Suzuki Swift 2008 News

The production version will star for the brand at Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Drawing styling cues from the Suzuki Swift S Concept from which it was based, the new Swift Sport is the first full model change since its original launch in 2006. It features more aggressive styling with a low-slung body and oversized grille. Suzuki promises both power and good fuel economy from the 1.6-litre engine, which is mated to a six-speed manual transmission -- both developed exclusively for the Swift Sport.  The new Swift Sport "offers superior cornering stability and responsive handling thanks to struts with internal rebound springs and an exclusive rear-suspension design", Suzuki says. Like the standard Swift, the Sport's safety is helped by a light, stiff, impact-absorbing body plus seven airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag) and ESC. “We are very excited about the preliminary release of the new Swift Sport, but we are still some way off finalising the Australian version,” said Suzuki Australian General Manager Tony Devers. “The Swift Sport will not go on sale here until next year, so we still have some time to work through the specification level suitable for the Australian market. What we do know is the Swift Sport will offer better performance, handling, economy and style than ever before. We can’t wait to launch the ultimate pocket rocket to our customers.”

And each week it seems the fuel price sign goes up faster than a politician's pay packet. Australians use a vast amount of fuel in going about their daily business, be it getting the kids to school, travelling to and from work, or conducting the nation's business.Each year we import an ocean of petrol, diesel and LPG that's equivalent to 63,000 Olympic swimming pools. And we're not alone, as the vast populations of newly mobile countries such as India and China take to the roads in their Tatas, Great Walls and Cherys, the world's thirst for oil seems ever more insatiable.Overlay this with war and unrest in the Middle East, the source of 56 per cent of the world's oil, and the inevitable push-pull dynamics of supply and demand can lean to only one thing: higher fuel prices.Here in Australia motorists have been feeling the pinch of higher fuel prices since January when the latest spike in oil prices first began appearing on service station leader boards.The spiralling petrol prices mean fuelling a family car like a Commodore or Falcon now accounts for 2.6 per cent of average weekly earnings. But you don't have to sit back and take it in the hip pocket. There are ways to drive down your weekly fuel bills. Here are a few of them.DOWNSIZING According to VFACTS industry statistics, this seems the most popular choice. Large cars have gone from the top-selling passenger segment in 2000 with 198,766 to the smallest passenger segment last year with 98,583 and falling at 3.1 per cent.Meanwhile, sales of smaller cars are skyrocketing. In the past 10 years small car sales have almost doubled to 239,191 while light cars have increased about 44 per cent to 137,916. You can buy a small car from as little as $11,990 (plus on-road costs) for the Chinese-made Chery, right up $35,990 for a Citroen DS3.And you won't go without. Some of the cheapest little cars these days come with a swag of safety and creature features from multiple airbags to Bluetooth connectivity.PROS: Save on fuel; do the environment a favour; easier to park; nippier in traffic; little hatches can be cavernous if you fold down the rear seats.CONS: You get cramped on long journeys; they are noisier on the highway; they're bumpier over potholes; you could feel a little silly driving a Smurf car.Our Pick: Hyundai i20 (from $15,490) is set to take over from Getz as the segment leader with Euro styling and a high level of features and safety.Others to Consider: Suzuki Swift (from $15,990), Mazda2 (from $15,790) and Toyota Yaris (from $14,990).DIESEL Like smaller car categories, the growth in diesel-powered vehicles is exponential. Since the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries began collating separate figures for various fuel types in 2005, diesel cars and SUVs have more than doubled to 125,555 last year, which is almost one in every five new passenger cars or SUVs bought today.The reason is that modern diesel engines are not only up to twice as frugal as a petrol vehicle, but they often have lower emissions because they burn less fuel per kilometre and usually have an exhaust system that traps small carbon materials.Modern diesels are also quieter and smoother running. However, diesel engines have higher internal pressures and a complex fuel system so they are more