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2017 Suzuki Swift Sport

GLOBAL PREMIERE OF LIGHTER, QUICKER NEW SUZUKI SWIFT SPORT AT FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW

The all-new Swift Sport had its global premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show today. The third-generation Swift Sport features a lower, wider stance, more aggressive styling, and a torque-to-weight ratio that propels the Swift Sport into genuine hot hatch territory. 'We know that our customers value a dynamic driving experience above everything else,' says Swift Sport chief engineer Masao Kobori, 'so we've made the new Swift Sport lighter, faster and more stimulating in every way.'

New Swift Sport highlights

Hot hatch performance

Kerb weight is down 80kg to only 970kg, maximum torque is up 70N⋅m to 230N⋅m, and the Swift Sport's acclaimed handling is more responsive than ever. The result is genuine hot hatch performance that takes the Swift Sport to the next level.

Strong visual presence

The Swift Sport's athletic stance and performance credentials are enhanced by an exclusive front grille and bumper, and aerodynamic front-lip spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser and roof-end spoiler. 17-inch polished alloy wheels and dual exhausts complete the picture.

Stimulating driver experience

The new interior stimulates the driver's senses. Accent panels, colour-contrasted gauges and precision dials provide visual impact, while semi-bucket seats and high-quality textures keep the driver firmly in control of the fun.

Swift Sport: hot hatch performance

With a 1.4 BOOSTERJET engine producing 230N⋅m of torque, and a total kerb weight that is 80kg less than its predecessor, the lighter and quicker Swift Sport has evolved into a genuine hot hatch that makes exhilarating sports driving a reality.

1.4 BOOSTERJET Engine

The 1.4 BOOSTERJET petrol engine delivers high power with good fuel economy. The new turbocharger helps the engine produce impressive torque from low in the rev range, while the small displacement and direct fuel injection system optimises fuel consumption.

The direct fuel injection system features seven-hole injector nozzles, enabling increased fuel pressure and highly atomised fuel injection, resulting in higher engine output and a cleaner exhaust.

The turbocharger system is equipped with normally-closed wastegate valve control, which defaults to the closed position to provide excellent response in normal driving, and opens to minimise fuel consumption when cruising.

Weight Savings, Improved Chassis and Body Rigidity for Better Handling

The new Swift Sport rests on the 'HEARTECT' platform, a new-generation Suzuki platform that delivers enhanced fundamental vehicle performance through light weight and high rigidity.

A comprehensive overhaul of the underbody's structure and component layout has resulted in the replacement of the segmented frame of the previous platform with a continuous frame that increases underbody stiffness. The new frame is characterised by a smooth, curving form that efficiently disperses energy, enhancing collision safety. Overall body rigidity has been further improved with an increase in spot welds, improving steering-yaw rate linearity and control.

In addition to the 'HEARTECT' platform and the lightweight, shock-absorbing 'TECT' body, detailed optimisation of interior parts, seats and other components has resulted in a total kerb weight of just 970kg.

The torque-to-weight ratio of the new Swift Sport is approximately 4.2 kg/ N⋅m, making it one of the most competitive hot hatch models in the market.

Other features of the 1.4 BOOSTERJET engine:

•Variable fuel pressure control system, reducing PM (particulate matter) and PN (particulate number)

•Dual intake air pressure sensor control for high-response

•Air-cooled intercooler to improve volumetric efficiency by cooling intake air

•Short-port intake manifold, exhaust manifold-integrated cylinder head, and a pendulum-type mounting system for light weight and compactness

6-speed manual transmission

To achieve short-stroke and nimble shifting, enhancements have been made to the same 6-speed manual transmission used in the previous Swift Sport. Actuating force has been tuned for improved shift smoothness and increased driver feedback, complemented by further engineering refinements to increase direct feel and rigidity.

Suspension

Fitting with its position as Suzuki's flagship sports model, the advanced handling capabilities found in previous Swift Sport models have been further refined in the new Swift Sport, with greater driving stability, optimized roll rigidity, and improved dynamic response.

•Front

Carrying on from its predecessors, the new Swift Sport uses Monroe®* front shock absorbers, which have a reputation for high performance. To improve roll stability, the thickness of the stabiliser joint bars have been increased, with a Teflon seat added to the stabiliser mount. The wheel hub and wheel bearings have been made into a single unit, and the width between the bearings has been expanded, together resulting in a 15 percent increase in camber rigidity during cornering. These advancements provide an added degree of stiffness without excessively increasing the spring rate of the springs or the front stabiliser, while maintaining supple movement in road-tyre contact.

