All-New Suzuki Swift Sport debuts with new turbo four

Suzuki’s all-new Swift Sport has made its global debut at the 67th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show.

Advancing on the previous model’s already impressive and fun package, the latest generation of the Swift Sport brings with it a myriad of changes which include a lower, wider stance, more aggressive styling, and a torque-to-weight ratio that catapults the Sport into true hot hatch territory.

Replacing the old 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine is the same 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbo engine seen in the Suzuki Vitara Turbo that develops 103kW @ 5,500rpm and 220Nm @ 1,500-4,000rpm. Power is channeled to the front wheels exclusively through a six-speed manual transmission.

The introduction of this new turbocharged Suzuki Swift is a welcome addition to an increasingly powerful line-up with turbo now available in five models across the Suzuki range. That, coupled with compact dimensions and a kerb weight that’s sub one-tonne (965-975kg) should be music to the ears of sports-minded drivers.

Swift Sport chief engineer Mr Masao Kobori said, “We know that our customers value a dynamic driving experience above everything else, so for the third-generation Swift Sport our development concept was Ultimate Driving Excitement.”

Mr Kobori continued, “It’s lighter, sharper, and quicker. It’s more aggressive and emotive, but we’ve also refined the elements that make it practical to use every day—the clutch feel, the manual transmission shift throw, the seats and steering wheel. Everything that puts the driver at the heart of the experience.”

Whilst power and appearance were obvious key considerations, so too were safety and technology with the Sport featuring a Bluetooth-compatible Smartphone Linkage Display Audio Display unit with a multimedia 7-inch touchscreen and sat nav together with advanced safety including lane departure warning, weaving alert, adaptive cruise and high beam assist.

Release date, spec details and pricing information for the Australian market will be announced closer to local launch.

Check Also

2019 Suzuki Vitara Series II Turbo AllGrip Review

The four-year-old Suzuki Vitara has been given a refresh for the 2019 model year, and it’s …