Introduction to the Suzuki Swift Sport 2011-2017

The Suzuki Swift Sport has long been embraced by driving enthusiasts for its lightweight, agile, and fun-to-drive nature. It’s a hot hatch that, although modestly powered, delivers an exhilarating experience at a fraction of the cost of many of its competitors. For those who value sharp handling and an engaging driving experience over raw power, the Swift Sport is a well-kept secret. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 2011-2017 Suzuki Swift Sport and why it might be the perfect choice for your next car.

What Makes the Swift Sport Special?

The beauty of the Suzuki Swift Sport lies in its simplicity. Unlike many modern hot hatches that rely on turbocharged engines, electronic stability systems, and all-wheel drive, the Swift Sport delivers an engaging drive through a more traditional, rev-happy naturally aspirated engine. With a 1.6-liter engine producing around 134 brake horsepower, this car is all about maintaining a lightweight package for a more nimble and responsive feel on the road.
Though it may not be the most powerful car in its class, its low curb weight of just over a ton ensures it doesn’t feel sluggish. In fact, the Swift Sport is capable of a 0-60 mph time of 8.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 121 mph. While this won’t win you many drag races, it’s more than enough to provide excitement on twisty back roads or during spirited city drives.

Handling and Driving Dynamics

The handling of the Suzuki Swift Sport is where this car truly shines. With a wider track, short wheelbase, and 20% more responsive steering compared to previous models, you can confidently throw this car into tight corners and feel the chassis come alive. The torsion beam suspension and stiffer springs help keep the car flat through corners, while the quick steering gives you immediate feedback from the road.
In an era where many cars feel disconnected from the driver due to advanced electronic aids, the Swift Sport’s simple and predictable handling stands out. If you’re new to performance driving, this is an excellent car to develop your skills. The six-speed manual transmission offers slick, precise shifts, making it an ideal car for those who enjoy being engaged while driving.

Performance in the Real World

Though it lacks turbocharged power, the Swift Sport’s 1.6-liter engine is a delight when pushed. Peak power is delivered at a high 7,000 RPM, encouraging you to keep the revs up to make the most of its modest 160 Nm of torque. This engine rewards those who enjoy working through the gears and staying in the sweet spot of the rev range.
However, don’t be fooled into thinking the Swift Sport is impractical. While it may feel like a track-ready hot hatch, it’s surprisingly refined for everyday use. The ride, although firm, is not uncomfortable, and the engine quiets down when cruising at highway speeds, especially with the addition of the six-speed gearbox. This makes it an excellent companion for longer trips.

Practicality and Interior

For a small, three-door hatchback, the Swift Sport offers a surprisingly practical interior. The sport seats provide excellent lateral support, and the upright seating position gives you a good view of the road. Despite its focus on driving dynamics, Suzuki hasn’t compromised on comfort. The cabin materials, while not luxury-grade, are of decent quality for the price.
Space in the back is somewhat limited, but the rear seats are usable for short trips or for transporting children. With 211 liters of boot space, it’s not the largest in its class, but it’s enough for daily use. You can expand the cargo area by folding the rear seats, although the lack of a 60/40 split-folding option is a minor inconvenience.

Equipment and Features

Despite its affordable price point, the Suzuki Swift Sport comes with a generous list of features. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, automatic headlamps, rear privacy glass, sports seats, air conditioning, and a six-speaker audio system. There’s also Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry, and cruise control – a rather surprising feature in a hot hatch. For safety, the Swift Sport is equipped with twin front, side, and curtain airbags, electronic stability control, and isofix child seat mounts.

Running Costs and Efficiency

One of the Swift Sport’s main advantages over its competitors is its low running costs. The naturally aspirated engine achieves an average of 44.1 mpg, a significant improvement over the previous generation, which only managed 39.8 mpg. CO2 emissions have also been reduced, now sitting at 147 g/km, making it a reasonable choice for those conscious of their environmental impact.
Insurance costs are relatively low too, with the Swift Sport falling into insurance group 19, making it more affordable to insure than many other hot hatches in this segment. With service intervals every 9,000 miles and a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, it’s a low-maintenance option for budget-conscious buyers.

Competition and Value

At around £14,000, the Suzuki Swift Sport offers exceptional value for money. When compared to rivals such as the Renault Sport Twingo, Fiat 500 Abarth, and Mini Cooper, the Swift Sport is not only more affordable but also better equipped. Although these competitors might offer slightly more power or prestige, none can match the Suzuki’s balance of affordability, practicality, and sheer driving fun.
If you’re considering a hot hatch but don’t want to break the bank, the Swift Sport stands out as a great option. It’s more fun to drive than many pricier alternatives and offers more features as standard.

Conclusion: A Hot Hatch with Character

The Suzuki Swift Sport is proof that power isn’t everything when it comes to performance cars. Its lightweight, nimble handling, and engaging driving experience make it a standout choice in the hot hatch market. While it may not have the power to match some of its turbocharged rivals, the Swift Sport offers old-school GTI fun without the complexity and high costs associated with modern performance cars.
If you value driving enjoyment over raw speed, the Swift Sport is a car worth considering. I’ve found other drivers who share similar experiences, and many have praised this car for its engaging nature. If you’re interested in learning more, check out this detailed review on YouTube: Suzuki Swift Sport 2011-2017 Review.