A Swift replacement

By DAVID LINKLATER

Let's rewind a little. Remember the Suzuki Swift GTi? An inexpensive, entertaining hot hatch sold here from 1986 to 1996, it gained a loyal audience and is now regarded as something of a classic.

Back in 1986 the Swift GTi cost $26,950. Specification was basic to say the least - no airbags, anti-lock brakes or air-conditioning - but it boasted the world's first twin-cam, 16-valve, 1.3-litre engine. A peak output of 74kW combined with a kerb weight of just 835kg (89kW a tonne) made it a real giant-killer for the time.

Suzuki New Zealand is hoping to recapture some of that Swift magic with a warmed-over version of the Ignis hatchback. Like the Swift GTi, the Ignis is only available as a three-door. Like the GTi, the Sport comes with a small-capacity, high-output engine - an 83kW, 1.5-litre unit with variable valve timing.

But unlike the old Swift, the Ignis Sport packs a generous specification - dual airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic force distribution, Recaro front seats and leather-covered steering wheel/gearknob. And it's even cheaper at $21,800 - despite an increase of $3300 over the Ignis five-door.

The Sport styling package gives a nod to Suzuki Japan's involvement in the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC). Changes include flared body panels, deeper bumpers, mesh air intake, rear roof spoiler and larger white-painted alloy wheels.

The model is available in yellow, black, red, blue metallic and silver.

The Sport's 1.5-litre engine is based on the 1.3-litre unit used in the standard Ignis, with the larger capacity achieved through a longer stroke. It boasts 36 per cent more power and 27 per cent more torque (total 143Nm).

A new intermediate axle shaft has been developed to reduce torque steer while a closer-ratio, five-speed gearbox is intended to improve rolling acceleration. The braking system is uprated, with rear wheel disc brakes replacing drums.

The Sport hits 100km/h from standstill in 8.9s and goes on to a top speed of 185km/h. However, in the official extra-urban fuel test for open road driving, it still averages 5.8 litres/100km (48.7mpg).

In the combined test for city/urban and highway motoring, the Sport achieves 6.9 litres/100km (40.9mpg). Unidirectional 185/55R 15-inch Yokohama Advan AC43A tyres are fitted to the 10-spoke alloy wheels, which are finished in white in the style of the rally versions.

The Sport retains the suspension design of the 1.3-litre Ignis, with MacPherson struts and coil springs at the front and a three-link arrangement and coil springs at the rear. The Sport rides lower and track has been increased by 20mm.

The basic interior architecture of the Ignis five-door is carried over, but with some suitably sporty accessories.

The sports front seats were developed jointly between Recaro and Suzuki. Carbon fibre pattern trim effects feature in the cabin, while the blue LED-backlit instruments are white with black markings.