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Suzuki Swift Sport 2012 1.6 (M) Review

Suzuki Swift Sport 2012 1.6 (A) Review

Mythbusted: Does a faster car always consume more fuel?

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This is an old car model that is no longer for sale by the local distributor since Jun 2017.
Editor Review
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Suzuki Swift Sport 2012 1.6 (A) Review
16 May 2012  |  Suzuki Reviews
The Swift Sport has been a hit with its high versatility - quick; practical; and more importantly looking the bit. How well did Suzuki recreate the icon?
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   Consumer Reviews of Suzuki Swift Sport
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4.0
 
9 Consumer Reviews
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Comfort
3.5 Reliability
4.0
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Handling
4.5 Features
3.5
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Exterior Styling
4.0 Interior Design
3.5
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Value for money
4.0 Engine Performance
4.5

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JJ7677
Neutral Newbie
2 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 02-Nov-2011
Bang for your Bucks!!!  Posted on 02 Dec 2013
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
Test drove the SSS.
Liked the handling, the pick up, the interior styling and the no frills approach to driving.
Is back to basics. You and your ride. Communicative ride. Love it!
Aesthetic wise, it is pleasing to the eye. A very underrated car.

Well done champion motors!

What I like
1. Cluster free dial
2. Responsive engine, that is eager to please.
3. The new SSS is RON 95 friendly too.
4. Stock rims is light and stock Yokohama advan types are good.
5. Bluetooth and cruise control. For NS highway, Cruise control is a plus.
6. It can seat 5 Asian adult easily.
7. Sales staff at champion are super uber friendly.

What I do not like
Nothing in fact. Bought it and am fully aware of the boot space or lack of.
17inch rims should be the default choice if there is a wish list.


Hoot
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
2 forum posts Joined on 18-Mar-2005
SSS 1.6M  Posted on 10 Nov 2013
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Comfort 3.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
No regret to own this car, as nothing much lost, except boot space, after terminated my 2003 Civic and took up this car. I like its steady but agile handling (good in cornering), swift cut in for overtaking, amazing pickup, (100km/h in less in 9s ), and its high speed performance (cruise at 180km/h w/o panic feeling).All these above outperform most of Japanese car. Fc is not bad, at 11km and above. So generally it is a car which satisfies our daily needs with decent performance and driving pleasure.

What I like
handling, pick up and high speed capability

What I do not like
Car tends to be jerking when there is mismatch between gear and speed. Strickly need to switch to lower gear when ramping up on slope. All this above are not prevalent on Civic 1.6(m)


Pocus
Turbocharged
16 reviews
13,757 points
5828 forum posts Joined on 30-Aug-2004
The Sports compact that wanted to grow up.  Posted on 13 Sep 2013
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 3.0
Handling 5.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 3.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
When the Swift Concept "S" prototype was unveiled, I hoped the production model stick as close to the Concept car as possible. When the Production model was released, I was pleasantly surprised. While the fierce looking spoiler, skirt vents and sport seats were gone in the final model, they kept everything else. Including the darken grille and rear skirt. Being a Suzuki fan and an ex-Swift owner, I couldn't resist but to booked a testdrive.

The sport seemed to look slightly bigger than the older model in the exterior and I'm glad the dealer included the HID lights as standard, nevermind the 16" rims as they can be changed.

The interior feels slightly bigger. Seating at the rear cabin and you don't feel as claustrophobic as the older sport. The dashboard were kind of meh with the standard silver trimmings to separate it from the normal Swift breed. But the lack of practical compartments is as irritable as the older sport. The small boot makes it abit less practical for one with a family.

Ignite the engine and you notice the difference compared to the old Sport. The exhaust note is more subtle this time and I noticed how light the steering feels at carpark speed. Perhaps this is a sign of what to expect from the road? I gunned down the testdrive route, dragging the gears as close to redline as I can, taking the Sport to the corners before I backed down to cruising speed. Thankfully traffic was extremely light for me to push the sport.

