats that gave that sense of class (think of red trimmings on black, even on the door handles), GPS-ready touchscreen audio unit (though here, Ciaz’s Android-running capability was definitely better), brilliantly-lit gauges, high headroom (for those in front and the back), dual SRS airbags, side impact beams, and ABS.
This isn’t to say that the Swift is, well, ALL THAT; it also has (numerous) limitations. There’s the basag sound system, particularly when music is played loudly (literally, “broken”; though also referring to bad sound quality). The A/C sucks (on a hot day, expect to still sweat even if the A/C is already full blast). The leg room is a-okay in front; but at the back, it’s a tight squeeze (three can supposedly fit there, but the designers may have been thinking of people with short legs or of kids). Kulang (lacking) storage spaces – heck, there isn’t even a cup holder by the gear stick (!). And the trunk space is quite limited (perhaps typical of HBs here). On a trip outside the city, I chucked my backpack, a sling bag (with my laptop and camera in it), a pair of shoes and around six kilos of singkamas (yam bean from some vendor along the highway to La Union), and it was already full. Yes, the back seats can be folded (again, typical of HBs); but this isn’t always possible, particularly if you’ve (extra) passengers with you. And so making do with the tiny trunk is… tricky, to say the least.
But as was pointed out to me, who are we to complain when Swift – which is also available in: Pearl Metallic Arctic White, Metallic Silky Silver, Glistening Grey Metallic and Metallic Midnight Black – sells for only P678,000?










With a 1.2 liter, 4-cylinder VVT engine, the Swift is by no means a mean machine. I noticed, for instance, that the car sorta struggles revving up again once you’ve slowed down; it’s almost like the climb from 0 to 20 to 40 to 60 and so on is too taxing for the car. The Swift is also not malikot (doesn’t move a lot) even when force to speed up; nor is it noisy (driving along TPLEX, it was almost like being enclosed in a bubble).
Now, this car may be “sold” as a city car (i.e. small and all that). But we all know that (even) city cars are stretched to their limits by the owners who (still) use these cars for out-of-the-city trips. Which was what I did with a trip up north in Pangasinan (i.e. La Union) an then Ilocos Sur (i.e. Vigan).
Now…
If you think being in “tight spots” means driving in, say, Sta. Ana market during market day, or braving Divisoria’s insides on a weekend, then an alternative may be driving to a place like Marilao in Bulacan, where if you just blindly follow Waze (which I did, LOL!), you’d end up traversing cemented one-way roads right in the middle of rice paddies. Here, Swift’s small size came in extremely handy, so that the thought of a possible incoming traffic should be worrisome (for most), but not necessarily so when on Swift.
I found myself in the same tight spot (again) in a small barangay in Bauang in La Union, where – after following a tourist guide to a vineyard – Swift had to traverse a somewhat tight rough road, where the car’s size came in handy again (as much as the Hyundai Eon’s and the Mitsubishi Mirage’s also there then). Yes, the car felt out of place there (literally speaking, since I could “feel” the pebbles/rocks slip under the car); but that it fit the tight spot well was comforting, indeed.
The Swift also moved smoothly in braving curves – e.g. passing through the tricky roads that lead to/from Quirino Bridge in Ilocos Sur.
Fuel consumption in the city averaged from 10.6km/L to 11.6km/L; while outside, it went up to 12.7km/L to 13.0km/L. On the expressway, this went to 14.0km/L.
It was before entering TPLEX again (on the way back to Manila) that I felt Swift as a city “thing”. There, it was the only small car, with SUVs, 4WDs, buses, et cetera what appeared like “normal”…
Twice, Swift was mistaken for Wigo (“WHAT!?” moments for me), so this obviously pigeonholes this car with the likes of, yes, Wigo, Hyundai Eon, Kia Picanto and Mitsubishi Mirage. Suffice to say, if you’re considering a HB, then Swift definitely deserves to be given a spin.
And for me, plus points for it being pretty sexy…
Product Showcase
Sarap ng Pasko, Sarap ng Purefoods
Purefoods helps families celebrate cherished traditions, new additions this holiday season.
In a country of more than 7,600 islands, Christmas in the Philippines is celebrated in many ways, varying across the regions through traditions that have remained through generations, along with new iterations that reflect the growing diversity among Filipino families.
Today’s Christmas celebrations in Filipino households range from grand gatherings among extended families, along with OFW households, dual-income no kids (DINKs) couples, single parents, and same-gender partners who are marking the season in their own meaningful way. Through it all, the desire to gather, to share, and to connect remains at the heart of each celebration.
Feast for Filipino families
This holiday season, Purefoods recognizes both the traditions that have been passed down through generations, along with the new meaningful ones that we create along the way. Around the Noche Buena table, families remember the Christmases past, while embracing the present, and celebrating what brings them together.
Whether its recipes that have been handed down through many generations, or new dishes to celebrate the joy of togetherness, Purefoods provides a wide range of products to make every holiday meal more memorable.
As a legacy brand with generations-long trusted consistency in quality and taste, Purefoods products have long been a part of occasions that matter most to Filipino families. The different Purefoods products help make homecooked Noche Buena feasts easier and more enjoyable. What’s more, the products are easily available in supermarkets, groceries, and markets to support different regional traditions and unique family celebrations across the country.
As part of its mission to spread Christmas cheer, Purefoods turned the homecoming of OFWs into a full-blown holiday celebration this December, taking center stage at the newly refreshed Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 just as its new facilities officially opened. Seizing this landmark moment, the “Sarap ng Pasko, Sarap ng Purefoods” installation at the Arrival area and a dazzling LED display at the new Mezzanine Food Hall transformed the terminal into a festive gateway home, filling arrivals with warmth, joy, and inspiration to create new Christmas memories with their loved ones through food.
