It's been nearly three years since Suzuki launched the all-new Swift in Japan. Not only does it get a new 1.2L three-cylinder engine dubbed the Z12E, but it features a redesigned look inside & out that makes it even sportier than the third-generation model.

Unfortunately, it has yet to make its way here in the Philippines. In addition, Suzuki Philippines quietly discontinued the third-generation Swift earlier this year, which stemmed from a product mix decision based on an anonymous source. However, we believe the axing of the third-generation Swift could be connected to the shuttering of Suzuki Motor Thailand's factory in Rayong in 2025, which was recently acquired by Ford.

Now, there have been some new developments from Suzuki Philippines, it seems. That's because the automaker recently received regulatory approval to bring to market a new passenger vehicle powered by a 1197 cc gasoline engine. This translates to a displacement of 1.2 liters and is likely either a three- or four-cylinder engine.

While we already reported seeing a 1197cc gasoline engine getting approval back in 2024, this particular engine was likely approved for the all-new Dzire, which eventually debuted at the 2025 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). It's powered by the new 1.2L Z12E three-cylinder engine that makes 82 PS with 111 Nm of torque and is coupled to a CVT that drives the front wheels.

The fact that Suzuki Philippines received another approval for a new 1197cc gasoline engine had us thinking that this could finally be the all-new Swift making its way here. But instead of getting the all-new hatchback from Japan via the Makinohara factory, Suzuki Philippines might instead get it from Maruti Suzuki's Manesar factory, which has been making the Swift since 2024.

With Suzuki Philippines already sourcing cars from India like the Dzire, e Vitara, Jimny 5-Door, and the S-Presso, we wouldn't be surprised if the automaker decides to get the all-new Swift from India as well.

But as far as powertrain specifications are concerned, the all-new Swift for the Philippine market may likely get the same 1.2L Z12E three-cylinder engine, which makes 82 PS and 111 Nm of torque. While the Indian market gets the 5-speed automated manual transmission called the AGS, the exported version may get a CVT just like the all-new Dzire.

With Suzuki securing another approval for a passenger vehicle equipped with a 1197cc gasoline engine that only weighs just over a metric ton, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled if this is finally the fourth-generation Swift.