2018 Suzuki Swift Sport quick spin review
- Sharp looks
- Engaging dynamics
- Tech appeal
- Could use more punch
- Limited warranty
- Not cheap
What is it?
One of the cheapest performance cars on sale – a turbocharged, sharper version of the Suzuki Swift city car intended to be a stepping stone toward more powerful machinery.
How much does it cost and what do you get?
Priced from $25,490 plus on-road costs, Suzuki says the Swift Sport is an affordable “hot hatch”, as well as the top model in the Swift range,
The Sport builds on regular Swift hardware with 17-inch alloy wheels, bigger brakes, sports suspension and a turbocharged engine mated to a choice of six-speed manual or optional six-speed auto transmission for a further $2000. You also get a body kit and reworked interior home to sporty elements fitting its position in the range.
Standard equipment includes a 4.2-inch digital dashboard display and a 7–inch central touchscreen with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an impressive driver assistance package including autonomous emergency braking and active cruise control.
Suzuki supports the car with a three-year, 100,000-kilometre warranty. Capped-price servicing is due every six months or 10,000 kilometres, and following Suzuki’s in-house service plan extends the band’s mechanical guarantee to five years or 140,000 kilometres.
What’s under the bonnet?
Suzuki’s performance hero is powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo engine that sends 103kW and 230Nm to the front wheels. It feels reasonably perky in the real world, helping you zip through traffic as you stir the manual transmission to make the most of its relatively modest outputs.
While first-time performance car customers will no doubt appreciate the extra punch, people with hot hatch experience may feel underwhelmed by its narrow torque peak as maximum shove is on tap from just 2500-3500rpm. By comparison, a more expensive VW Golf GTI offers at least 50 per cent more torque for triple the duration, making it feel much stronger in the real world.
Though it is fun to hustle the Swift along, a 0-100km/h time of 8.0 seconds suggests it isn’t particularly quick, and we weren’t overly impressed by the quality of its manual gear shift.
The engine feels a little stressed when you work it hard at the top of the tacho, feeling more impressive when short shifting to keep the turbo in its sweet spot.
Fun to punt around without being a true segment leader, the Swift’s turbocharged grunt and reasonably efficient 6.1L/100km fuel use should keep owners happy.
What’s it like to drive?
The Swift is a joy to drive, blending quick and talkative steering with roll-resistant sports suspension and composed behaviour.
It feels alert in urban environments or twisty roads, changing direction like a teenager with a Netflix remote. A light tough to its rear suspension tune helps the Swift Sport turn like a Jack Russell terrier, following its nose through the bends.
A good part of the car’s character comes from its slinky 945 kilogram kerb weight – some 600 kilos less than a proper Ford Focus RS hot hatch – that helps it get the job done in every dynamic facet.
Again, it’s not perfect – spongy brake feel, a gritty gear selector and wheezy-sounding engine could be improved. But the Swift’s overall impression is that of a fun-loving, enthusiastic little machine similar to Mini’s twice as costly Cooper S hatch.
What’s it like inside?
Suzuki made a reasonable effort to lift the Swift’s cabin, lending snug-fitting sport seats, a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel and metal sports pedals. Red touches throughout the cockpit include a bright tachometer, painted trim elements and red seat stitching to bring a sense of occasion.
There’s a decent amount of room in the front, but rear space is tight, particularly for big, boofy blokes. Road noise is kept to reasonable levels and the Swift’s well-sorted suspension brings impressive ride comfort for a baby performance car, too.
Is it safe?
Yep – standard safety features for the Swift include six airbags electronic stability control, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning and other systems to prevent a crash. That’s an impressive suite, particularly at this price.
Would I buy it?
Absolutely. The Swift Sport is a gateway drug to a world of grown-up performance cars, offering a taste of the poise, composure and brio brought by the world’s best hot hatches.
It’s a car I would have loved when graduating to my P-Plates some time ago, and one I still appreciate today.
Lamborghini-look wheels, searing paint choices and strong technical features only serve to support its argument.
What else should I consider?
While bigger hot hatches priced from $40,000 to $50,000 are thick on the ground today, affordable models like this are a little harder to come by. Volkswagen’s more refined (and costly) Polo GTI should not be overlooked, along with Renault’s Clio RS – though neither offer a manual transmission option. Ford’s Fiesta ST is the dynamic benchmark for this class, but a dated interior and lack of safety features hurt it in 2018. See what sort of deal Ford offers on the Fiesta, which is in run-out mode until a 1.5-litre three-cylinder replacement arrives in next year.
2018 Suzuki Swift Sport pricing and specifications
Price: From $25,490 plus on-road costs
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 103kW at 5500rpm
Torque: 230Nm at 2500-3500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual or automatic, front-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 6.1L/100km