Shropshire Star

First drive: The Suzuki Swift Sport keeps all the fun, but loses the bargain price

Suzuki’s hottest offering is back for 2018, but does it still offer the trademark fun? Ryan Hirons finds out.

Published
Last updated
(PA)

What is it?

For a long time, the Suzuki Swift Sport has proven to be the go-to choice in the warm hatch segment. Since its introduction in 2006, it’s managed to deliver a driving experience similar to hot hatches well above its (rather low) weight on a budget price – despite being down on power in comparison.

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?

(PA)

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.

There’s a fresh face too. Based on the latest generation of Swift, the Sport brings aggressive looks and a 40mm wider body than the base car.

(PA)

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 it arguably loses a lot of the fun its naturally aspirated predecessors offered by requiring hard work to get the best out of them.

What’s it like to drive?

Although the engine may not have as much character as a result of the ever-necessary 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 it’ll take anything thrown its way in its stride.

Thankfully, and has as 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 – an improvement over the often-firm predecessors – and is agile enough to take around town with ease.

How does it look?

The Swift Sport doesn’t even attempt to hide what it is. A new, muscular face appears for the model — with carbon fibre-effect side skirts and a rear diffuser, as well as trademark dual exhaust pipes.

The Sport is also 40 millimeters wider than the base Swift, which results in a notably more aggressive stance on the road — aided by new 17-inch alloy wheels, finished in black and silver.

A new colour has been introduced exclusively for the warm hatch. Named Champion Yellow, it stands out from the crowd with ease — although those looking for a more subdued car will be happy to learn that more conventional hues are on offer too.

(PA)

The Suzuki Swift Sport has never been known for having a luxurious interior – which has played a key role in keeping it cheap – and it’s no different here. Sadly, an increased price means this can’t be as easily played off as before.

The cabin is recognisable as that of the Sport thanks to the addition of red trim panels throughout, while new bucket seats and a thin steering wheel are also included in the package.

Although the seats and steering wheel are a marked improvement over the standard car, sadly the rest of the interior feels hard to the touch and not on par with rivals at a lower price point – namely the Fiesta ST-Line and VW Up! GTI.

(PA)

The Suzuki Swift Sport boasts the rarity of being offered without an options list – with tonnes of equipment included as standard.

Out of the box, there’s tonnes of safety assists in the car – such as hill hold control, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, high beams assist and a reversing camera – while luxuries like the heated bucket seats, sporty steering wheel and Suzuki’s infotainment system on a seven-inch display with navigation and Bluetooth all feature for no extra cost.

While the package may look great, it doesn’t quite make up for the £17,999 price tag. With the outgoing model retailing for around £15k, it may prove a hard sell to former Swift Sport owners – let alone new customers.

(PA)

The Suzuki Swift Sport continues to deliver a driving experience that punches well above its 975kg weight – offering levels of fun and sportiness only really found in cars with a lot more power and prestige.

It used to be a real bargain buy too, but that’s sadly no longer the case. A £17,999 price tag puts it rather close to the upcoming Fiesta ST — which will undoubtedly be a better driver’s car. It may have all the equipment, but buyers of these cars will be likely be more interested in the behind the wheel experience. For the new price, that can be rivalled easily.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.