FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Suzuki Swift Sport breaks cover

Suzuki has shown off its Swift Sport warm hatch at the Frankfurt motor show overnight, announcing more power thanks to a turbocharged engine.

Under the bonnet now resides a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol – the same unit used in the Vitara SUV but with increased outputs of 103kW and 230Nm. By way of comparison, the predecessor's 1.6-litre atmo four offered up 100kW and 160Nm.

While the latest figures are barely on the radar of some of Europe and Japan's most powerful hot hatches, for example, the new 134kW three-cylinder turbo Ford Fiesta ST, the Swift Sport unequivocally maintains the power stronghold over the current Swift flagship, which is powered by an 82kW/160Nm turbocharged triple. The Swift Sport does so with a kerb weight of about 1000kg.

As such, expect the new Swift Sport to hit zero to 100km/h in around 7.2 seconds, down from the current car's 8.7sec sprint.

Like its siblings, the updated Swift will send drive through the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.

The underbody changes are accompanied by added cladding at the sides and rear, dual exhaust outlets and minor styling tweaks. Inside. there's an updated touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus of host of racey touches to help it live up to its 'Sport' badge, including more supportive front seats.

Featuring larger 17-inch wheels, the new Swift Sport will come with bigger brakes and a bespoke sports suspension for increased agility.

Suzuki Australia spokesman Andrew Moore declined to comment on the Swift's Australian  availability and pricing, though we're tipping an early 2018 arrival with a price close to the current vehicle's $24,000 RRP.