Food that is lovingly prepared and joyfully shared is at the core of every Christmas celebration. No matter how Filipino families celebrate, Purefoods helps bring the joy of the season to every table.
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Christmas reunions made more joyful with Magnolia Chicken Timplados, #SarapMadeEasy
Magnolia Chicken Timplados makes meals that are easy to prepare and comes in flavorful options, removing the stress out of meal preparation. Just cook and it’s ready to be served in minutes.
With the Christmas season in, one of the most anticipated moments for many people is the Christmas reunion – a time when family and friends gather to celebrate and reconnect. However, the idea of preparing a delicious Christmas feast can be overwhelming and can lead to stress. Between planning the menu, grocery shopping, and cooking, it’s easy to feel like the holidays are more about hustle than a joyful celebration.
That is why Magnolia Chicken Timplados makes meals that are easy to prepare and comes in flavorful options, removing the stress out of meal preparation. Just cook and it’s ready to be served in minutes! Whether it’s Fried Chicken or Smoked Pepper Roasted Chicken, it is made with quality, real chicken, that’s sure to win hearts at any Christmas reunion feast, bringing families and friends together over meals filled with joy, flavor, and festive warmth.
- Fried Chicken: Magnolia Fried Chicken delivers golden, delicious and crispy goodness right to your Christmas table. A classic favorite because it is simple yet celebratory, Magnolia Fried Chicken captures the heart of Christmas cooking: togetherness, indulgence, and the joy of sharing something made with love. It is perfect for family feasts or holiday get-togethers with friends because it’s pre-marinated, just coat with breading and deep fry. It saves a lot of time and energy, keeping your cooking hassle-free.
- Smoked Pepper Roasted Chicken: What better way to enjoy the holidays than by savoring an aromatic, hearty roasted chicken? Magnolia Smoked Pepper Roasted Chicken brings a classic favorite to an entirely new level! What makes it special is its bold yet balanced flavor – the smoky aroma mingling with sweet, caramelized skin, the sharp bite of pepper meeting the natural richness of roast chicken. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet sophisticated enough for entertaining guests. There’s no need to worry about the tiresome task of seasoning the chicken and marinating overnight, as it can be cooked straight in the oven or air fryer. It is a special delight for everyone to enjoy, especially during gatherings around the table with loved ones.
With ready to cook Magnolia Chicken Timplados, it’s possible to enjoy a delectable holiday meal without the chaos of traditional cooking. Sarap Super Moms and Timplanners can spend less time worrying about the kitchen, leaving more time to create happy and unforgettable moments to cherish with loved ones.
Lasapin ang #SarapMadeEasy meals this Christmas with Magnolia Chicken Timplados! #CountlessMomentsEndlessGoodness
To learn more about Magnolia Ready-to-Cook Chicken Timplados, visit magnoliachicken.com or follow Magnolia Chicken on social media.
Product Showcase
Sip the magic of Christmas with Seattle’s Best S’mores Ghirardelli Collection
Each drink captures the comforting spirit of Christmas with rich chocolate indulgence and a touch of sweetness that feels like a cozy holiday hug.
There’s something about S’mores that brings people together—melting chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and moments that feel like home. This holiday season, Seattle’s Best Coffee and Ghirardelli are turning that warmth into a cup with the S’mores Collection Made with Ghirardelli. Each drink captures the comforting spirit of Christmas with rich chocolate indulgence and a touch of sweetness that feels like a cozy holiday hug.
Starting November 2025, chocolate lovers can indulge in this limited-edition collection in Seattle’s Best Coffee stores nationwide and via GrabFood and FoodPanda.





What Makes the S’mores Collection Special?
- A Taste of Comfort – Inspired by the familiar joy of S’mores, each drink blends marshmallow sweetness, velvety chocolate, and bold coffee warmth for that fireside feeling—no campfire needed.
- Premium Collaboration – Made with Ghirardelli’s signature chocolate and Seattle’s Best bold espresso, delivering a smooth, indulgent coffee experience that feels festive and luxurious.
- Crafted for Every Craving – From hot to iced to blended, there’s a S’mores drink for every holiday mood, perfect for sharing cozy moments or treating yourself to something special.
Find Your Perfect Holiday Match
Whether you’re sipping by the tree, catching up with friends, or gifting yourself a well-deserved break, there’s a S’mores Collection drink for every kind of Christmas craving.
- Hot S’mores Ghirardelli – Cozy up with this comforting blend of Ghirardelli chocolate powder, rich espresso, and creamy marshmallow meringue, topped with a dark chocolate drizzle and crushed graham cracker. It’s Christmas warmth in a cup.
- Iced S’mores Ghirardelli – A refreshing yet indulgent twist that combines bold espresso, Ghirardelli chocolate, and half & half over ice, finished with marshmallow meringue and a graham cracker crunch.
- S’mores Javakula – A frozen holiday treat that blends Ghirardelli chocolate, marshmallow meringue, dark chocolate sauce, and graham cracker bits, perfect for cooling down while staying in the holiday spirit.
Make Your Holidays Sweeter
The Seattle’s Best Coffee x Ghirardelli S’mores Collection is available for a limited ti
me in all Seattle’s Best Coffee stores nationwide and via GrabFood and FoodPanda.
Indulge in the rich, chocolatey comfort of the holidays—warm, bold, and oh-so-delightful with every sip of Seattle’s Best Coffee’s S’mores Collection.
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