expensive to build than a petrol engine. Some car companies charge up to $10,000 more for a diesel variant, although most charge around an extra $2000.Expensive diesels are often the result of low production volumes and highly technological designs and machining costs. To reap the economic benefits you have to drive big kilometres each year and hold on to the vehicle longer.An extreme example is the Holden CD Cruze auto diesel that costs $4000 more than the petrol model. Based on RACQ's fuel running costs of 9.36c/km for the petrol and 8.41c/km for the diesel, you would have to drive 25,000km for 16 years to recoup the extra cost.PROS: Fuel economy is anywhere between 10-50 per cent better than a petrol equivalent; more torque means quicker acceleration and easier driving around town; better towing capacity; marginally better resale value; lower CO2 emissions per kilometre; diesel engines often last longer because of the more robust engineering.CONS: Fewer diesel pumps on servo forecourts means queuing at the servo; oily bowser pumps leave your hands smelly and dirty; the engines still clatter at idle and sound raucous at full revs; it takes a long time to reap the economic benefits; servicing charges can also be more expensive because of the more expensive oils required and the complicated fuel systems.Our Pick: Fiesta ECOnetic (from $24,990) is a hybrid beater even in stop-start commuting, yet it's a delight to drive.Others to Consider: Hyundai i30 (from $23,090), VW Golf (from $29,990), Subaru Forester (from $35,990).LPG It's almost worth it to convert your petrol or diesel vehicle to LPG just to get the $1500 Federal government subsidy. But you better be quick because the conversion rebate drops to $1250 from July 1 and decreases $250 annually. All rebates and subsidies are only for private vehicles.Conversions cost an average of $2800 for pre-2006 vehicles, but about $4000 for newer vehicles because of emissions regulations. If you buy a vehicle factory fitted for LPG before its first registration, you get a $2000 rebate from the Feds.However, choices of new vehicles with factory fitted LPG systems are limited. Ford has a new LPG Falcon coming in July and has factory-fitted systems for some of its utes. Holden has an Autogas dual-fuel injection system for its Commodore and will have a mono-fuel LPG Commodore later this year.Toyota has a direct injection LPG system for its 2.7-litre HiAce vans and Mitsubishi has an aftermarket sequential multi-port direct-injection system for its Challenger, Express Van, Pajero, Triton and the now defunct 380.PROS: Much cheaper fuel (about 60c compared with $140+ for ULP); government subsidies make conversion attractive; LPG prices are fairly static so you don't have to fill up on a Tuesday morning when servo prices are cheapest; lower emissions.CONS: Limited choice of new dual-fuel vehicles; only suitable for large vehicles; you lose boot space; even though they are safe they can develop minor smelly leaks; they add about 75kg (about the weight of two large suitcases) to the rear of the car effecting handling; it can be difficult finding servos with LPG in rural areas.HYBRID These are vehicles with petrol or diesel internal combustion engines paired with an electric motor or motors. The drivetrain and associated battery pack for the electric motor is more complex so therefore more costly. Like diesels, you need to do big kays before the savings at the bowser recoup the extra purchase price.For example, a Toyota Prius costs about $2500 more than a Corolla Ultima. Using RACQ's running costs, the fuel savings will take 4 years at 15,000km a year (or 2.5 years at 25,000km/year) to recoup the extra purchase price.Most hybrids switch off totally every time you stop and run on electric power only when you are driving slowly, so they are most economical in heavy traffic. The benefits are marginal on country roads and highways, although when both drive units are operating under heavy acceleration such as when overtaking, they do offer a tangible boost to acceleration.Despite the fact the technology has been around for 10 years, Hybrids are still relatively new. Today, there are 10 hybrid models on the market, but only the Toyota Prius, Camry, Honda Insight and Civic are affordable.Hybrids tend to be bought mainly by governments and big business to emphasise their green credentials. Taxi companies also like hybrids because of their fuel efficiency in urban environments. If you're open to the idea of a used vehicle, then a second-hand Prius or similar is a reasonable option.PROS: Cheaper to run in traffic; feel and be seen to be environmentally conscious; extra power under heavy acceleration; almost silent running when on electric