Turbocharged engine for new Swift Sport
SUZUKI WILL REVEAL the third-generation model of its hot hatch, the Swift Sport, at the Frankfurt motor show in September.
For the first time, the Swift Sport will have a turbocharged engine. It will be a more potent version of the 138bhp 1.4-litre Boosterjet used in the Vitara crossover. This will replace the current naturally aspirated 1.6-litre 136bhp engine.
The engaging handling, impressive body control, slick manual gearbox and subtle bodykit of the preceding two Swift Sports are expected to carry over to the new car. The kerb weight could even drop from 1045kg to less than 1000kg.
The Swift Sport is expected to go on sale next summer, rivalling cars including the Abarth 595 and upcoming Ford Fiesta ST. It will cost more than the current model, which is priced from £13,100.
The arrival of the nextgeneration hot hatch follows the reveal of the standard Swift hatchback at the Geneva motor show in March. In addition to traditional internal combustion engines, the standard Swift is available with a mild-hybrid powertrain for the first time.
The Swift Sport’s specification is expected to echo that of top-of-therange SZ5 Swift and include a 4.2in LCD display in place of instrument dials, as well as new driver assist technology.
This includes a forward detection system that uses a mono-colour camera and laser sensor that can see in the dark. The driver is provided with a visual and audio warning when an impact is deemed likely, before autonomous emergency braking is triggered.
The technology offers lane departure warning and high beam assist, and an additional radar device enables adaptive cruise control.
The Japanese brand said the Swift Sport has “undergone a complete redesign and delivers a new level of excitement for sport-minded drivers across the world”.