Let’s make one thing clear, Suzuki is more than just the Jimny. The Dzire is a sound choice in the budget subcompact sedan market, while the Ertiga and XL7 are competent small seven-seaters.
But if there’s one model we wish we had from the start is the Suzuki Swift Sport. We’ve had the standard Swift for nearly 20 years now and we’ve always had good words about its chassis and dynamics. But a few more horses and a sportier drive is always nice, right?
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We’ve already missed the boat on Swift Sport several times already. Which is why we’re hoping the baby hot hatch will finally make its way here. While we’re not betting on it, at least reports from Japan have mentioned that an all-new version is set to be revealed later this year. September 2024, to be exact.
That’s according to Best Car, one of Japan’s most popular automotive scoop publications. It also said that the car is currently undergoing further development testing within the company’s grounds.
Other things worth mentioning? Best Car mentioned that Suzuki is targeting a curb weight of less than 1,000kg like the previous model. That’s a tough ask, but the company managed to do that with the standard version that tips the scales at 970kg in its most basic variant.
But the challenge here is keeping the weight down while putting in a bigger engine. The report claims that it will use a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with a 48v mild-hybrid system. Should Suzuki find a way around that, it will likely be a breakthrough in slowing down the trend of ever increasing curb weights.
How much power will it make? Not even Best Car has the answer, at least for now. But given that the outgoing Swift Sport makes around 140hp and 230Nm, we could expect a little more from its compact turbo engine.
Again, we don’t have high hopes of this junior hot hatch ever coming to the Philippines. That said, the Suzuki Swift Sport has been available in our neighboring countries for quite some time already, so we’re holding on to that to boost its chances of landing here.
