2012 Suzuki Swift Sport arrives

Lighter, more powerful and boasting more equipment, the new 2012 Suzuki Swift Sport has landed in Australia. Capable of almost 200km/h, the Japanese five-door hot hatch is the most powerful Swift yet - and it's finally available with an automatic transmission.

Thoroughly updated, the new Swift is cheaper too, undercutting its predecessor by $1000 to kick off at $23,990 (for the six-speed manual).

The automatic CVT transmission adds another $2000 to the cost, but it also features steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for a manual-style override mode.

As the range-topping Suzuki Swift, the Sport gets plenty of standard interior kit, including updated front sports seats, leather steering wheel and gear shifter -- all with snazzy red cross-stitching.

Keyless entry and engine start, Bluetooth communications, a six-speaker stereo with USB port, cruise control, digital climate control, and stainless steel foot pedal are also standard on this affordable pocket rocket.

Sporty external highlights include xenon headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a deeper front grille, side skirts, metallic-effect rear diffuser, fog lights, roof spoiler and dual exhaust pipes. The A- and B-pillars are also painted black.

Performance has also been significantly improved for the 2012 model. The Swift Sport has shed 30kg in overall weight, making it lighter and more nimble says Suzuki. Add to the equation an updated 1.6-litre four-cylinder 'M16A' engine, generating 100kW at 6900rpm, and the Sport is capable of a 195km/h top speed and a 0-100km/h sprint of around eight seconds.

The 100kW power figure and peak torque of 160Nm is up on the previous model's 92kW/148Nm. Factor in the reduced 1060kg kerb mass and you're looking at a weight-to-power ratio of 10.6kg/kW, eclipsing all other Swifts before it including the Swift GTi from the 1980s.

According to Suzuki Australia's general manager, Tony Devers: "The engineering team was driven by the goal of creating the ultimate Swift, but one that was within reach of all hot hatch fans."

Efficiency gains have also been achieved, with official fuel consumption reduced from 7.3L/100km to 6.5L/100km in the manual. The new CVT is even thriftier, using a claimed 6.1L/100km.

The Swift Sport is available in six colours -- Champion Yellow, Ablaze Red, Boost Blue, Snow White, Premium Silver -- and gets a solid safety suite, including seven airbags, electronic stability control and ABS.

Look out for our launch review including driving impressions soon.

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