Suzuki aims for light fantastic Swift Sport
Suzuki is keeping it real with the new-generation Swift Sport, revealed this month at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The new Sport has gained the 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbocharged engine from the Vitara Sport. Peak power of 103kW is only slightly up on the outgoing Sport, but torque has climbed by 70Nm to 230Nm.
More importantly, the new car is 80kg lighter than the model it replaces, dipping under the onetonne mark.
The new car retains a six-speed manual gearbox but there’s no mention yet of an automatic option.
The current model is available with a continuously variable transmission, but the Boosterjet engine is more likely to be matched to a conventional automatic.
As with previous Swift Sport models, the modified suspension is fitted with Monroe shock absorbers. The stabiliser bars have been thickened, with a Teflon joint added to the mount.
At the rear, the car retains trailing-arm suspension; but the design is specific to the Sport and substantially stiffer than in standard Swift models.
The wheel hub and bearings have been merged into a single unit in the Sport, with a claimed 15 per cent increase in camber rigidity during cornering. Roadholding has been further improved with 40mm-wider tyres on 17-inch polished-alloy wheels.
The Sport can be identified by its unique front end, side skirts and roof spoiler. Inside, there are silver-and-black alloy pedals, sports seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and red trim highlights.
The new Sport also picks the entire suite of driver-assistance/ safety technology launched on the latest mainstream Swift back in June, including adaptive cruise, lane departure alert and weaving alert function.
Chief engineer Masao Kobori said the Swift’s new platform was the key to the development programme for the Sport.
‘‘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,’’ Kobori said.
‘‘There’s a history to the Swift Sport. Since 2005, it’s been the special model that combines the practical convenience of a hatchback with true sports performance.’’