Suzuki Swift Sport 2018 pricing and specs confirmed

Pricing and specifications for the Suzuki Swift Sport 2018 model have been announced, with the third-generation model asking buyers to spend a little more than before.

The new Swift Sport starts at $25,490 for the six-speed manual model, and $27,490 for the new six-speed automatic. Those numbers represent a $1000 jump on the predecessor, and it's clear that Suzuki has a little less wiggle room at the top of its range, with the existing flagship model - the GLX Turbo - listing at $22,990.

But the fact of the matter is that this new model is better equipped than the old car - not least of all being the extensive safety offering on all Swift Sport models.

The Swift Sport is fitted with auto emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (above 60km/h – has a warning light and can vibrate the steering wheel, but won’t steer for you) and a driver sway control system that the company describes as a “drowsiness and distraction monitor”.

It also has auto high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control, plus a reversing camera with visual guidelines.

Most Suzuki Swift models have the maximum five-star ANCAP crash test rating – the base model GL missed out on achieving that score when tested in 2017 due to a lack of active safety kit - and the Swift Sport has the five-star score. It has six airbags (dual front, front-side and full-length curtain).

As for other tech, there’s a 7.0-inch touchscreen with extended smartphone connectivity by way of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and built-in sat nav. Plus it has a standard reversing camera now (that used to be an optional accessory).

Other niceties include push-button start, keyless entry, climate control, automatic high-beam lights, LED headlights and fog-lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a full body-kit, dual exhausts, and sportier interior. The cabin features sports front seats, red trimming on the doors and dashboard, red instrument dials and a new driver info screen with extra metrics.

Under the bonnet of the Swift Sport is a 1.4-litre ‘BoosterJet’ turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which is turned up to the tune of 103kW and 230Nm, which is a staggering 70Nm than the old 1.6-litre non-turbo in the previous Swift Sport. Those numbers are massive by class standards, but the Swift is extremely light - the six-speed manual model weighs just 970 kilograms, while the six-speed auto weighs 990kg.

Suzuki claims fuel use of just 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres for the Swift Sport, no matter whether you buy the automatic or the manual. The 0-100km/h time claimed by Suzuki is a rather unimpressive 8.0 seconds, but it feels faster than that - read the review to find out more.

If you're curious as to where the Suzuki Swift Sport sits among its competitors, here's a rundown of its competitive set.

The Volkswagen Polo GTI runs a 1.8-litre turbo four with 141kW and 320Nm, and it starts at $27,690 for the manual and $30,190 for the auto. It will be replaced by an all-new model later in 2018.

The Renault Clio RS has a 1.6-litre turbo four with 147kW and 260Nm, but only has a six-speed dual-clutch auto. It starts at $30,990 for the Sport model, $32,490 for the Cup model, and $38,990 for the Trophy flagship. It has just been facelifted for 2018.

The Ford Fiesta ST runs a 1.6-litre turbo four with 134kW and 240Nm, and only has a six-speed manual available. It is priced at $27,490, but the current-generation model is on its way out - we expect it won't be on sale beyond 2018.

Example: Would you choose the Suzuki Swift Sport over one of its competitors? Tell us in the comments below.