At the ongoing 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki has showcased the fastest Swift hatchback ever – the 2018 Suzuki Swift. It is based on the new gen Swift which was first showcased last year.
The new generation Swift Sport, the performance derivative of the third generation hatchback, phases out the normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine in favor of the new 1.4-litre BoosterJet turbocharged petrol engine.
The outgoing 1.6-litre mill produced 148 PS while the downsized turbo unit puts out 140 PS at 5,500 rpm and 230 Nm torque at 2,500-3,500 rpm. While power output is lower, the new Swift is much faster and has an improved top speed. This is due to use of a new light-weight platform. The new Swift sport weighs only 970 kgs, lighter by 80 kgs as compared to older Swift Sport. Mileage claimed by manual variant is 16.4 kmpl, and that by 6 AT variant is 16.2 kmpl
The driver focused variant of Swift, will continue to feature a 6-speed manual transmission as well as a 6 AT, and a suspension set up that is tuned for enhanced handling. New bumpers, aerodynamic body kits and larger alloy wheels are the other elements that would separate the Sport variant from regular Swift variants. Tyres are 17 inches wrapped in 195/45 tyres.
The new Suzuki Swift Sport comes with significant design overhaul. The tight fitting flat roofline is the only visual connection the new car has to its predecessor. The front bold front fascia receives a larger grille and peeled back headlamps. The rear fascia too has nothing in common with the current gen car.
Swift Sport in India?
Sadly, the Swift Sport has never been launched in India. Maruti opted not to bring the first two generations of the Swift Sport to India, but with demand for such cars on the rise, it seems that India’s largest car maker is inclining towards giving consumers in India the much awaited Maruti Swift Sport.
In the recent months, India has seen the launch of Punto Abarth, Avventura Abarth, and the Polo GTI. Though the demand for such cars is limited, we have seen Maruti taking an aggressive step forward when it comes to a premium and sportiness (remember Baleno RS). The new Swift Sport will be a game changer for the hatchback segment.