The sporty and very satisfactory version of the popular Suzuki Swift.It's not surprising that demand for the new generation Suzuki Swift Sport model - the flagship of the Swift range - is out-stripping supply. It's a highly competent, even delicious, package for those who love their motoring and don't want to just putter along from departure to destination.
Suzuki have strong links to motor racing and the Sport reflects that DNA. In fact the Suzuki Swift Sport championship is considered a prime and ideal breeding-ground for young drivers to learn their track craft before moving into the bigger V8 touring cars.
The Sport's ground-hugging exterior appearance, with wide tyres on a short wheelbase, certainly highlight the athletic impression even before you've sat in the compact car but Suzuki engineers have put a lot of effort into relating the aesthetic to the driving experience. The rear suspension package is an exclusive design feature that on this model ensures snappy handling and higher speed stability and control so it's not just sporty by name. Some of the aerodynamic components that control airflow and suppress lift, for instance, are also exclusive to Suzuki and have been born of race-track experience.
The 1.6 litre engine is based on the previous model but with evolutionary refinements. Both torque and kilowatt output have been increased and so offer greater fuel economy and because of a new exhaust system, CO2 emissions are down. That doesn't mean the exhaust note is muted, fortunately. The underneath pipes still emit the throaty sort of rumble you'd hope from a sports car.
The Sport is brimming with safety three-letter acronyms plus keyless entry and start, auto-levelling headlights, Bluetooth - the list is extensive. New Zealanders have taken to the automatic CVT version (continuously variable transmission) by two-to-one over the six-speed manual model.
