Meet the new Suzuki Swift Sport, which is celebrating its global premiere at the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show. Based on the latest version of the Swift introduced towards the end of 2016, the new triple S now comes with a turbocharger that Suzuki says “propels the Swift Sport into genuine hot hatch territory.”

Under the bonnet is a K14C 1.4 litre Boosterjet engine (from the Vitara) that serves up 138 hp at 5,500 rpm and 230 Nm of torque from 2,500 to 3,500 rpm. While the horsepower count isn’t that much higher than the previous M16A-equipped SSS (134 hp), the torque figure is significantly more by 70 Nm.

The good news is, the new car is even lighter than its predecessor by some 80 kg, weighing in at just 970 kg. As a result, the car’s torque-to-weight ratio is approximately 4.2 kg/Nm, which Suzuki says makes it “one of the most competitive hot hatch models in the market.”

It gets better too, as a six-speed manual is the only transmission option available for the SSS. While the unit is identical to that used in the previous car, it has tuned to deliver improved shift smoothness and better driver feedback.

Like the regular Swift, the SSS rides on the Heartect platform, and utilises Monroe dampers at the front. Thicker stabiliser joint bars and Teflon seat are also added to the stabiliser mount, plus the wheel hub and wheel bearings have been made into a single unit.

To increase camber rigidity during cornering by 15%, the car also gains an expanded width between the bearings. These revisions help to provide extra stiffness without excessively increasing the spring rate of the springs or the front stabiliser.

As for the rear, Suzuki focused on providing stability at high speeds, improving toe rigidity by 1.4 times compared to its predecessor, and camber rigidity is higher by a factor of nearly three.

There’s also a specially-designed trailing arm for the SSS that minimises deformation during cornering. Monroe shock absorbers are also fitted here, and the torsional rigidity of the torsion beam has tuned for improved roll stiffness.

To set the SSS apart as the flagship variant, model-specific bumpers and a honeycomb grille are fitted, along with black under spoilers spanning the front, sides and rear. For added sportiness, a roof-end spoiler, 17-inch thin-spoke alloys and dual exhaust tips are also thrown in.

Suzuki also notes the track is 40 mm wider at both ends to help with straight-line stability, and the body has been lowered by 15 mm and widened by 40mm to create a more athletic stance.

Oh, that Champion Yellow paintjob is inspired by the company’s works rally car in the Junior World Rally Championship. If yellow isn’t for your cup of tea, consider the six other colours – Burning Red Pearl Metallic, Speedy Blue Metallic, Pure White Pearl, Premium Silver Metallic, Mineral Grey Metallic or Super Black Pear (Captain Jack will be pleased).

Life inside isn’t that much different from a standard Swift, save for the generous application of red accents and a driver-oriented instrument panel. The latter comes with new boost and oil temperature gauges to reflect the car’s sporty persona.

Other bits include a D-shaped steering wheel with dimpled leather for a better grip, semi-bucket front seats, chrome shift knob and sports alloy pedals. For infotainment purposes, there’s a Smartphone Linkage Display Audio Display unit with a seven-inch touchscreen.

So far so good then, and it gets even better (if it didn’t already). Despite being lighter and more powerful than its predecessor, the new SSS comes with an impressive suite of safety systems. These include an advanced forward detection system, Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS), lane departure warning, weaving alert function, high beam assist and even adaptive cruise control, among other things.