What I like
- Engine that is willing to rev
- Sweet and precised Handling
- HID lights as standard
- Abundant airbags
- Steering feel


The handling is now more predictive and more obedient compared to the bare-bones handling of the old sport. This unfortunately takes abit of fun out of the new sport but I feel it still retains that precision that made it a great car to begin with.

The engine is still as revy as ever with the exhaust taking higher revs to bring out its sporty roar. This gives the feel that the new sport seemed more refined. The gears feel somewhat less engaging and may be some time getting used to. But it made up for that extra cog that the old sport lacks

What I do not like
- Mellowed exhaust note
- 16" Rims as standard
- stiff gearshift, needs to get used to it.
- Tiny Boot (Even smaller than regular Swifts, thanks to bigger spare)
- minimalist compartments

In conclusion, the new Sport has matured much from its predecessor. Taking out some of the fun in exchange for some refinement doesn't necessarily be a bad thing, especially in the current automotive market where people are looking at all round package more than niche functionalities.

That's how Suzuki evolved from the no-frill Ignis Sport to the Current Swift Sport.


Disco
Clutched
1 reviews
13 points
68 forum posts Joined on 27-Jul-2010
Proud to have chosen this car over every other turbo nutjob  Posted on 07 Dec 2012
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
"the Swift Sport is far more a hot hatch than the Focus RS and the Megane RenaultSport and every other turbo nutjob." - Top Gear UK (http://www.topgear.com/uk/suzuki/swift/road-test/sport-three-door-driven)

In recent times where turbo engines and quick-shifting auto transmissions are the norms, it's relatively easy for anyone to drive fast and/or well. Simply steer, stop or go.

Gone are the days where the difference is the driver. The joy of working the revs and the gear stick, perfecting your footwork, and feeling the nuances of how a good naturally aspirated engine behaves in relation to the tachometer.

Cars like these are a dying breed. Even the upcoming Renault Clio RS, one of the most hardcore performance small cars, is going to be turbocharged and available in auto only. Not to mention the strong rumours that the next Civic Type R will have a turbo too.

Now in its second iteration, Suzuki has updated some of the Swift Sport's features to keep up with times but left unchanged what makes a proper performance small car.

Features-wise, it has all the modern essentials – Thumbdrive/iPod connectivity, HID headlamps, keyless entry and ignition, traction control, climate control, etc.

Some exterior design highlights: the fat looking rear with twin exhausts and diffuser, those swept-back blackened headlights upfront, and the fin-like C-pillar.

Inside, the design and materials used are much more contemporary compared to the 1st-gen Swift. Sitting position is great - relatively low but with good visibility.

Boot space is shockingly small and the rear seats aren’t the most spacious. But neither are concerns to me as my boot and rear seats are empty 99% of the time.

I get at least 450km from a full tank even when driving hard. If driven conservatively, 520km is easily achievable.

I test-drove many other Cat A performance small cars before deciding on the Swift Sport. Many were faster, many were more premium, many had more features and trinketry. Yet it was the Swift Sport, with its manual gearbox and rev-hungry NA engine, that really stood out and appealed to me.

What I like
- NA engine that begs to be revved hard, and sounds great when you do
- 6-speed manual
- Extremely fun to handle
- At least 200kg lighter than its competitors
- HID headlamps
- Rare; I’ve only seen 2 other units in the wild so far
- Great service from the team at Champion Motors

What I do not like
- Poor boot space
- Wide turning radius
- Rather quiet exhaust


Jsmith
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
3 forum posts Joined on 30-May-2012
Fantasitc Hothatch  Posted on 26 Nov 2012
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
Upgraded from Swift 1.5A to the SSS 1.6A. Was looking for hatchback for city driving. Tested many other cars in this hatch class all across the range, before settling on this. While compared to turbos and other better spec car, this is normal aspirated and smooth driving throughout the torque range. Very perky and always ready to charge, extremely well controlled through curves, and tight responsive steering with fantastic feedback. Pickup and equipment not as good as some top end German hatches, but for what you pay, it is seriously a really well put together car. Reliable with proven record in previous Swift, so don't expect problems, in any case with 5 year warranty from agent. Fuel consumption is decent 15km/L for urban roads with minimum highway. Pedal shift in manual mode offers a more controlled, spirited drive, and the CVT is generally well programmed for a responsive throttle. The more you dirve, the more you want to drive! Amazing and fun little hatch!

