Exciting News: New-Generation Suzuki Swift Sport on the Horizon

Suzuki enthusiasts, rejoice! The new-generation Swift Sport is officially on its way. Although the latest reveal of the Swift didn’t include the sportier variant, Japanese publication Best Car has confirmed that a new Swift Sport is indeed coming. Here’s what we know so far about this eagerly anticipated hot hatch.

What to Expect from the New Swift Sport

According to Best Car, Suzuki is gearing up to unveil the new-generation Swift Sport in September, with a launch slated for the Japanese market by the end of 2024. The new model will bring several updates, including a fresh powertrain and potential changes in dimensions.

New Powertrain

The upcoming Swift Sport will be powered by a newly developed K14D 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system featuring an integrated starter generator. This setup promises improved efficiency and performance.

The engine will be available with a choice of either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. For comparison, the current Swift Sport in Europe is equipped with a similar powertrain but is only available with the manual transmission. The European mild-hybrid version of the Swift Sport produces 96kW and 234Nm of torque, which is slightly more torque but less power than the non-hybrid version available in markets like Australia and Japan. Specific power outputs for the new model have not yet been disclosed.

Weight and Dimensions

The new Swift Sport is expected to weigh just under 1000kg, aligning closely with the current non-mild-hybrid model's weight of 970kg. This is slightly lighter than the European mild-hybrid version, which weighs 1025kg. In terms of dimensions, the new model will be slightly longer at 3990mm and wider at 1750mm. Its height and wheelbase will remain unchanged at 1500mm and 2450mm, respectively.

Pricing and Market Availability

In Japan, the new Swift Sport is projected to start around ¥2.3 million (~A$23,000). For context, the current Swift Sport in Japan starts at ¥2.1 million (~A$21,000). The Swift Sport in Australia is priced at $32,990 drive-away for the manual version and $34,990 drive-away for the automatic.

The new Swift Hybrid, featuring a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a 12V mild-hybrid system, starts at $24,490 drive-away and extends to $29,490 drive-away. As of now, there’s no confirmation regarding the arrival of the new Swift Sport in Australia. Local managing director Michael Pachota mentioned in June that there has been no official word on a new model.

"I would love to have a new Swift Sport," Pachota stated. "We have so many customers, loyalists around our Swift performance products, going right back to the GTi. I think we’re currently the most affordable hot hatch, making it an entry-level sports car that fits anywhere."

What’s Next?

The anticipation for the new Swift Sport is palpable, especially among fans of Suzuki's sporty offerings. While we await further details on its Australian debut, it’s clear that the new-generation Swift Sport will bring exciting updates to an already beloved model. Stay tuned for more information as the launch date approaches!