Click the link above for a high-res gallery of the Swift Sport.
The market for budget-priced, hot hatches in the U.S. has dwindled over the last two decades, with most of the major players either inflating prices or dropping out altogether. However, according to Automotive News, Suzuki execs have confirmed that the next generation Swift will finally make its way to U.S. shores, likely sometime in 2010.
The Swift and its Sport-y sibling are currently sold in Japan and Europe, gaining a significant amount of praise from consumers abroad looking for an entertaining compact that appeals to both cheapskates and enthusiasts alike.
The current Swift Sport, in European guise, comes equipped with a 1.6-liter VVT engine, creating 125 HP and sending power to the front wheels via a close-ratio five-speed transmission. Considering that the current Sport tips the scales at around 400 pounds less than a Mini Cooper S, it will provide more bang-for-the-buck than any vehicle available –- especially if it comes in under $15-large.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Niels @ Apr 16th 2007 2:33AM
That thing's gonna be way too outdated by 2010. It's a bit out of date right now.
Bryan @ Apr 16th 2007 2:45AM
Why? Why is Suzuki even here? I rarely even see one. What is mind boggling as well, is the brand new supersize Ford store down the street that sells tons of cars is building a ...suzuki dealership next to it? Why? Why not something like MAZDA? Who buys Suzukis? As far as the car I agree poster #1..even if it was updated or redesigned when it gets here it wont matter I mean look at the way Suzuki designs their vehicles now! Yuck!
Avinash machado @ Apr 16th 2007 3:24AM
Jeremy Clarkson praised the Swift in his review. Here is the link to his review.
http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article664487.ece
Noidor @ Apr 16th 2007 3:30AM
Great car...and they said that NEXT GENERATION will come. They would be stupid to bring in current model right at the end of its cycle. Pay attention to details...
Jeff Gilleran @ Apr 16th 2007 4:38AM
Thats what ive been hearing as well.
The Swift should do great.
Specially with rising gas prices and all.
Its a much more upscale, yet still very affordable that isnt spartan like the last US made Swift as of 2001.
This car not only has character, but is fun to drive which isnt that easy to find in most of todays economy cars.
Fuel economy and fun to drive?
Gotta like that :)
I agree with #1 in that the car might seem dated in 2010 if they continue with the current look, but something tells me there will be a slight refresh before its released back into the US.
Travis @ Apr 16th 2007 6:02AM
This VVT engine should be aoffered in the Aveo. Just think an Aveo Sport. ha -anyway it would be a welcome upgrade from its base 1.6l.
Steve @ Apr 16th 2007 8:27AM
Great looking, clean lines, light weight, good power-to-weight ratio. For rally and auto-x it will be terrific. I don't mind that it doesn't look like all the other boy-racers currently offered by other mfgrs... I actually prefer a little more subtle styling. I want one!!
geo.stewart @ Apr 16th 2007 8:27AM
good luck stealing scion xd owners away. the xd comes out this year with 12x hp and simialr size and $15K or lower price. with a 2 yr lead, they will be the ones to beat.
Puffy C @ Apr 16th 2007 8:31AM
Suzuki offers the best value going for many segments these days so why not expand more here in the U.S. It should do well.
Snix @ Apr 16th 2007 8:52AM
I'm with #7 Steve, a better power to weight ratio than a non turbo Mini? Close or second only to a Lotus Elise in this regard? (and 1/3 of the price) Oh man, this thing looks like it would be a blast to drive! I like the race configuration in the photo gallery also.
Now if Ford would bring the Ka and VW bring the Polo to the states......this could be the start of a new econobox war. Weeeeeeee!!!!!
For me, the ultimate pocket rocket was the Renault Turbo 5.
If gas goes to 4 bucks a gallon, who could resist something like this? Forget about a hybrid, gimme one of these, especially if it gets 45+ MPG on the highway.
Snix @ Apr 16th 2007 8:52AM
OH WAIT! The article says 1000 lb less than a Mini Cooper S! Holy crap! Now I really want one!
Jesda @ Apr 16th 2007 9:16AM
Design success is in the details. This looks like a puppy dog.
I think I like it.
Rick Lyon @ Apr 16th 2007 9:56AM
Great for 1 person + friend. Ah, where are the four doors? US needs more FOUR DOOR compact hatches. Mazda2, come please!!
JP @ Apr 16th 2007 10:57AM
Suzuki Swift GL 1.3 curb weight: 2,304lbs
MINI Cooper S curb weight: 2,679lbs
source: http://research.cars.uk.msn.com/
That's more like a 400lb difference. I think Damon's post is referring to a previous generation of the Swift, which weighed around 1700lbs.
BigTeebo @ Apr 16th 2007 12:05PM
I'm a MINI owner, and I like it. It's like a perfect blend of the Clio V6 and MINI. Nice styling all around.
Phil @ Apr 16th 2007 12:28PM
These are good quality cars inexpensive and loads of fun to drive, I wish it was on sale here today, Europe has it but again we dont.
Suzukis are under rated.
Rocket Punch @ Apr 16th 2007 12:51PM
WOW GREAT NEWS!!!! You mean we will get a new car in 2010 thats 5 years old!!!
We're not worthy....
Damon Lavrinc @ Apr 16th 2007 1:10PM
JP - Thanks. It's been corrected.
Aprime @ Apr 16th 2007 1:21PM
It will probably be redesigned by the time it gets here (hoping they'll replace the current Canadian Swift which is basically a rebadged Aveo with this).
Don @ Apr 16th 2007 4:24PM
I hope the US version is the Euro version.