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Here we go again, then. For real this time. The new Suzuki Swift Sport has been launched, and the only details left out in our previous report – the all-important prices – are officially out. You’re looking at RM97,888 for an SSS manual, and RM102,888 for the CVT variant (both figures on the road, without insurance).

Now that’s out of the way, lets get down to the details shall we? The second-generation Swift Sport 1.6 is fully imported from Japan, and is the flagship model to the locally assembled Swift 1.4 range here. It’s dressed up with a completely bespoke bodykit and there’s a larger, more powerful engine to justify the Sport in the name.

The drivetrain upgrade is the main headline here. The M16A engine has been stroked to produce 134 hp (136 PS) at 6,900 rpm and 160 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm, a significant increase from the original SSS’ 125 hp and 148 Nm. A new variable intake system and an enhanced VVT are to thank for the generous increase.

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Before you start asking, the minimum fuel required is RON95, as indicated by stickers on the fuel filler cap. Suzuki engineers however, insist that the use of RON97 is recommended for optimal performance and by extension, absolute longevity. That’s still a step down from the old car’s RON98 minimum, so no more hunting for Shell V-Power Racing when you run low on fuel.

Transmission options have been upgraded too. Out goes the old five-speeder, replaced by a new six-speed manual gearbox. That’s three foot pedals and six gears – the perfect configuration for many and a rare commodity nowadays. If you can’t handle more than two pedals, there’s a new CVT ‘box with seven virtual ratios in place of the previous four-speed auto.

Suzuki claims that both transmission options achieve the same 8.7 second 0-100 km/h time, slightly down on the old car’s 8.9 seconds. The manual goes 10 km/h faster than the CVT at full pelt though, with a top speed of 195 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.5 litres per 100 km for the manual variant, while the CVT uses 0.4 litres less over the same range.

Power is nothing without control, and the new Suzuki Swift Sport gains a stiffer suspension set up over the standard Swift models. Spring rates are increased by 15% and 30% in the front and back respectively, with plenty of modifications elsewhere to improve the car’s response and stability. The front struts for instance, are fitted with additional rebound springs to aid handling performance without affecting comfort.

You can’t see any of these under-body upgrades though. What makes the Sport stand out among standard Swifts is the full bodykit, complete with deeper bumpers front and back, side skirts, top spoiler, large single-frame grille, bi-xenon headlamps with dark surrounds and twin exhaust pipes in the back. 16-inch wheels with wide-spaced spokes round up the visual overhaul.

Inside you get heavy-set sports seats (no Recaro option this time, boys), black fabric upholstery with red contrasting stitching, faux-aluminium trim and leather steering wheel. Keyless push start system, automatic aircon, stainless steel pedals and sporty instrument dials are also thrown into the mix. Safety systems include six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, full three-point seat belts and ISOFIX mounts. CVT models get a hill holder system.

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Compared to the old SSS, the wheelbase is 50 mm longer, track five millimetres wider and overall length has increased by 125 mm. There’s now a spare tyre (spacesaver) underneath the boot floor too. Thankfully the growth does not add up to more weight, as the new car scales up at 30 kg less than before – 1,070 kg for the manual, 15 kg more for CVT.

Only two colour options are available – Champion Yellow and Snow White Pearl you see here. Both are exclusive to the Suzuki Swift Sport, though the white was an option on the initial CBU run of the standard Swift models.

So there you go. RM97,888 to RM102,888, manual or CVT, and a choice of white or yellow. Take your pick!