What's all this about?
Those of you old enough to remember the Suzuki Swift GT of yore will recall how much fun can be had with a small amount of power and an even smaller amount of weight. More recently, the Swift Sport proudly adhered to the classic hot hatch formula of a naturally-aspirated, revvy engine combined with a chuckable chassis. It couldn't last forever though, and Suzuki is the latest to fall to the turbo onslaught.
No! Is nothing sacred?
Don't despair, because the figures indicate that all is not lost just yet. The 1.4-litre 'Boosterjet' engine develops 140hp, but more importantly 230Nm of torque, a marked improvement on the old unit. Combined with a slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox and a total weight of 970kg, it should make the little Suzuki fly. Monroe shock absorbers and uprated wheel bearings are the most significant chassis changes, although Suzuki's new 'HEARTECT' platform provides a much stiffer base for everything to work off.
It's very yellow.
That's Suzuki's 'Champion Yellow' hue, intended to remind you of the firm's rallying successes from a few years ago. Don't like it? Fear not, because there are plenty of other colours available. Look past the paint and you'll spot some neat revisions over the cooking Swift, like the spoilers, skirts and reprofiled front bumper, as well as the 17-inch wheels. Inside, there's some semi-bucket sports seats, red detailing and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, as well as the usual connectivity and infotainment features.
Will it be fun to drive?
We certainly hope so, although going by the old one, it should be a hoot. Chief engineer Masao Kobori gives us hope, saying, "It's lighter, sharper and quicker. It's more aggressive and emotive, but we've also refined the elements that make it practical to use every day - the clutch feel, the manual transmission shift throw, the seats and steering wheel. Everything that puts the driver at the heart of the experience."
Maurice Malone - 12 Sep 2017