What I like
1) normal aspirated engine, silky smooth, never straining no matter what you do.
2) well built, no funny noises/rattling etc
3) mildly aggressive look, still conservative similar to older model
4) well specced where it counts
5) a real driver's car!

What I do not like
1) 16 inch rims are SERIOUS letdown, epecially since most countries put on 17 inch rims at very slightly increased cost. Agent should offer them for upgrade /option.
2) Limited accessories, eg deep boot tray to max out the already small boot space, GPS, recaro seats etc...


Imdumb
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
1 points
14 forum posts Joined on 02-Apr-2012
A sporty ride which wouldn't burn a hole in your pocket.  Posted on 19 Nov 2012
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
This is 2nd car for me as i upgrade from a swift 1.3m to this baby. Suzuki is a very reliable car. Have being driving it since april this year and so far i can say i'm enjoying very bit of it. FC wise is good as my FC ia avg at 15.8km/l as i'm driving the manual version of it. Speed climb quite fast so i have to constantly look at my speedometer to prevent myself from speeding. Handling around corners is lovely which is the beauty of this car.

In all, this car is a worth changing car.

What I like
- The new bodykit
- The new interior
- Better fuel consumption.
- more spacious at the back.
- Better car handling.

What I do not like
- Lack in bluetooth control and cruise control
- Ugly 16" rims.
- boot too small.
- Very few aftermarket parts in singapore ( Due to COE )
- Lack of pull in 1st and 2nd gear. ( 3rd gear on then comes the pull )


Ryan1ong
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 11-Mar-2011
Best looking car with performace  Posted on 06 Nov 2012
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
This car design is one of my favorite hatchback design compact but with a can be simple but also fierce design just with some stickers and lines. its pick up can be done from 0-100 within 9 sec which is fairly good for a car in singapore. Most importantly it can move around freely in singapore road without much problem for its size and good handling.

What I like
I like mostly is the compact but enough space for me to keep whatever my needs in the car and there is still space. Its nice handling and good size makes it easy to move around and parking.

What I do not like
The head light would prefer to come in angel lamp or something brighter. Do not us LED as it will look not original. All should have mega swift headlights.


Gexer
Neutral Newbie
2 reviews
2 points
94 forum posts Joined on 16-Apr-2005
Swiftly affordable  Posted on 05 Nov 2012
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Comfort 3.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
This small hatch has been know for its agility, weight and power. The entry unit is good for family use. Mod parts are available easily to boost its performance. Due to the power to weight ratio, its one of the faster pick up car for the current busy road.

What I like
Swift and affordable.

What I do not like
Nothing to complain


Yfphan
Neutral Newbie
3 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 15-Jul-2010
Excellent Version of the Compact Swift  Posted on 03 Jul 2012
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
Facelifted swift exterior corresponds with its sporty image. 0-100 in 8.2 secs, tops every 1.6 litre from the ramen & kimchi range. Road grip at sharp corners was effortlessly solid and will not lose out to continental challengers in its class. Suspension tuned to perfection that you felt like driving a sedan despite being a hatch.

What I like
Futuristic yet contemporary front and back. Effortlessly drifting through difficult traffic without the usual drag of a conventional auto model. CVT is excellent! There's no dread for lack of fire power on initial acceleration and gear shift like ordinary 4-6 speed auto transmission.

What I do not like
The new unit delivered to me stalled due to CVT programming & require towing back to Pandan Crescent for reprogramming. The temporary replacement unit has not such trouble.

Suzuki Swift Sport
4 stars - based on 9 reviews