only power.CONS: Higher purchase price; the number of models is limited but you can choose from a small Prius to a large Porsche Cayenne SUV; some look odd like the Prius and Insight.Our Pick: Toyota Prius (from $39,900) and the Honda Insight (from $29,990) at least look like futuristic hybrids, so your neighbours will know you are trying to be green.Others to consider: Honda Civic (from $34,490), Toyota Camry (from $36,990)ELECTRIC CARSThe only production electric cars in Australia are the Tesla Roadster at $241,938 and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV which is available only on a lease of $1740 a month for three years for a total of $62,640. Then the car goes back to Mitsubishi. When it arrives it is expected to cost $70,000.However, prices will come crashing down in the next few years as more and more EVs become available in Australia. The first of these will be the Nissan Leaf and Holden Volt next year.The Volt is expected to cost less than $40,000 and Nissan is saying the Leaf will cost about the same to run as a Tiida, even though initial outlay will probably be close to the Volt. While tailpipe emissions are zero, most electricity in Australia comes from burning dirty coal, so the environmental advantage is reduced.Some critics say there is no advantage. Current limitations of battery technology mean range is also limited to about 160km according to the car companies, but in real life it's less, especially if you have a lead foot.PROS: Very cheap to run; no tailpipe emissions; almost silent running; aerodynamic body shapes.CONS: Expensive to buy - that's if you can find one to buy; silent running can be dangerous for pedestrians; battery disposal is an environmental issue; range is limited; long re-charging time (up to eight hours); most EVs are designed to look futuristic but just end up looking like golf carts.DRIVE ECONOMICALLYOf all the things you can do to drive down your fuel bill, this is the most pragmatic as it's the simplest and most affordable. It can be expensive to swap your trusted and much-loved family car or SUV for something smaller or with an alternative powertrain.Trade-in prices on family cars are down according to the Motor Trades Association and if you buy a new car, you are up for dealer delivery charges, stamp duty and registration. It may be cheaper to hang on to your vehicle, but modify your driving behaviour for more economical running.There are many simple things you can do: Plan trips better and make fewer trips; jettison excess weight from the car; correctly inflate your tyres and get your car serviced more frequently.Most importantly you can vary your driving behaviour by slowing down, changing up the gears sooner, avoiding heavy breaking and staying away from peak-hour traffic. You may have heard these all before, but here are five radical ideas to reducing your fuel expense burden that you may not have heard.1. Cool idea: Turning off the airconditioning will provide a slight increase in fuel economy. However, when travelling on the highway, it is more fuel efficient to have the windows up and aircon switched on than having the windows down creating aerodynamic drag. Don't leave the aircon off for long periods as bacteria will build up in the system.2. Light is right: So throw out not only the unnecessary baggage such as your golf clubs, but maybe also the spare tyre. It can weigh 15-20kg in the average car. The US Department of Energy quotes fuel use as 1-2 per cent for every 45.5kg, so that's at least 0.5 per cent saved. Conversely, NRMA tests show that loading a vehicle to its rated maximum increases fuel consumption 24 per cent. While you might be able to get away without a spare tyre around town, we recommend you always carry it on long trips, especially in the country.3. Turned off: Switch off the engine at long traffic light stops. Modern fuel-injected cars start quickly without the need for any throttle. Car makers with stop-start technology that automatically switches off the engine every time the car is stopped quote fuel savings in traffic of 4-5 per cent.4. Just cruising: Use cruise control more frequently. Most cruise control systems actually put the car's engine into an economy mode and will run more efficiently than most drivers can drive as it accelerates more evenly. It is best used on the open road and not hilly terrain or stop-start conditions. While we could not find any official figures, some sources claim fuel savings up to 14 per cent.5. Re-tyre: the next time you buy tyres, choose from the new range of "eco" tyres with low rolling resistance. A California Energy Commission study estimated low-rolling resistance tyres could save 1.5-4.5 per cent on fuel consumption.

