When the current Suzuki Swift was released in South Africa in March 2011, it was without a range-topping Sport model - but now it's here, with 1.6-litre power and uprated suspension making it, if you'll forgive the cutesy pun, both swifter and sportier than its predecessor.
The all-new 1586cc M16A engine with variable inlet-valve timing is rated at 100kW at 6900rpm and 160Nm at 4400rpm, compared to the previous model's 92kW at 6800rpm and 148Nm at 4800.
It drives through a newly-developed six-speed manual 'box, in place of the previous five-cog cluster, that helps cut the 0-100 sprint time from 8.9 to 8.7 seconds, while top speed is quoted at 195km/h.
And all of that comes at less cost to the environment; Suzuki quotes CO2 emissions of 153g/km, an eight-percent improvement on the previous Sport's 165.
ON THE ROAD
Minesh Bhagaloo of our sister publication Star Motoring was at the SA media launch; the high-revving new engine doesn't feel like 100kW at Gauteng altitude, he reports, and would have worked better up here with a turbo.
“But the six-speed gearbox is very direct, with a short, positive action.”
The new Swift Sport sits 10mm closer to the road than the previous generation, with uprated rear suspension for tighter turn-in, and the body shell incorporates more high-tensile strength steel, making the new Swift Sport - with all its extra kit - 30kg lighter than the old one.
The front treatment is focused on a large single-frame grille that manages not to look as if it came off an Audi, framed by sleek high-intensity-discharge headlight clusters with metallic grey coatings and large foglight bezels with distinctive fins.
Neat skirts continue the line set by the deeper front bumper, with dual tailpipes, a metallic-grey diffuser and the obligatory spoiler outlining the rear end, all running on 16” alloys shod with 195/50 rubber.
“The Sport looks cool,” says Bhagaloo, “especially in yellow.”
SITTING PRETTY
The Sport has special seats with extra side support, trimmed in a special fabric with red stitching and embroidered 'Sport' logo, matching the red-stitched accents on the leather steering wheel and gear lever sock.
Stainless-steel pedals and upmarket, chronograph-style meters with hairline chrome trim complete the look, and a standard-issue trip data computer displays range, average fuel consumption, instant fuel consumption and more.
“The speedo is marked in 30's” says Bhagaloo, “with just an arrow at the 100km/h mark - and, for what it's worth, it'll do 100km/h in 8.7 seconds at the coast, according to Suzuki”
Standard kit also includes automatic aircon, electric power steering, power windows and side mirrors, a six-speaker radio/CD/MP3 sound system with a USB port, and remote keyless entry and starting.
BOTTOM LINE
The new Swift Sport costs R213 900, which includes metallic paint and the Suzuki Complete service package.
“The Swift Sport is a nice all-round package, well priced for what you get,” confirms Bhagaloo.
“Suzuki SA say only the five-door variant will be available in South Africa as it's more popular than the three-door, but they've promised that it won't be limited in supply like the last one.”