2020 Suzuki Swift Sport gets hybrid option

KUALA LUMPUR: Japanese automobile major Suzuki has upgraded the current-generation Swift Sport with mild-hybrid technology. Swift is one of the largest selling cars in Suzuki’s portfolio. The new model will now be hauled with a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol motor paired with a 48V mild-hybrid unit. The powertrain will make the car more fuel-efficient. The key reason behind Suzuki updating the Swift Sport is to comply with the impending emission norm which is set to become more stringent.

Suzuki is already in the process of upgrading not only the Swift Sport but also its other international models that include the Vitara compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) and the S-Cross. Most of its cars will be fitted with similar engines and the mild-hybrid technology so that the company can achieve its 95g carbon dioxide/km maximum fleet average emission as mandated by the new European Union (EU) legislation. The Jimny subcompact SUV is on its way out as Suzuki will soon stop its production since upgrading the car to the new emission standard won’t be commercially viable.

The 2020 Swift Sport will generate 127 PS of maximum power and 234 Nm of peak torque. Suzuki claims that the car can attain 0-100 kmph in 9.1 seconds. The car’s top speed is around 210 kmph. The upgrade will help the Swift Sport meet the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure-certified carbon-dioxide emission standards and also improve the fuel economy by almost six percent over the current model.

The 2020 Swift Sport will continue to be underpinned by the Heartect platform, with a kerb weight of 1,025 kg. The car will come with added features like LED headlights and adaptive cruise control. Other features in the new car include lane-keep assist, automatic air conditioning, front fog lamps, and a six-speaker stereo system. Buyers will be able to choose from five metallic colours at no extra cost. A contrasting black roof and door mirror package is also available as an optional accessory.

The new Swift Sport with hybrid technology will be available only in Europe.