Suzuki unveiled the third and final Kizashi 3 sports sedan concept at the show today, which previews plans Suzuki has for entering the medium passenger car segment.

The heavy hitters from Suzuki are taking more back to Japan than just some happy snaps of their Australian Outback adventure last week.Tucked into Suzuki board member and senior managing executive officer global marketing, Toshihiro Suzuki's, luggage will be a folder containing a big wishlist from Suzuki Australia.His colleagues Oceania marketing chief, Satoshi Shimizu, sales planning boss, Takahiko Hashimoto and product planning manager Motoki Harada, also have a clearer understanding of what local buyers want after driving 250km through the Aussie outback.The company's Australian boss, Tony Devers, says there are several key cars on this wishlist.The return of the car that started it all for Suzuki back in 1980, the three-door GTi, is one of the contenders.Devers wants the GTi back here to go head to head with the Peugeot 207 GTi and Volkswagen Polo GTi and he reckons there's a good chance.“It's one of the things we're looking at,” he says.With the popular Swift hatch responsible for half of the company's local sales, Devers says a GTi three-door would be a bonus.A three-door Swift GTi will probably get the same 92kW/148Nm 1.6-litre VVT four cylinder as the Swift Sport.Apart from the small hot hatch, Devers is looking at light commercials and a bigger four-wheel drive than the Grand Vitara.“We'd like a Nissan Navara-type light commercial,” he says.“I think that segment has being growing dramatically and will continue to be strong.”A seven-seater off-roader could also be viable, he says.“That would be good,” he says.The bigger off-roader would follow the same “crossover” philosophy as some of Suzuki's Japanese rivals and be on sale as soon as 2010, boasting sporty dynamics and striking styling.The Suzuki XL7 is available as a left-hand drive model only in North America but a newer off-roader is being designed out of Japan and is likely to be available in right-hand drive.Devers is keen to stick with potential growth segments, ruling out a people mover.“I wouldn't bother with a people mover, that segment is too small,” he says.“That segment is only 1.5 per cent of the overall market.”Currently Suzuki has models covering 45 per cent of the overall local new vehicle market.“In two years time it could be 60 per cent,” he says.Devers says the company does not want to be a huge volume player locally but clearly has a top 10 spot in its sights. 

The tiddler of Japanese carmakers has plans for a big year in 2009 in Australia.Suzuki, which is a fraction of the size of Toyota and Nissan and made its name and money with micro cars in Japan, is almost ready to deliver a new baby car and a mid-sized star in local showrooms.No one at Suzuki Australia will confirm the exact plan for the micro-car, though it is likely to be a Splash baby car made in Hungary, or the production version of the Kizashi concept that will go up against a range of mid-sized V6 rivals.But a group of Australian dealers travelled to Europe last week to see the Splash, Swift and SX4 being built in Hungary — at a rate of 300,000 cars a year — before going to the Rally of Turkey to see the company's World Rally Championship car in action.“We will launch a sub-Swift car in the second quarter and Kizashi at the end of 2009, both in new segments for Suzuki,” Suzuki Australia general manager Tony Devers says.“Two new cars in 2009 will increase our volume naturally as we currently compete in only 45 per cent of the Australian market.”Devers says the Australian plan will reflect Suzuki's global moves, which have already seen the Euro-style Splash make big gains in Europe.“Suzuki's new philosophy is to become a global player and produce vehicles in strategic locations in factories in Japan, Hungary, India — where Suzuki has 50 per cent market share and has won several JD Power and Associates quality awards — and Thailand, which comes on stream in 2010,” he says.“Our stated goal is to achieve 40000 units by 2010, again with incremental models sourced from the most appropriate global factory. This will allow us to continue the Suzuki core philosophy of true value for money.”Devers will not confirm Splash from Hungary and hints India or Thailand could be a better long-term fit for Australia, despite the size and success of the Eastern European factory.Planning for the Kizashi is further into the future, though the final production version of the car — previewed with concepts at several shows — is expected to be seen at the Paris Motor Show in October.Devers is still not committed to a rally program in Australia, though an SX4 suitable for local regulations should be ready towards the end of the year. 

