Frankfurt show: Suzuki Swift Sport is go

SUZUKI has finally confirmed the existence of the spicy Sport version of its just-launched Swift light car, and the warmed-up hatchback will make its international debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

The Japanese car-maker has not revealed any information about the Swift Sport, but talked up the sporty runabout’s performance credentials in a press release announcing the reveal.

“Embodying the brand’s sporty profile, the Swift Sport has always held a special place in Suzuki’s line-up since the first generation launched in 2005,” Suzuki said.

“The new third-generation model has undergone a complete redesign and delivers an all-new level of excitement for sport minded drivers across the world.”

Suzuki Australia general manager Andrew Moore told GoAuto that the Swift Sport will be offered in Australia, but added that any other details, including timing, had not been locked in.

Just one image of the Sport has been released by Suzuki, revealing similar styling cues to the outgoing model such as the honeycomb grille split by the black front bumper, a different bumper to the standard Swift with edgier foglight housings, front spoiler, a new wheel design and the same bright yellow paintwork.

Early last month Suzuki launched the all-new fifth-generation Swift Down Under, offering three variants priced from $15,990 plus on-road costs for the base GL manual hatch, up to $22,990 for the GLX Turbo automatic.

The previous-generation Swift Sport sold in Australia from $24,490 for the manual and $26,490 for the auto. While pricing is yet to be locked in for Australia, it is expected to still carry a premium over the GLX Turbo.

Suzuki is also saving powertrain details for the Swift Sport’s German reveal, but as GoAuto has previously reported, it could use the 103kW/220Nm 1.4-litre BoosterJet four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine from the Vitara Turbo.

If so, it would be more potent than the outgoing Sport’s 100kW/160Nm output and beat its 0-100km/h time of about 8.0 seconds.

Rivals in the warmed-over light hatch segment include the 132kW/240Nm Ford Fiesta ST, 141kW/320Nm Volkswagen Polo GTI, 153kW/300Nm Peugeot 208 GTi, the 103kW/206Nm Abarth 595 and the 147kW/250Nm Renault Clio RS.

Keep an eye on GoAuto.com.au for updates on the Swift Sport and other reveals from the Frankfurt motor show.