The new Suzuki Swift Sport may be the next big thing

For the second time, Suzuki has made a high-performance version of the Suzuki Swift. Suzuki promises good performance and solid sporty characteristics that can compete with many other automotive rivals. The new Swift Sport’s engine replaces the old 1.6L with a 1.4 turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine. There is also a choice between an automatic or a manual version. Suzuki has not only improved the power figures but weight figures as well - the new Swift sheds 90kgs off its predecessor. Suzuki claims this improves acceleration, handling, fuel consumption and overall power to weight ratio.

This is where the Suzuki Swift Sport gets interesting. The older 1.6L 4-cylinder has been replaced with a stronger 1.4L booster jet turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Choose between an automatic and manual version, both are 6-speed gearboxes and have the same performance figures (however, the auto version features wheel-mounted paddle shifters). The new Swift Sport manages to produce 103kW and 230Nm, hitting 100km/h in just 8 seconds and keeps going until a top speed of 205km/h. Roller rocket-type variable value timing helps the engine act more responsively when needed, along with a unique exhaust manifold, dual-intake sensors and pendulum engine mountings. 

The Suzuki Swift Sport’s new chassis is much stronger than the standard Swift models which help prevent body flex in tight corners at high speeds. Brakes discs and pads have also been enlarged to increase braking power. Suzuki has even fitted performance Monroe shock absorbers to aid instability. Thicker roll bars are standard and so are updated dampers and springs for the front axle, while the rear features a trailing arm suspension to help prevent oversteer and understeer.

Pricing for the Suzuki Swifts starts at R315 900 for the manual version, the automatic version starts around R335 900. Both versions come with a 5 year/200 000km warranty and a 4 year/60 000km service plan. (Prices correct at time of publication.)

Most Suzuki fans will easily recognise the Swift Sport because of the exterior body kit which is featured on the Sport models. Some of the features on the body kit include dual exhaust tailpipes, larger 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a reverse slanted front grill (honeycomb-style), an integrated roof spoiler and an aggressive rear splitter. Overall the exterior looks distinctively sportier than other Swift models and stands out from most of its competition.

The interior also features a range of changes that are unique to the Sport models. There are red accents throughout the entire cabin, starting from the steering wheel and moving onto the gear-lever and driver/passenger seats. There are more red strips on doors and dashboard, along with silver foot pedals and semi bucket racing front seats.

As for the infotainment system, Suzuki has given the Swift Sport a 7-inch colour display touch screen, which houses Apply CarPlay and Android Auto for Bluetooth streaming.

Overall if you’re looking for a fast hatchback with cheeky characteristics that manages to stand out from other vehicles, then the Swift Sport might just be the answer. The Swift Sport makes a good impression on us considering its performance and uniqueness for its price tag. There aren’t many competitors that offer so much value and style for such an affordable.

Do you love cars as much as we do? Check out the Reviews section on our blog to see what we think of other vehicle models available in South Africa. 

Please note the imagery supplied in this blog was taken off www.cars.co.za