First drive Suzuki Swift Sport

DRIVE

SINCE its introduction in 2006, the Suzuki Swift Sport has been the go-to choice in the warm hatch segment, delivering a driving experience similar to hot hatches well above its (rather low) weight on a budget price. Well, it’s back again for 2018 and Suzuki will be hoping it can continue to carry on the nameplate’s success into the turbocharged generation. It may have new rivals on the block, such as the long-awaited Up! GTI, but can it stay ahead?

The biggest addition to the new Swift Sport comes under the bonnet. Gone is the naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre engine of its predecessors, and in its place sits a turbocharged 1.4-litre motor sourced from the larger Vitara S. Helping to keep power on the road are host of tweaks, including a revised six-speed gearbox from the outgoing Sport model, an adjusted steering rack for improved handling and an upgraded braking system.

The 1.4-litre, Vitara S-sourced turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 138bhp and 230Nm of torque, which is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

It’s capable of taking the Swift Sport from 0-60mph in 8.1 seconds and up to a top speed of 130mph. As for efficiency, Suzuki claims 47.1mpg can be achieved on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 135g/km.

It’s a punchy little motor, offering a good amount of low-end torque with a consistent power delivery throughout the rev range but arguably loses a lot of the fun its naturally aspirated predecessors offered by requiring hard work to get the best out of them.

Although the engine may not have as much character as a result of the evernecessary turbocharging, the overall package still remains a serious amount of fun on the roads. Steering is a little on the light side but feels direct enough to position the car accurately, while allowing corners to be taken with confidence.

Understeer can be induced if you really try hard enough, but most of the time, anything thrown at it will be taken in its stride. Thankfully, which has always been the case with the Swift Sport, the focus on making it a sporty machine hasn’t detracted from its ability as a city car, thanks to the great base underneath. It rides well and is agile enough to take around town with ease.

The Swift Sport doesn’t even attempt to hide what it is. A new, muscular face appears for the model, with carbon fibreeffect side skirts and a rear diffuser, as well as trademark dual exhaust pipes. The Sport is also 40mm wider than the base Swift, which results in a notably more aggressive

The new Suzuki Swift Sport is a sporty machine but, thanks to the great base underneath, it rides well and is agile enough for city driving