New 3-Door Swift Sport Launching in New Zealand

Suzuki will soon add a new dimension to the Swift hatchback, the nation’s long time best-selling small car.

From late April, Suzuki New Zealand will offer the popular 1.6-litre Swift Sport in two body configurations with the arrival of a 3-door version.

The European sourced Swift Sport is additional to the Suzuki range and is similarly specified to the 5-door version which launched last year and has become a top-selling model.

Carrying an impressive five star Euro NCAP safety rating, the Swift Sport 3-door is priced at $25,990, a $1,510 advantage over the 5-door version.

As a car likely to appeal to sports-minded drivers, this latest Swift has its own unique body style and is available only with the 6-speed manual transmission. Suzuki New Zealand is also offering a leather upholstery option which brings the total on-road recommended retail price to $27,500.

In addition to the high level of standard equipment, the 3-door includes several features not found on the 5-door model. These include automatic headlamp operation, a rear fog lamp, tinted rear privacy glass and heated door mirrors with an electric fold function.

At 1,045 kg, the 3-door is slightly lighter than its 5-door brother, is marginally more economical and produces lower emissions.

Its 1,586 cm³ M16A twin overhead camshaft engine with variable valve technology turns out the same 100 kW of power and 160 Nm of torque.

In the combined European fuel test cycle, the 3-door Swift Sport averages 6.4 litres/100 km (44.1 miles per gallon), and a frugal 5.15 litres/100 km (54.3 mpg) in the extra-urban open road cycle.

The engine is noted for its smoothness and flexibility at low revs, while there is a marked power set-up once the power unit reaches 4,400 rpm when peak torque is produced.

There are four wheel disc brakes, ventilated up front, and the 195/45R17 tyres are fitted to 15-spoke aluminium alloy wheels.

The performance flagship of the Swift range includes as standard a keyless push-button start, cruise control, climate controlled air conditioning, sports seats and Bluetooth hands-free phone connection.

“As the performance version of the much loved Swift, some buyers like a real point of difference, and the new 3-door body configuration provides that dimension,” said Tom Peck, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand.

“The 3-door has its own individual appearance that appeals to those who do not have a requirement for the added convenience of the 5-door model,” he said.

“In the sports hatchback class no other model offers so much car for so little money so it is little wonder the Swift Sport has been extremely popular. Its market base is broadened further with the availability of two body styles,” said Tom Peck.

It is easily distinguished from the less powerful versions by bolder front end styling, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, roof-end spoiler and twin exhausts. Side under-spoilers add depth to the body and improve air flow.

Described by independent reviewers as “hot hatch perfection”, the Swift Sport has been the recipient of several awards in Europe and New Zealand.

The car has just been judged Best Hot Hatchback for 2013 by carbuyers.co.uk/Auto Express magazine in Britain. It is the second successive year the Swift Sport has taken out this prize.

The editorial team voted the Swift a clear winner against strong competition, scoring 5 out of a possible 5. The judges all agreed that the Sport combines agile handling, sparkling performance and an affordable price in "perfect quantities".

Steve Fowler, editor in chief of carbuyers.co.uk and Auto Express, said, "The Swift Sport is all about fun - it has a gutsy engine, bags of grip, brilliant steering and a sporty look. Add in an affordable price and it's already becoming a hot hatch superstar."