Let's begin by saying that it is not far-fetched to accolade the previous Swift Sport as one of the automobile icons in its era. Either as an economical first ride or an upgrade from a less-sporty mule, the Swift Sport has found its loyal followers amidst the restricted numbers of motorist on our local shores.
Indisputably, that is a big hat to fill for the small hatchback. Unsurprisingly too, with 'hatches' getting increasingly desirable, the big players have put their foot down to churned out a multitude of variants. We sample the latest CVT variant to find out if it is as good as it used to be.
Exterior
Albeit being a new generation, the Swift Sport, like its standard hatchback brethren, is more of an evolution than revolution. Despite gaining a few extra inches, the hatchback retains the much of the proportions on its predecessor - easily recognisable as the hot hatch offering from Suzuki.
It is not hard to tell where it inherited its styling cues from. That said, the new Swift Sport is by no means boring or bland. Instead, the aesthetic revamps are adept in bestowing the Swift Sport a crisp, contemporary outlook that will position itself against the likes of the continental hatchbacks.
Aesthetic changes are most recognisable up front, with the more-protruding snout which adds a substantial bit to the overall on-road presence.
Indisputably, that is a big hat to fill for the small hatchback. Unsurprisingly too, with 'hatches' getting increasingly desirable, the big players have put their foot down to churned out a multitude of variants. We sample the latest CVT variant to find out if it is as good as it used to be.
Exterior
Albeit being a new generation, the Swift Sport, like its standard hatchback brethren, is more of an evolution than revolution. Despite gaining a few extra inches, the hatchback retains the much of the proportions on its predecessor - easily recognisable as the hot hatch offering from Suzuki.
It is not hard to tell where it inherited its styling cues from. That said, the new Swift Sport is by no means boring or bland. Instead, the aesthetic revamps are adept in bestowing the Swift Sport a crisp, contemporary outlook that will position itself against the likes of the continental hatchbacks.
Aesthetic changes are most recognisable up front, with the more-protruding snout which adds a substantial bit to the overall on-road presence.
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At the rear end, the Swift Sport maintains the twin side-flanking tailpipes layout, now integrated into a metallic diffuser. The roof spoiler features a clear third braking lamp, tastefully mounted, and completes the sporty package without looking overtly raucous.
The new front fascia more dimensionally shaped: portrays a provocative and dynamic outlook  |
Interior
Up front, the driver is greeted by a new three-spoke steering wheel, looking a tad clunky but allows good grip, especially with the thumb-protrudes at the 2 and 10 o'clock. Position of the wheel, however, feels slightly awkward as it tips towards the left. There are no qualms about the driving position though, with three-way seat adjustments and steering adjustable for height and rake.
The centre console retains the general design found on the standard Swift. Unique to the Sport is the digital display for climate control - a neat upgrade which blends well with the entertainment display in similar white-LEDs.
Centre display simplistic but comes with all essentials; Aluminium trims and red stitchings accentuates sportiness in cabin
Up front, the driver is greeted by a new three-spoke steering wheel, looking a tad clunky but allows good grip, especially with the thumb-protrudes at the 2 and 10 o'clock. Position of the wheel, however, feels slightly awkward as it tips towards the left. There are no qualms about the driving position though, with three-way seat adjustments and steering adjustable for height and rake.
The centre console retains the general design found on the standard Swift. Unique to the Sport is the digital display for climate control - a neat upgrade which blends well with the entertainment display in similar white-LEDs.
Centre display simplistic but comes with all essentials; Aluminium trims and red stitchings accentuates sportiness in cabin 
Like its predecessor, rear quarter may pose a challenge for individuals with greater height attributes The slight gain in exterior dimensions does not translate too much increment in the cabin, which means the rear occupants will still get a slightly restricted leg-room. Sitting three abreast at the rear would also pose a challenge for full-sized adults.
Our test car came with fabric seats - a quick check with the local authorised distributor revealed however, that owners can now enjoy a free upgrade to leather interior.
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The Drive
Underneath the sheet metal, the Swift Sport underwent substantial bits of reworks. For instance, the automatic variant now comes with CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with seven-speed manual override, a significant improvement over the four-speed automatic in its predecessor. Notably, the gearshifts are seamlessly executed, and done without the usual hustle (we have sampled a number of CVTs with whiney tones).
Paddle-shifters with 7-speed manual overide and Engine Start-Stop button keep the Swfit Sport current with competition
Like the previous iteration, the latest Swift Sport is not aimed at outright acceleration. The Japanese firm however has managed to squeeze out 10 more horsepower from a similar 1.6-litre powerplant, which manages to keep the new car adeptly sprightly despite the slight weight gain.
New to the Swift Sport are also the all-round stiffer springs. The benefits are inherent when the car is thrown into bends at speeds. Despite the tall body profile, the body roll is kept well within controlled. Do not be mistaken, however, that the ride quality is by any means deteriorated with unforgiving hardness. Instead, it flows well with what the car was aimed at in the first place - to provide a well-balanced sporty package worthy to be a daily drive.
Underneath the sheet metal, the Swift Sport underwent substantial bits of reworks. For instance, the automatic variant now comes with CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with seven-speed manual override, a significant improvement over the four-speed automatic in its predecessor. Notably, the gearshifts are seamlessly executed, and done without the usual hustle (we have sampled a number of CVTs with whiney tones).
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Like the previous iteration, the latest Swift Sport is not aimed at outright acceleration. The Japanese firm however has managed to squeeze out 10 more horsepower from a similar 1.6-litre powerplant, which manages to keep the new car adeptly sprightly despite the slight weight gain.
New to the Swift Sport are also the all-round stiffer springs. The benefits are inherent when the car is thrown into bends at speeds. Despite the tall body profile, the body roll is kept well within controlled. Do not be mistaken, however, that the ride quality is by any means deteriorated with unforgiving hardness. Instead, it flows well with what the car was aimed at in the first place - to provide a well-balanced sporty package worthy to be a daily drive.
Conclusion
In five-door trim the Swift Sport packs usable practicality - a trait that was well-received previously. In the same lights, the reduced boot size may then be a hurdle to cross for those more concerned about the loots they may be carrying around town.
That aside, Suzuki has no doubt re-affirmed its position as one of the world-leading small-car manufacturers with the latest Swift Sport. A strong statement, nonetheless, but it is not difficult to debate on the positive tip of the balance, especially when one recognises the attention to detail and tweaks done to turn the little hatchback into a competent all-rounder.
Short to speak - the new Swift Sport is still a crackling piece of kit.
In five-door trim the Swift Sport packs usable practicality - a trait that was well-received previously. In the same lights, the reduced boot size may then be a hurdle to cross for those more concerned about the loots they may be carrying around town.
That aside, Suzuki has no doubt re-affirmed its position as one of the world-leading small-car manufacturers with the latest Swift Sport. A strong statement, nonetheless, but it is not difficult to debate on the positive tip of the balance, especially when one recognises the attention to detail and tweaks done to turn the little hatchback into a competent all-rounder.
Short to speak - the new Swift Sport is still a crackling piece of kit.
