Suzuki announce Swift Sport

Swift by name, sort of swift by nature

5 September 2006 23:42 GMT / By Jonathan Goddard

It was a case of Swift by name, sort of swift by nature as Suzuki announced the warm-hatch version of its supermini.

The Swift Sport will be the new flagship of the rather-good Japanese take on the wildly successful Mini Cooper, which is actually marginally slower than the new Swift. With a 0-63mph time of 8.9 seconds, it’s also quicker than the ludicrously pointless Citroen C2 VTR.

With a high-revving (and that means fun) 1.6-litre VVT engine, the Sport will get you all the way up to 124mph should you feel inclined to do so in the comfort of your own racing track, and will give you a return of close to 40mpg. The uprated chassis features stiffer springs and dampers, with electronic stability control to help you pot the power down where its needed.

External features include a deeper front bumper incorporating a distinctive lower grille, redesigned rear bumper with twin exhaust pipes, and jolly phat 17 inch rims. You also get a striking red and black trim colour combination, sports seats and brushed stainless steel pedals. Standard equipment includes automatic air-con, curtain airbags, MP3-audio compatibility, front foglamps, steering wheel audio controls and keyless start.

The Swift Sport hits the UK market in October and the price will be announced later this month, and is expected it to be in the region of a rather cost-effective £11,500 on the road.