Suzuki held a ‘box launch’ that contained everything that is quick and fast working – just like this little pocket rocket. The Suzuki Swift Sport is a tar burner that my motorhead son, Roy, would say is “a car to die for”! It builds on Suzuki’s proud motorsport heritage that has seen the Swift dominate the Junior World Rally Championship in previous years. In 2009, Swift Sports occupied the second and third places in the series, having scored three outright wins and six podium positions.
In pink, please
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Oh how I yearn back to my rally days, as I believe the Swift Sport is the ideal lady’s rally car – in pink, of course. However, the three-door shape isn’t the only reason why the Suzuki Swift Sport looks the pocket rocket part. Viewed from the front, the deeper front bumper, with its integrated airdam, is home to a large, secondary air-intake, flanked by round fog lamps on either side.
Extended sills link the more aggressively flared front and rear wheel arches, while the rear bumper incorporates a meshed rear apron. Twin, large-bore exhaust tailpipes provide further visual confirmation that this is no ordinary Swift, while revised taillights and a roof spoiler add to the car’s distinctively sporty presence.
In and around the Suzuki Swift Sport
The Swift Sport rides on specially designed, 17-inch alloy wheels and the sporty character of the Sport’s exterior design is mirrored inside, where the sculpted sport seats with raised bolsters are upholstered in a striking combination of red and black fabric.
A thick-rimmed, leather trimmed sports steering wheel provides a vitally tactile interface with the Sport’s dynamic traits, while the stubby gearshift lever promises short, fast shifts. Stainless steel pedals with rubber inserts complete the performance theme.
Further exclusivity is ensured by the red accents integrated into the door panel armrests, and the red stitching employed for the seats and the steering wheel. Aluminium-look finishes and chromed door handles add further visual lustre.
As the car did not come in the box, there was no test drive – Ah! However, at the very heart of the Sport is a 1.6-litre high-performance, four-cylinder powerplant that has a maximum power output of 92kW at 6 800rpm, linked to a torque peak of 148Nm at 4 800rpm.
The Swift Sport is already in Suzuki showrooms at a recommended retail price of R199 900.