Singapore’s popular hatchback gains power, sleeker looks and sharper handling!
Since the start of it’s production in Japan in 2005 and in Hungary in 2006, this nippy gem from Japan has earned fans in approximately 40 countries and territories around the world. Suzuki plans to launch the new Swift Sport in a growing number of countries, beginning this October.
The new Swift Sport’s M16A engine may be based on the previous model, but with the addition of a variable intake system, optimisation of the intake VVT and increased valve lift, the new car generates 11 hp more than the older model, with 136 hp on tap. Maximum torque is up from 148Nm to 160Nm. At the same time, CO2 emissions are down around 11 per cent and the exhaust system has been redesigned to generate a sportier note.
Mated to the engine is a new six-speed manual transmission with a triple-cone synchromesh for first and second gears permits lower shift effort and a larger counterweight at the transmission end of the shift lever promises a lighter and more positive shift action.
The suspension has been reworked too, with greater toe and camber rigidity for the torsion beam, greater lateral rigidity in the torsion-beam bushings, and larger rear wheel bearings to enhance stability. Suzuki also increased spring rates for the front and rear coils springs and added rebound springs in the front struts to provide greater roll stiffness. Modifications to the steering-gearbox member, suspension-frame member as well as larger front wheel bearings are said to boost yaw response.
New bits on the outside are designed to control the airflow, suppress lift and give the car a lower visual centre of gravity. The new look is completed with new high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with a metallic-grey coating as well as new design rear combination lamps.
Sporty, exclusive design features in the new Swift Sport’s cabin heighten the driving pleasure and a high-quality look and feel generates pleasure of ownership with new design sport seats in an exclusive fabric together with a five-dial meter cluster that combines easy legibility with an uncluttered look.
Exclusive 17-inch aluminium-alloy rims are standard on the new Swift Sport, boasting a weight that is 1 kg lighter than those of the previous Swift Sport. The rims are shod with 195/45R17 tyres developed specifically for the new Swift Sport.
Extensive use of high-tensile steel and computerised structural analysis keep the body light while promoting safety, There are seven airbags (including curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag), and the pillars incorporate shock-absorbing materials that soften any contact with occupants’ heads.
Suzuki took a multifaceted approach to achieve higher levels of active safety. As a result, ESP and an antilock braking system with electronic braking-force distribution are standard equipment.