New Suzuki Swift Sport Coming in 2012 With 136 HP

This spring, Suzuki brought the Swift S-Concept for all to see in Geneva, leaving us to wonder if the Japanese carmaker had a sporty version of the current generation hatch to carry the torch from the old Swift Sport. It seems the answer is “yes”, as recent reports indicate a successor is coming as early as next year.

Unfortunately, the company hasn’t got round to fixing the Swift Sport’s main problem, a lack of power. At the time the concept was revealed, it was rumored that it was going to get a 22 percent increase in power over the 2010 model, bringing the total to about 152 hp.

Unfortunately, the 2012 model will only have about 136 hp available from its high-revving 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, according to GoAuto. The unit will be connected to a six-speed manual, but an automatic will also be available.

The Geneva concept featured a large rear wing, new headlights and rear lighting clusters.  It has also been brought closer to the ground. Inside, designers included bucket seats, a new steering wheel, different instrumentation and carbon fiber trim. Some of the biggest changes over the previous generation cover the design of the exhaust tips and the air intakes.

“In Europe the Volkswagen Polo GTI and Ford Fiesta ST will be rivals for the Swift Sport, which at present is undergoing testing at the Nurburgring,” said Suzuki Europe spokesman Peter Bondarchuk in a loosely translated press release issued to Russian media on July 12. “Suzuki plans at the beginning (of) next year to develop the series modification of the Swift S-Concept.”

However, given that both those cars have about 180 horsepower, we’d suggest the MINI Cooper as a fitting rival.