Rear

The rear suspension was specially designed to ensure superior stability even at high speeds. The trailing arm was designed and developed exclusively for the new Swift Sport to minimise deformation during cornering. The new model's toe rigidity has been improved by 1.4 times compared to its predecessor, and camber rigidity is higher by a factor of nearly three. The torsional rigidity of the torsion beam has been tuned to provide optimal roll stiffness. As with its predecessor, the new Swift Sport uses Monroe®* rear shock absorbers, with a revised valve structure and optimised damping force characteristics for enhanced handling and control on the road.

Swift Sport: strong visual presence

The Swift Sport features an exclusive frontal design. The front grille and bumper project the nose beyond that of the standard Swift, conveying a sense of tautness and imminent action. Muscular shoulders, blacked-out A-pillars and vertically arranged front and rear lamps, as introduced in the rest of the new Swift model range, are brought into vivid relief in the Swift Sport with black aerodynamic under spoilers spanning the front, sides and rear, and a roof-end spoiler that balances aerodynamic advantage with sports aesthetics.

by Suzuki

by Suzuki

WORLD PREMIERE: NEW SWIFT SPORT TO DEBUT AT 67TH IAA FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW

Suzuki Motor Corporation will officially reveal the new Swift Sport at the 67th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show.

Embodying the brand's sporty profile, the Swift Sport has always held a special place in Suzuki's lineup since the first generation launched in 2005. The new third-generation model has undergone a complete redesign and delivers an all-new level of excitement for sport minded drivers across the world.

Details of the new Swift Sport will be revealed at the Suzuki press conference during the Show.

by Suzuki

by Suzuki

The Suzuki Swift was introduced in 1985 and has remained in production to the present day. In the United States marketplace, the production of the Swift ended in 2000.

When the Suzuki Swift was first introduced, it was named the SA-310, and was renamed in 1986 to Swift. Under the hood was a straight-three cylinder engine that displaced 993cc and produced 50 horsepower. Zero-to-sixty took 14.9 seconds with top speed being achieved at 145 km/h. The engine may not have been very powerful, but it was very lightweight, weighing only 63 kg. A variety of optional engines were available, which included a turbocharged version.

The Swift was sold under various names and badgings, including the Pontiac Firefly, Chevrolet Sprint, Geo Metro, and Maruti Esteem.

The first series of the Swift was the MK1, produced from 1984 through 1988. Two versions were available, a 1-liter GA and 1.0-liter GL. The GA was a 'minimalistic' vehicle, with plastic wheel covers and a five-speed gearbox. The GL also had a five-speed gearbox but added a sunroof and alloy wheels. In some markets, the GL came with air conditioning.

The GTi version came equipped with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that had an aluminum block and cylinder head, forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, and cast aluminum high-compression pistons. Power was rather impressive, producing just over 100 horsepower. It was available in a limited number of markets, including Europe and the Asian-Pacific markets.

The second generation of the Swift was introduced in 1989 and remained in production until 1991. Its design was all-new and featured many curves and a rounder body. It had many mechanical improvements, including four-wheel independent suspension. Under the hood was a 1-liter 3-cylinder engine; optional equipment included a 1.3-liter and 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The three-cylinder engine produced just over 50 horsepower. The GTi version had an improved engine, now producing over 100 horsepower. Also included with the GTi were disc brakes which helped keep the car in the driver's control.

In the North American market, there were two trim levels available in 1989, including a 3-door GTi and a 5-door GLX. In 1990, the GTi name changed to GT. Volkswagen had laid claim to the name, and demanded Suzuki change it - which they did.

In 1992, the third generation of the Swift was introduced, remaining in production until 1994. It had the same body style as the MKII; the major changes were the bumpers, taillights, and interior. Mechanical changes followed, such as larger sway-bars for the GT/GTi versions.

In North America, Suzuki Swift production ended in 1994. In Japan, the Swift (known there as the Cultus) ended in 1998. In Europe, it was called the MK 2 Type 1 and remained in production until 2003.

A special edition of the Suzuki Swift, called the Suzuki Swift MK3.5, was offered from 1995 through 2001 to the North American public.

The Swift MK4 was introduced at the Paris Auto Salon in September 2004. It is currently in production in the European market and in Japan and many other countries. Sales are reported to be very solid.

by Dan Vaughan