Swift Sport a fine follow-up

The Suzuki Swift Sport 1600 has plenty of high-tech enhancement.

The Suzuki Swift Sport 1600, the high-performance sports version of the Swift hatchback, is expected to go on sale in New Zealand later next month.

Suzuki considers it a worthy successor to the previous generation Swift GTi sports hatchback that carved a fine reputation on the road and track and in rallies.

Building on the universally acclaimed good looks of the latest model, the Sport comes with an aggressive front end characterised by a deep front radiator intake grille, an integrated front bumper and large spotlights.

It has larger-diameter alloy wheels, a rear tailgate spoiler, low side-skirts and twin exhausts.

Suzuki says firmer Monroe suspension has sharpened both ride and handling, and Recaro sports seats keep front occupants secure.

Offered in five-door form for New Zealand - unlike the Swift GTi which was available only as a three-door - the Swift Sport has been carefully engineered for both efficiency and performance. A modified longer stroke version of the M15A engine used in the 1.5-litre Swift boosts capacity to 1.6-litres and the double overhead camshaft, four valves a cylinder power unit is fitted with variable valve timing.

Output is up 20 per cent and the top speed increases to 200km/h.

"The new Swift Sport inherits DNA from the legendary Suzuki superbikes and the motor sport success of the car in the Junior World Rally Championship," says Tom Peck, marketing manager for General Suzuki New Zealand. "Worldwide demand for models like the Swift, new-generation Grand Vitara and new Suzuki SX4 outstrip supply. We anticipate a similar reaction to the Swift Sport which will offer responsive, high-performance motoring at a keenly competitive price."

Prices will be made available closer to the launch date.