Suzuki Swift Sport - how does a useful hot hatch drive?

The Suzuki Swift Sport isn't the obvious choice when it comes to hot hatches. Some would not even include it in this class. And yet it's a lot of fun to drive for a small price. What has changed in the new generation? We checked during the first tests.

Suzuki Swift Sport first appeared in 2005. Although it was often tried to be combined with competing hot hatch models, Suzuki was probably not keen on such combinations. He created a car that is fun to drive, evokes emotion without sacrificing practicality. Its overall usability as a city car was an important design point. Almost as important as low body weight.

Looks modern

Since the first Suzuki Swift appeared on the market, its appearance has changed quite a lot. Designers had to settle for distinctive shapes because the transition to the second generation was a bit like a far-reaching facelift, and not necessarily a completely new model.

The new generation continues to look back, and it is reminiscent of its predecessors - the shape of the front and rear lights or the slightly raised trunk lid. This is a good move, because knowing previous generations, we can easily guess which model we are looking at. Swift has its own character.

However, this character has become much more modern. Shapes are sharper, headlights have LED daytime running lights, we've got a large vertical grille, twin tailpipes at the rear, 17-inch wheels - subtle sporty touches to help shine in the city.

Nice interior but hard

The dashboard design is certainly less bulky than its predecessors - it looks quite nice, if simple. Blackness was broken by red stripes, and there was a large screen in the center of the console. We still operate the air conditioner manually.

The flattened steering wheel is reminiscent of Swift's sporting aspirations, but is also a bit overloaded with buttons—buttons of various kinds. A sports watch with a red tachometer looks beautiful.

However, appearance is not everything. The interior makes a good first impression, but upon closer inspection, most of the materials turn out to be hard plastic. While driving, this does not bother us, because we sit in sports seats with built-in headrests and keep our hands on the leather steering wheel. The seats are more contoured, but too narrow for tall drivers.

The Suzuki Swift Sport is designed for everyday use and designed for city trips. Thus, the space in the cabin is quite tolerable and it is more than enough for the driver and one passenger, and the volume of the luggage compartment is 265 liters.

Man does not live by force alone

The first Swift Sport earned respect by taking it very seriously. Suzuki's hot hatch has got a revving 1.6 engine with forged pistons - just like in really strong cars. The power may not shock you - 125 hp. is no feat, but they made him a very capable city kid.

The new Suzuki Swift Sport isn't particularly strong even for the urban hot hatch segment. If we had to call it that, because, for example, we can buy a Ford Fiesta with a 140 hp engine, and it's not even an ST version yet. And this is the strength of the sporty Suzuki?

However, this was the first time that a 1.4 supercharged engine was used. As a result, the torque characteristics are flatter and the maximum torque is 230 Nm between 2500 and 3500 rpm. This, however, is not meant to impress here. That's rough. The first Swift Sport weighed just over a ton. The other is similar. However, the new platform has reduced the weight to 970 kg.

We tested Swift in the mountainous region of Andalusia, Spain. Here he shows his best side. Although acceleration for a hot hatch does not knock down, because the first 100 km / h appear on the counter only after 8,1 seconds, it copes well with turns. Thanks to a slightly stiffer suspension and short wheelbase, it behaves like a kart. Literally. The six-speed gearbox is very smooth and the gears click into place with an audible click.

It is a pity that although we see two exhaust pipes at the back, we don’t hear much from them. Here again, the "useful" side of the Sport has taken over - it's not too loud and not too harsh. Ideal for everyday driving.

A small engine and a light car are also good fuel economy. According to the manufacturer, it consumes 6,8 l / 100 km in the city, 4,8 l / 100 km on the highway and an average of 5,6 l / 100 km. However, we will check in at the stations quite often. The fuel tank holds only 37 liters.

Dynamic car at a reasonable price

The Suzuki Swift Sport is particularly impressive for its handling. The low curb weight and stiff suspension make it extremely agile, but it's not a car for those who like to show everyone they have the fastest car. There's enough power to make the ride enjoyable, but most competing hot hatches are much more powerful.

But they are also more expensive. Suzuki Swift Sport costs PLN 79. While it would seem that a Fiesta ST or a Polo GTI are in the same league, the Suzuki is pretty much stocked at this price when we're approaching 900 at the price of a well-equipped Polo. zloty.

While many people will opt for stronger cars, Swift drivers will have the same smile on their faces because the joy of driving the Japanese model is not lacking.