SLIMLINE SUZUKI IS STILL A HEAVY HITTER
IF EVER a good example of weight loss was needed for inspiration then look no further than the fabulous Suzuki Swift Sport, because it has shed the pounds but still packs a mighty punch.
In fact, the all-new third generation now tops the scales at just 975kg – some 80kg lighter than the outgoing model – and that results in responsive driving dynamics guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
There is only one trim level and what you see is what you get, so there will be no unexpected extra costs when you get to signing on the dotted line.
And when it comes to price, it’s not cheap at £19,249, but the Swift Sport has always been regarded as the flashier version of the Swift model, and it comes fully loaded with top notch kit and on-board technology.
The car is powered by a fourcylinder 140ps 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbo petrol engine matched to a six-speed manual gearbox and can sprint from 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds, topping out at 130mph.
According to official figures it can deliver combined fuel efficiency of 47.1mpg under stricter WLTP testing with carbon emissions of 125g/km.
Viewed from any angle, the five-door Swift Sport looks dynamic in its styling with a wide body, honeycomb-patterned grille, dual exhaust system, carbon fibre-effect trim, black windscreen and door pillars, a ‘floating’ roof, rear spoiler, privacy glass, integrated rear door handles and 17-inch alloys to complete the look.
It comes in six colours and our motorway, but that was my only slight gripe.
The agile handling in busier town centres was impressive, as was the ease in which the Swift Sport could manoeuvre its way into very tight parking spaces without any fuss.
Comfort levels are good and there is room for a couple of youngsters in the back.
The boot has a capacity of 265 litres that increases to 579 litres with the split-folding rear seats dropped flat and there is also a glovebox, door bins, cup holders, a pocket in the back of the passenger seat and a central cubby box to store items.
The Swift Sport features a good range of safety kit and the car carries the same four-star Euro NCAP rating awarded to its sibling, the Suzuki Swift.
Systems include lane departure warning, hill hold control, electronic stability programme, high beam assist, a high mounted stop lamp and numerous airbags.
All in all, the latest Swift Sport is a fabulous little contender for those looking to buy in the hot hatch sector without blowing too much cash.
It offers engaging and spirited handling, bags of technology and has looks to turn heads along the way.
takes the new Sport Swift for a spin and finds the hot hatch in great form