That’s until you get a chance to play with the likes of turbo-charged 1.4 litre direct injection ‘Booster Jet’ Suzuki Swift Sport engine that delivers a whooping 103kw at 5500 rpm.
We took this head-turner for a test and what a pleasure. What transpired during this assignment shall remain classified, unless the disgruntled and suspended ANC- SG Ace Magashule, spills the hot beans, lol.
Claiming a 0-100 kph time of 8 seconds and 205-kph top speed for the 3rd-gen Swift Sport, it also boast a 6-speed automatic (with paddle shifters) transmissions, as it took anything and anyone en-route to North West, yes the pot-hole riddled province.
It did a 230 Nm between 2 500 and 3 500 rpm – that’s a 70 Nm jump in peak torque, especially as we approached Ventersdorp. Yes, my laaities in their khakhi attire are on a look out for me, every after two-weeks, they noted.
It comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, a “carbon-fibre” front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser, a pair of blingy tailpipes, a different grille, LED front and taillamps, and a subtle wing spoiler. That’s a sport for you and my hard to please Niece, agreed. Damn her!
Interior, it has sporty new seats and subtle red accenting to remind you that you’re seated in something special. Serious petrolheads will also appreciate the digital display that can be configured to display values such as boost- or oil pressure.
The latest generation Swift Sport has a deep front air that dominates the front end while large alloys rest in the corners. At the rear, a purposeful (if only cosmetic) diffuser, finished in black, houses a set of dual exit exhausts.
LED headlights and cherry-red LED taillights round off the package with daytime running light elements for the front. It still retains the current Swift floating roof element but with its hunkered-down stance is appears to have all the right makings of a sports car in a 5-door hatch package.
Albeit it might not be as spacious as its competitors but most sports cars do lack space. It still remains a compact car. It could carry four to five passengers, depending on the weight and height- and a fair amount of luggage with a boot that comes in at 242-litres.
Safety on Swift Sport is a priority.
It has 6 airbags as well as ABS with EBD, ESP stability control and ISOFIX mounting points in the rear for child seats.
Despite the fact that the Sport is lighter than before, the HEARTECT platform includes high-tensile steel construction and additional weld points, creating a sturdier cage for the occupants.
Because I was revving up and down, intimidating locals- they obliged- I ended up topping petrol almost daily at the consumption figures of 6.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. Yes, I felt sorry for my pockets, as it swiftly ran them dry…
I felt sorry for those who mistaken it for a MINI-COOPER, bloody agents. Ace would not be happy with such superlatives.
Yes, I do concur fast cars and boys- same WhatsApp group!
It comes with an included 3-year / 100 000 km warranty and a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan.
Suzuki Swift Sport retails for R337 900.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (7)
Petrol (5)
Image SLM (‘Consuming’ dust in Ganalaagte, NW is the latest Swift Sport).
