Suzuki Motors recently made a comeback to Malaysia with the launch of the third-generation Swift Sport hatchback that made its global debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. In the local market, the model is available as fully imported from Japan, which can be purchased through Suzuki’s new official distributor, i.e. Naza Eastern Motors. 

This is not the first appearance of the Swift Sport in the country as the model’s second-generation was launched back in 2013 here, whose sales came to end when Suzuki formally exited the market in 2013. Well, the new model is all-new, available in a sole AT variant, unlike the predecessor that had manual as well. Also, the price is much higher this time at RM 139,900 as compared to the second-gen model priced between RM 97,888 and RM 102,888.

So, what are the things that the Malaysian-spec Swift Sport is good at, and what are the areas where it needs improvement? Let’s find out in today’s pros and cons guide.

Suzuki Swift Sport Pros

Sporty exterior

The new Swift Sport has an outstanding exterior design, featuring a honeycomb grille, model-specific bumpers, LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, and LED rear combination tail lights. The hatchback also gets black under spoilers spanning its front, sides, and rear. Added to its sportiness are the roof-end spoiler, 16-inch thin-spoke alloys, and dual exhaust tips. No matter which sporty colour you choose from the available palette, the hatchback just looks stunning on the road.

Turbo power

For third-gen Swift Sport, Suzuki ditched the high-revving, 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated mill in favour of a more sophisticated 1.4-litre turbocharged unit. The new engine churns out a maximum power of 140 PS at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 230 Nm from 2,500 to 3,500 rpm. That means a bump of 4 PS in power and 70 Nm in torque levels. A 6-speed automatic transmission drives the front wheels of the hatchback and enables it to hit the 100 kmph mark in 8 seconds, before getting a top speed of 205 kmph.

Lighter than the previous-gen model

Based on the new ‘HEARTECT’ platform, the model gets an incredibly low kerb weight of only 990 kg i.e. 20 kg less than the manual trim, and 80 kg lighter than the previous-gen model. This resulted in approximately 4.2 kg/Nm car’s torque-to-weight ratio, which according to the automaker makes it “one of the most competitive hot hatch models in the market.” 

Funky interior

Inside the cabin, the new hatchback gets sporty semi-bucket fabric front seats with splashes of red colour all around. There is red stitching on the seats and steering wheel, red-faced tachometer as well as red trimming on the dashboard, central tunnel, and door inserts. The list of hi-tech includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, cruise control, single-zone automatic air-conditioning, keyless entry with push start button, and reverse camera. Being an automatic hatch, it also gets steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Suzuki Swift Sport Cons

Lack of a six-speed manual 

Those car enthusiasts who like to row their own gears can feel disappointed that the one and only 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder mill of the hatchback is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. That means, there is no option for manual transmission. 

Weak safety net

When it comes to safety, the Malaysian-spec Swift Sport is highly disappointing as it does not have any advanced driver assistance system. The model’s specs sheet only has some basic safety bits, including six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, and dual Isofix child seat anchors for the rear seats. However, the version available in the European market features several driver-assistance bits like an advanced forward detection system, dual Sensor Brake Support, weaving alert function, lane departure warning, and high beam assist.

Verdict

There you have it guys. These were the areas where we think the new Suzuki Swift Sport excels and disappoints. Overall, it offers a combination of sporty style, practicality, and performance.

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