A simple fender bender could cost you more than $7000 to repair.That's part of the findings of new research carried out by motoring organisation the RACV.Nine small cars were tested in the study using a new crash apparatus that has never been used in the southern hemisphere before.It is the first in a year-long program to test various cars for sale within Australia.The testing simulated a 10km/h impact, one of the most common forms of accidents. The RACV then priced repairs for the collision.The findings highlighted the huge variety in repair costs across the small-car segment. The Toyota Corolla was the star with an estimated repair cost of just over $1000, or 4.4 per cent of the car's recommended retail cost.That was offset by the high costs to repair the Honda Civic and Suzuki Swift. The Honda's repair bill was more than $7000 and the Suzuki's $5547, a whopping 34.7 per cent of the car's price.“The results show a vast difference in repair costs across the range of vehicles tested because a poorly designed bumper can slide under other bumpers on impact, causing more damage to both vehicles,” RACV Insurance general manager Susan Allen says.Aside from the repair costs, poor-performing cars can lead to further insurance increases.“We are urging consumers to consider repair costs as an important factor when buying a new car because this can have a significant impact on their insurance premium,” Allen says.The testing is done in conjunction with six countries around the world and is designed to highlight deficiencies to help carmakers improve their vehicles.RACV's chief vehicle engineer, Michael Case, praised Toyota's efforts with the Corolla for collisions with other cars and pedestrians.“The Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic scored similar leg-protection results in the EURO NCAP pedestrian-safety program, yet the repair costs of these vehicles differ dramatically,” Case says.“This proves manufacturers can design vehicles that can perform well in pedestrian safety and vehicle protection.”The RACV's results come in the wake of similar testing done by NRMA Insurance.Each year the New South Wales company conducts two low-speed accident tests of more than 46 of the country's biggest sellers. The first simulates a 15km/h impact with a solid barrier and the second a rear crash at 30km/h.That data is used to calculate the repair costs for such accidents and, according to NRMA Insurance chief Rick Jackson, some of the results are shocking.“Though design enhancements may largely go unnoticed by vehicle owners, they can have a sizeable impact on the cost of insurance,” Jackson says. “Design improvements by carmakers are helping to reduce collision costs in some makes and models, but there is still a need for improvement."“A startling fact that has come out of this year's low-speed crash test is Australia's three biggest-selling family sedans — the Holden Commodore, Toyota Camry and Ford Falcon — have all increased in repair cost. The Falcon by a staggering 26 per cent.“However, proving that new-car technology doesn't have to become more expensive, the cost of repairing the Mazda6 has dropped 36 per cent since last year.”Such data is used by the insurance company to help set rate premiums, meaning choosing the right car could save you money.“Motorists should consider the cost of repairing a vehicle before they make their purchase because a bargain in the showroom may not be such a good deal when taking the cost of insurance and repairs into account,” Jackson says. Crash test resultsEstimated Repair cost repair cost as a % of rrp1 Toyota Corolla $1018 4.4%2 Ford Focus $2357 10.7%3 Holden Astra $2626 10.9%4 Mazda3 $2886 12.6%5 Toyota Yaris $4016 22.1%6 Hyundai Getz $3363 22.4%7 Mitsubishi Lancer $5467 23.5%8 Honda Civic $7385 31.4%9 Suzuki Swift $5547 34.7% 

