Swift Sport bares fangs and claws

Cocky, confident and compact - and capable... of a top speed of 195km/h and a 0-100km/h dash in 8.7 seconds.

Although not in the tar-scarring hot hatch category, the Swift Sport is more than quick and agile enough for a barrel of fun. Its zippy 1.6-litre engine loves to rev and with the needle touching the red at 7000rpm it squirts out a hearty 100kW and 160Nm (which already kicks in from about 4400rpm) - spirited enough for a top speed of 195km/h and a 0-100km/h dash in 8.7 seconds.

Power is put down via a delightful short ratio six-speed manual box and the little beauty clings well through the twisties, thanks to a lowered suspension, MacPherson struts and coil springs up front and Torsion beam and coil springs at the back, helped along by Monroe shocks. The 16-inch 195/50R alloy-wrapped rubber and lighter body also sharpen the grip claws.

Cocky, confident and compact

In addition the compact five-door benefits from the steadying hand of an electronic stability programme (which can be turned off when you want to grow horns) as we discovered when we gave the new Sport some whip on the twisting go-kart track at the Zwartkops Raceway. The tyres screamed in agony but the Swift remained cocky and confident, keeping its poise and never felt inclined to bite its own tail.

Come on, admit it - it does look rather sexy - and it's well kitted out in the safety department.

It's always comforting to glance at any car's safety features, particularly if it tends to have a naughty streak, and the new little Japanese boy-racer certainly doesn't disappoint in this department. It is kitted out with front side and curtain airbags, seat belts with pre-tensioners, force limiters and height adjustments, side impact beams, ISOFIX child seat anchorages and even a high-mounted brake light to reduce the risk of being rear-ended, all of which contributes to its five star safety rating.

But some of its best features, after its keenness to trot and hug the tar, is its overall looks and styling - particularly when it's all decked out in bright yellow like a few of the sporty Swifts we got to play with at the recent Media launch.

Sexy...

Like a Jack Russell, it looks cocky and muscular from its nose to the tip of its tail. The big-eyed fog light bezels, meshed grille and aggro headlights up front lead to the sexy sides with their brm-brm skirts and smart alloys to the cocky derriere muscled up with dual exhaust outlets, a metallic-grey diffuser and an eye-catching roof spoiler. The Swift Sport looks sexy. ... the sort of toy any person with high octane in his blood would want to play with and park in the driveway.

Cabin eye candy includes a snazzy leather steering wheel, also with red-stitching, a chubby gear lever, racing foot pedals and cool chronograph style meter cluster.

click to enlarge

Slide inside and even before you cast an eye over the neat interior the race-track style seats (embroidered with the "Sport" logo), grip your sides and hold you tight as you find the right driving position. Further cabin eye candy includes a snazzy leather steering wheel, also with red-stitching, a chubby gear lever, racing foot pedals and cool chronograph style meter cluster.

With an attractive range of assets

Fancy goodies include automatic aircon, electric windows and side mirrors, a full-blast six-speaker sound system with CD player, MP3support and a USB port, keyless entry and a multi-function trip computer.

The latest Swift flagship is lighter, faster, smarter and more eco-friendly than the previous models and Suzuki South Africa reckons it is going to push Swift sales up by about 40 units a month. The brand has grown steadily in sales and popularity with Swift being one of the early models to spearhead the launch of Suzuki Auto South Africa in 2008.

The end most other motorists will probably see.

Suzuki's original flagship was known as a GTi and the new Swift Sport is more than a worthy successor.

The only niggles about the zippy Sport is that it will be sold in South Africa only as a five-door model. The three-door, sportier-looking version is very popular in Europe but is not going to make it to our shores. It is also the most expensive Swift to arrive on our shores although the R213 900 price tag does include a warranty and a service plan - and its fun rating is probably the highest in its class.

Specifications

Equipment

Driving with 2012 Suzuki Swift Sport

Suzuki Swift Review - Drive Start

Fast driving with Suzuki Swift Sport