2011 Suzuki Swift Sport Review
Price
from: RM97,131
to: RM109,863
Installment
from: RM926/mth
to: RM1,048/mth
2011 Suzuki Swift Sport at a glance
Being a CBU import and equipped with a larger engine, the 2011 Suzuki Swift Sport is no longer as attractively priced as the standard Swift. Even so, the 2011 Suzuki Swift Sport leads the class in styling, handling and performance.
2011 Suzuki Swift Sport quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Small Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Suzuki Swift Sport ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The 2011 Suzuki Swift Sport looks more aggressive and sporty than the standard Swift, featuring a deeper front bumper, redesigned rear bumper, twin exhausts, roof spoiler and larger 16-inch alloy wheels. The interior comes with a red-and-black trim, brushed stainless steel pedals and sports seats among others for a sportier feel.
Handling
The best handling hatchback in its class, the 2011 Suzuki Swift Sport is nimble and enthusiastic through bends, driving in a grown-up manner that belies its compact dimensions. With firmer suspension compared to the standard Swift, coupled with the sporty, agile chassis, the 2011 Suzuki Swift Sport grips tenaciously and corners tidily. The sharp steering could provide more feedback, however.
Comfort
The 2011 Suzuki Swift Sport rides in a stiffer manner than the standard Swift, meaning that bumps and potholes should be avoided if possible. The ride can become jiggly over rough surfaces, too. Refinement is decent at cruising speeds, with some noticeable wind noise and engine drone. A comfortable driving position is accompanied by a bucket seat and seat-height adjustments, but the steering column is only tilt-adjustable. Excellent all-round visibility aids city driving, while the controls are well-placed for easy usage.
Quality + Reliability
The simple, neat cabin feels solid and built-to-last. While materials are generally of a good quality, some hard, unappealing plastics are also in place. Fit-and-finish are however brilliant, and controls all work with slickness. Given Suzuki's reputation for building reliable cars, major mechanicals such as the engine and transmission should stand the test of time.
Performance
The highlight of the 2011 Suzuki Swift Sport is the 1.6-litre engine producing 123 bhp at 6800 rpm and 148 Nm at 4800 rpm. A five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic are transmission options. The engine puts in a strong performance that would put many rivals to shame. Although the automatic gearbox works rather well, the manual gearbox is the best way to experience the 2011 Suzuki Swift Sport's sweet chassis. Bigger front brakes and disc, instead of drum, rear brakes are changes to cope with the added power.
Roominess
The 2011 Suzuki Swift Sport is not the biggest or the most versatile in its class, but can carry four in comfort. Front two enjoy no lack of room, while rear passengers get less generous though still adequate legroom. Boot space is limited, but the rear seats can 60/40 split-fold for additional loading space when needed.
Running Costs
The 2011 Suzuki Swift Sport manual variant has fuel economy of around 14.1 km/litre, but the automatic variant will return noticeably poorer figures. Maintenance and repairs should be affordable, too. Depreciation could be the biggest expense as the Suzuki brand is still not the most desirable in the resale market. That said, the highly popular Swift and other improving Suzuki models will enhance the Suzuki brand's credibility over time.
Value for Money
With the larger engine and being fully imported from Japan, the 2011 Suzuki Swift Sport no longer has a price advantage. Priced on-par with key rivals Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris, the 2011 Suzuki Swift Sport makes a different though compelling alternative, leading on areas of styling, handling and performance, and scoring decently in other areas of consideration, too. The five-speed manual is our pick over the four-speed automatic transmission.
Equipment
Standard equipment includes leather steering wheel, power windows, central door locking, keyless entry, electric side mirrors, electromagnetic tailgate opener, alarm system with immobiliser, reverse sensor, 16" alloy wheels, steering wheel audio switches, MP3/CD/radio player and six speakers. Safety kit includes six SRS airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The Swift Sport Premier adds full RECARO seats.
Environment
The 2011 Suzuki Swift Sport manual variant emits 171 grams/km of carbon dioxide, while using the automatic gearbox will worsen that figure significantly. Being fully imported from Japan further makes the 2011 Suzuki Swift Sport more polluting compared to the locally assembled standard Swift.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Sporty, stylish looks
Fun to drive
Strong, punchy engine
Firm ride
Some hard, unappealing cabin plastics
Limited boot space
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