The new Suzuki Swift Sport is now officially here via the authorised distributor, Champion Motors. We bring you the important need-to-know stuff.

We’ve had to wait for it, but the entry-level performance car that’s been loved by both beginner and intermediate drivers is finally here, through Champion Motors. We take you through some quick facts of the new turbocharged Suzuki Swift Sport with a hybrid system.

Did you say hybrid + turbo power?
Yup. No more 1.6 NA engine, the new car is a 1.4 BOOSTERJET turbo-charged engine with a 48V lithium-ion battery, Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and 48V-12V (DC/DC) converter that helps to reduce fuel costs and lower CO2 emissions.

Wow, so Cat A COE then?
Yes, Cat A COE. So you get 127 bhp and a punchy 235Nm from only 2,000 rpm onwards, for about SGD 109,000 with the current COE.

127 bhp? Is that enough?
Based on our short drive round the KF1 circuit, I’d say yes. The overall vehicle weight is at 1,020kg, that’s pretty light. So the power output is sufficient. The semi-close ration 6-speed manual transmission makes the car feel lively through the gears too. Although we didn’t really manage to get it past the second or third gear at the test track.

It doesn’t look that sporty though?
Actually it does, in real life. The muscular shoulders, blacked-out A-pillars, extra aero lips and rear spoiler do make it stand out from the regular Swift.

There are some faux carbon fibre-style embossing on the aero kit and fairly large 17-inch polished alloy wheels (past few models were only 16-inch), and of course, the signature dual exhaust pipes and a distinctive red fog lamp in the centre.

Okie, seeing is believing. What about the inside?
The interior is definitely a step up from the previous Swift Sport models, although I must say that the past two generations did have very nice interiors.

The ZC33S (enthusiast-speak for the new chassis) has red interior accents and a driver-oriented instrument panel that displays key info like boost and oil temperature gauges. In the centre is a 4.2-inch multi-info display, of which some controls (eg. audio) can be accessed via the multi-function steering wheel too.

Sounds and looks promising.
Indeed, and that’s not all. The Swift Sport has grown up a little too. It now comes with the Suzuki Safety Support (ADAS) Suite, an active safety system that helps drivers navigate with ease and mitigate accidents. Safety features include, Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning, Hill Hold Assist and more!

What’s with the Motul stickers and branding?
Well, Motul has been working with Suzuki on their rally car (the Swift Hybrid R1) in the Italian Rally Championship. They’ve now collaborated with Champion Motors to offer a complimentary upgrade to Motul H-Tech 100plus OW-20 for the first year of servicing.