Next-gen Suzuki Swift Sport to dump 1.6 NA for turbo

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It was bound to happen. A high-revving naturally aspirated engine has no place in today’s world of cars, where efficiency and emissions rule the day. The Suzuki Swift Sport, which is now powered by a free breathing 1.6 litre engine, will swap the NA unit for a downsized turbo with the next-gen model, Autocar reports.

The current car is on its last legs now. The standard Swift hatchback is due to be replaced this year, and the motoring rag expects the next SSS to reach the UK by the end of 2017.

The report says that the next sporty Swift will be powered by a stronger version of the 1.4 litre Boosterjet engine that makes 140 PS and 220 Nm in the Vitara, which is usefully more than the 134 hp/160 Nm made by today’s M16A motor. The regular Swift will welcome the 1.0 litre three-cylinder turbo engine from the bigger Baleno.

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The UK mag tells us to expect a carry over of all the things we like about the SSS, including the “engaging handling, impressive body control, slick manual gearbox, subtle bodykit and low kerb weight.” The latter could even drop to less than 1,000 kg in the next-gen car, which is good news.

In March, digital renders of the next-gen Swift and Swift Sport were leaked. The images, which were said to have come from a dealer conference in France, shows a B-segment hatch that retains its now trademark shape and look, but with a new snout and fresh details such as the “floating roof” effect.

The new Swift dashboard is set to be simpler but sportier in design than today’s cabin. The use of round central AC vents is also a departure from the previous two generations. The Sport will get red trim on the dashboard and centre console.

While some might lament the impending retirement of the M16A NA motor, the new turbo engine would ensure that the Swift Sport becomes a slightly more serious challenger to junior hot hatches like the Ford Fiesta ST and Peugeot 208 GTI, in terms of pace. What say you?

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • hailthepurist on May 31, 2016 at 6:33 pm

    turbo plus manual gb, sure not for lazy john..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 0
  • Operation Manager on May 31, 2016 at 6:37 pm

    Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Boosterjet 220Nm
    VW Jetta 1.4TSI 240Nm
    Honda Civic 1.5T 220Nm
    Ford Focus 1.5Ecooboost 240Nm

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • GTi-R on May 31, 2016 at 7:22 pm

    140bhp? If 15 years ago boleh la. Suzuki swift cannot be mentioned alongside gti or rs models. The gap is simply too wide.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 5
  • ProtonTimeUp on May 31, 2016 at 7:26 pm

    NOw, All proton cars will be tapau-ed by suzuki…..
    Proton fan boys will be hiding their faces

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 4
    • until go thru potholes, uneven roads & dirt roads. Then, all swift sport owners butthurt, literally.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 12
    • Smokin' on May 31, 2016 at 8:52 pm

      The same case with ‘godcars’ Vios and Altis. The old Swift Sport already can run circles around those two. With the new engine, Vios and Altis-driving ricers won’t even be close enough to smell the smoke of the Suzuki.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 8
      • No need lah, owners of Proton cars like Preve and Exora already smell the smoke of own car without racing

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 1
    • fastp1 on May 31, 2016 at 9:30 pm

      Wah nowadays all p1 cars are considered fast nia, being compared to new turbo cars summore

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • Sgt Scoop on May 31, 2016 at 8:10 pm

    Will we see the new Swift in Malaysia?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • Steamafication on May 31, 2016 at 10:09 pm

      That’s what I was thinking, now that the whole MOU with Proton is in full swing. Would hate to miss out on this tho, the current Swift Sport sounds like a hoot, the next gen ones will surely be better, maybe even worth picking up if it launches here.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
      • No new car until Azlan and his lazy UMNO supporters are dumped

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
      • hothotchickyshite on Jun 01, 2016 at 8:29 am

        when proton touches a company through MOU, sure kaput and the sales dropped like rock. Just look at Inspira. The coming one is gonna be “Accordana”

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
    • Rebadge to Satria GTi Mark 2….

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • donno on May 31, 2016 at 11:28 pm

    Perodua should have painted the c pillar for the myvi advance like that (beautiful curves like that), not the half hearted ugly paintjob that they did.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Steve_Kok on Jun 01, 2016 at 12:00 am

    I don’t think the new Suzuki Swifts will make it in Malaysia. All previous Suzuki showroom now becomes Proton Edar already…. sad :(

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
 

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