Third-generation model of the popular pocket rocket will get a turbocharger for the first time.
05 Aug 2017 | 5907 Views | By Rachel Burgess, Autocar UK
Suzuki Motor Corporation is to launch the third-generation model of its Swift Sport at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and has released a new preview video in the run-up to the event.
Featuring the new car, its predecessor and rallying variants, the film shows the sporting traits Suzuki wants to emphasise with ...
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Suzuki Motor Corporation is to launch the third-generation model of its Swift Sport at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and has released a new preview video in the run-up to the event.
Featuring the new car, its predecessor and rallying variants, the film shows the sporting traits Suzuki wants to emphasise with the new model.
The Japanese brand has previously said that the model has “undergone a complete redesign and delivers an all-new level of excitement for sport-minded drivers across the world”.
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 engine used in the Vitara crossover. This will replace the current naturally aspirated 1.6-litre 136bhp unit.
All of the positive traits of the preceding two Swift Sports are expected to carry over to the new car, including the engaging handling, impressive body control, slick manual gearbox, subtle bodykit and low kerbweight. The latter could even drop to less than 1000kg; the current model weighs in at 1045kg.
The Swift Sport’s specification is expected to echo the top-of-the-range SZ5 Swift and include a 4.2-inch LCD display in place of instrument dials and new driver assist technology, including a forward detection system that uses a mono-colour camera and laser sensor that works in the dark.
This technology provides the driver with a visual and audio warning when an impact is deemed likely before triggering autonomous emergency braking. It offers lane departure warning and high beam assist, while an additional radar device enables adaptive cruise control.
Is it coming to India?
While Maruti Suzuki will debut the new Swift at the 2018 Auto Expo in January, there is no official word on whether the Swift Sport will come to India. However, the likelihood of the hot hatch coming to India with the 1.4-litre motor is high.
The Indian market has seen a new niche emerging in the hot/warm hatchback segment with cars like the Fiat Abarth Punto, Volkswagen Polo GTI and Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS. If Maruti Suzuki’s knack for a well-priced product holds, the Swift Sport could take this segment by storm.