TOKYO: The new generation of the Suzuki Swift Sport will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, come September.
It will be the first full model change since the launch of the original Swift Sport in 2006.
It has a more aggressive and dignified exterior look, thanks to a ground-hugging form that gives a sense of stability and tension and a big front grille that evokes sporty performance.
And its cabin combines essential sportiness with a high-quality look and feel and design features that heighten excitement about the driving experience.
Higher power and lower fuel consumption are delivered by the 1.6-litre M16A engine, which Suzuki - based in Takatsuka, some 225km south-west of here - developed exclusively for the Swift Sport.
The engine is mated to a specially developed six-speed manual transmission, resulting in performance that’s described as exciting and environmentally responsible.
Plus, the new Swift Sport offers superior cornering stability and brisker, more responsive handling as a result of struts with internal rebound springs and build to an exclusive rear-suspension design.
High levels of safety are assured by features such as a light, stiff, impact-absorbing body; seven airbags (including curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag); and an ESP(R) (Electronic Stability Program).
The Sport version of Suzuki was launched in Japan in 2005 and rolled out to Europe the following year.
It was marked by a high-revving 1.6-litre, naturally-aspirated DOHC VVT four-cylinder engine, high lift cams, forged pistons, and strengthened valve springs. The engine produces 125hp and 148Nm then.
The Swift Sport also had sportier bumpers and spoilers, a stiffer suspension, twin exhaust pipes, and sport seats (Recaro seats were optional) and four-wheel disc brakes on 16-inch wheels. The European version came with manual transmission, the three-door body variant, 17-inch wheels and electronic stability control.