If you've listened to our most recent podcast, it's apparent that a couple of us are eagerly awaiting the arrival of an important addition to the Suzuki lineup: the Swift Sport.
We've been eyeing-up the Swift Sport from far away, far too long, knowing that we'll adore its small footprint, perky-four and road-sucking prowess.
And what's not to love?
A small, high-revving 1.6-liter engine, with variable valve timing, that's been honed on the absurdly demanding Junior World Rally Championship circuit. A close-ratio, five speed manual gets to molest 125 hp before it reaches the tarmac and a suspension setup, mated with 17" wheels, that would bring a few Miata drivers around to the dark (front-wheel drive) side.
We can hardly wait, and thankfully, the blokes over at World Car Fans have given us all the succulent details to pour over in a hatch-induced haze.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
AnonymousInsights @ Sep 6th 2006 8:38AM
Suzuki is going to do what Hyundai did five years ago. They are going to offer a ton-a-car, value and good reliable transport for not-a-lot-a-money. The Swift and SX4 look great on paper and remind me of what Hyundai once did.
Nill @ Sep 6th 2006 8:44AM
The moment Suzuki admitted that there will be no New Swift for America till at least 2010 was the moment I completely lost interest.
They dropped the ball by not specing this so-called "world car" for the US to begin with and now they'll completely miss the C-segment market boom here by waiting for their next model before bothering with certification for our shores.
They can manage sending us new SUVs and Crossovers, yet tossing a few subcompacts on the boat over here is impossible? Honestly now.
AnonymousInsights @ Sep 6th 2006 9:08AM
I guess I didn't realize we weren't getting the car. You're definitely right....dropped the ball!
kansei @ Sep 6th 2006 9:12AM
NOT UNTIL 2010?!?!?!?! OMGWTF!!! argh argh I want one now soo much! It's such an amazing work of art (interior is a bit bland but I could live with it).
damnit am I going to have to keep my Protege5 until 2010? it will have 200k miles by then if I did my math correctly. :)
Oh well, back to badgering Mazda North America to bring the Mazda2 over I guess :)
damn that Swift Sport sure does look HOT though.
Jeff the Baptist @ Sep 6th 2006 9:48AM
"The moment Suzuki admitted that there will be no New Swift for America till at least 2010 was the moment I completely lost interest."
When did they announce this? It isn't in the linked article and all the press releases I've found indicate 2007 or 2008.
Carchops @ Sep 6th 2006 10:07AM
wow, quite a wait for a car that isnt really that impressive :
http://www.carchops.com
gemorris @ Sep 6th 2006 10:11AM
Originally they said 2010 (new model) but now they are planning on making the current model available in 2007. I guess they re-did their cost benifit analysis on retrofitting the car for us crash safety tests, and the potential to sell boatloads of these things to small car hungry us consumers.
This is one of the best handing small cars in the world according to most reviews. Too bad the other great handler, the VW Fox, won't be coming here.
And forget the sport, I want the diesel. Torque rules.
menice @ Sep 6th 2006 10:28AM
Kansei: damn that Swift Sport sure does look HOT though
are you kidding me?
this is hot?
http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/newsID/2060905.008/pageview/photo/photo/Mini4/page/1/country/jcf/suzuki/suzuki-swift-sport-in-detail
it looks like a Yugo before the redesign, even uglier.
Ethan @ Sep 6th 2006 11:10AM
You can thank your SUV loving American dealer network for the fact that we did not get the current Swift. When the car was in the engineering stage Suzuki asked it's US dealer network if they wanted the Swift. They all said no. They wanted a huge SUV to mark up and make huge profit.
kansei @ Sep 6th 2006 11:30AM
menice: yes, I think that looks hot. I drive a Mazda Protege5, you probably hate the way it looks too :)
The proportions on that car are just right. They are reminiscent of the mini cooper though a bit larger. I think the swift looks like a ton of fun.
Enrique @ Sep 6th 2006 1:49PM
Since when is 0-62 in 8.9 seconds "sporty,"? I mean I realize the handling will be sporty and it will be a very maneuverable little car, but 8.9 seconds? My Elantra does 0-60 in 8.9 seconds.
menice @ Sep 6th 2006 2:59PM
no man, i actually like the protoge5.
think the mini S is cool too.
this just doesnt do it for me. just too 'mr.bean'ish .
aaron @ Sep 6th 2006 6:29PM
#7 Source? As of May Suzuki indicated to the Canadian press that their were no plans for an NA release of the Swift before the next platform. The other thing is Suzuki is supposedly tapped out production wise as is indicated in this info on the Sport. If it is coming to NA Canada will be where it will land as this a hot segment but it still won't require the volume of units the US would. Also Suzuki Canada has been selling the Kalos here as the Swift + and isn't happy with it or the fact that GM is selling it as the Aveo and Wave in same market.
Brian @ Sep 13th 2006 10:25AM
I test drove the SX4 Sept 9th, and I've got to admit that I was quite impressed! The only drawback was the exceleration factor. Seems the SX4 is a very heavy vehicle for its class. But, as I was unescorted, I took evasive manuvers to see and feel the handling--very impressed! I will be buying one in 6 mos; that is, if all testing results are posted and confirm my initial assessment.
banjoez @ Sep 13th 2006 12:35PM
If the new Swift is not scheduled to get to the US until 2010 then why is it listed under
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
Choose 2007/Suzuki and there it is......
Penny @ Sep 17th 2006 12:56PM
#15 that is the Swift+. It is a Chevy Aveo clone sold in Canada. They also get a Pontiac version. So the same car is sold at three different dealerships in Canada. All look the same but have different badges on them.
tio @ Sep 17th 2006 1:03PM
yeah, I think it is hot!
http://gomiction.cocolog-nifty.com/tanukihome/images/swift_sport_2.jpg
sky @ Oct 25th 2006 10:24PM
I don't think they're hot, more... cute. Not the kind of car I'm generally into, but I'm looking at getting one because they're fast for a 1.6L N/A car, cheaper than most of its rivals, and more reliable than a Peugeot or a Renault.
Gwynnie2006 @ Nov 14th 2006 7:59AM
Test driven the swift sport twice and I'm convinced this little 'warm-hatch' is the best in its class value for money-wise. Shame Suzuki won't be bringing it to the USA. You guys who think this car isn't hot, trust me, it is in the flesh. The pics don't do it justice at all. Guess there's one good thing bout living in the UK!
Swifter @ Dec 15th 2006 2:40PM
lolz,
I guess, then there are MANY Good Things to LiVE in Pakistan..!!
If we wont get it through the dealers No Worry: We here can Import any car we Like, Any!
And It doesnt cost you that Much if you get One from JAPAN, JDM Rules!!