Suzuki Swift Sport road test
by Stephen Walker
15th September, 2008
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Related stories:
New-generation Suzuki
Swift Sport released
21st February, 2012
When we first drove the Suzuki Swift Sport we mentioned that the Swift is
one of the best light cars in Australia. And nothing has changed. For over 3 years, the tiny Suzuki Swift has been
bringing folks into Suzuki dealerships across the country in big numbers. In fact, Suzuki Australia is in a position
where it seems they can do no wrong.
But now it's time to reacquaint ourselves with the Swift Sport. Certainly, one thing is obvious, a bright shade of
yellow is going to make this car a stand-out on any 'streetscape'. Champion Yellow is just one of six colours available
for the 'Sport'. A revision in the specifications of this popular model provides an excellent opportunity to have another
'run' in the sportiest Swift on the Australian market. ESP, a highly respected safety component, is now standard on the
Swift Sport, being added during a recent update.
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2012 Suzuki Swift Sport
road test
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2007 Suzuki Swift Sport
road test
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On the road, the Suzuki Swift is an easy car to manage. Although the Swift
Sport has a firm ride, it is easy to live with. Power still comes from the 1.6
litre VVT 4-cylinder engine, with an output of 92 kW at 6,800 rpm. This provides
handy performance, rather than startling performance. Gear changes are a little
'notchy' but with short 'throws' the on-road driveability of this sporty Swift
is engaging if you enjoy keeping the revs up. A five-speed manual gearbox is the
only choice in the transmission department.
Standard equipment includes 16" alloy wheels, Monroe shock absorbers, disc
brakes (4), rear spoiler, along with features that are standard with other
Suzuki Swift models. These include power steering, electric windows (front &
rear), central door locking, remote controlled door locks, air conditioning, CD
stereo with MP3 function with steering wheel audio switches and speed sensing
volume control, 6 speakers, tachometer, clock, outside temperature gauge, fuel
consumption gauge (instantaneous or average), driver’s seat height adjuster,
60/40 split folding rear seat backrest, three rear head restraints and a leather
covered steering wheel.
Priced at $23,990 (RRP), the Swift Sport is competitively priced against other 'enhanced' light cars.
Fuel usage is suggested to be 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined
cycle, compared to 6.3 litres/100 kms for the manual 1.5 litre regular Swift models.
On the inside, the body hugging front seats with integrated head restraints
dominate the interior. Although comfortable, the front seats are huge! A
footrest for the driver's left foot is fitted, in the traditional manner for a
sporty car. Whilst the alloy-look foot pedals are a nice touch in a car such as
the Suzuki Swift Sport. Other trim elements are of a sporty nature too.
There is no cruise control on the Suzuki Swift Sport, although it is
available with regular Swift models it is not available at all on the Swift
Sport. The narrow front door pockets are suitable for CD storage.
The steering wheel adjusts for height, but not for reach. Six airbags are
fitted, a good move with Suzuki recognising that motorists identify with the
desirability of this compelling safety aspect.
Our 598 kms around Sydney and the NSW central coast proved, yet again, that
the Suzuki Swift is a highly successful design. The 'Sport' version simply adds
a little panache to the package which I have held in high esteem since 2005.
More Suzuki News .....
here.
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