As Australia's new car juggernaut rolls on towards the magic million sales mark, the number of available models continues to swell. Already recognised as one of the most diverse and competitive car markets in the world, Australian importers continue to add to the mix.With half the year nearly gone, buyers have taken almost 500,000 new vehicles into their garages with some of the traditional biggest selling months still to come.At least three new marques will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of  the year; Hummer, Mahindra and Skoda,  testament to the vibrancy of what is, in world terms, a minor market.However, it is the expanding model range within existing brands that will drive the Aussie market over the million mark for the first time.Over the next six months more than 50 new or revised models will arrive in Australian new car showrooms. Here's a look at what's coming soon:ASTON MARTINDip your lid in style in September with the V8 Roadster, a gorgeous extension of the Vantage. AUDI Audi starts its end-of-year program in September with the R8, the biggest, baddest Audi in the garage The Supercar looks with enough performance to keep most on their toes. Also on the cards for October is the A5, Audi's first coupe since the TT. An all-new platform which comes as a front-wheel-drive and quattro. In November the V8 4.2 TDi may answer some questions for the Q7, including on fuel economy. BMW You'll have to wait until October for the new M3, but the latest offering from the M garage has something special. It's the first V8 for an M3. CHRYSLER A Sebring convertible, topless cousin of the sedan launched in early 2007, arrives in December. DODGE The Nitro SUV joins the Caliber for Dodge next month and the US marque backs that up with its Avenger sedan in August. FIAT The baby Ritmo, sold as the Bravo in Europe, will be Fiat's second passenger offering in Australia when it lands in October. Expect petrol and diesel. FORD The rush to oil-burners continues with the Focus getting the honour of being Ford's first passenger diesel next month before the Focus CC, the drop-top concept that set hearts aflutter at Frankfurt two years ago lands in October. The other big news for Ford is the return in November of the Mondeo for a third tilt at Australia. HOLDEN The key second-half model from the General is the VE Ute, bringing all the developments in the VE sedan to the working man's Holden. HONDA The Civic Type-R is razor-sharp styling built around a high-revving fun package. Next month. HUMMER The iconic offroader from the land of the large truck opens its Aussie account in October, a couple of months later than anticipated as a result of production delays for the H3. Surprisingly agile with real offroad ability. HYUNDAI An important second-half for the Korean marque. It starts with the popular Santa Fe SUV finally getting the 3.3-litre V6 from the Sonata to give it some extra punch. In October, the new Elantra hatch joins the sedan in the Aussie line-up after a wait of almost 12 months. JAGUAR An October styling refresh for the marque's luxury sedan, the XJ, is all from the Big Cat this year before a big 2008. JEEP The second of Jeep's non-Rubicon Trail-rated soft-roaders arrives in August to join the Compass for duty around town. KIA The Carens compact people mover has never really taken off here. The new generation is a little bigger and more stylish. It will be powered by a four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine with five- or seven-seat capacity. On sale in October. LAND ROVERThe baby Freelander gets a complete makeover for this generational change. New engines and a new family look all go on show in July. MAHINDRAIndia's workhorse ute, the Pik-Up, starts to roll out to Australia in July. MAZDA A new generation and a new look for the little Mazda2. Sharper styling is the key to this one's October debut. At the same time Mazda will add a diesel option to its top-selling Mazda3 range. MERCEDES-BENZThe key model for Mercedes this year is the meat-and-potatoes C-Class. Bigger, brighter and ready to meet the masses it is available from July. Also on Mercedes' new-model list is an upgraded ML500 and R-Class in September, both getting the 285kW V8 engine. October is a big month for the three-pointed star with the crackingCL65 AMG (a bi-turbo V12 with 450kW and 1000Nm) and the more sociable S320 CDi, which marries diesel with uber-luxury. MITSUBISHI You have to love a fighter. Australia's “other” family car, the 380, wins a minor refresh with some interior updates from next month. In August the automatic turbo diesel, traditionally the model's top seller, completes the Triton range while in October the point guard for the red-hot Evo X (due late in the year), the new Lancer, promises look-at-me-styling and more punch than the current model. NISSANThe baby Micra finally gets the green light for Australia with an October date with sales. In November the X-Trail, a core model for Nissan and the compact SUV that set the benchmark for those who actually can go off-road, gets a full generational change. The Dualis arrives in December. A softer option to the X-Trail, it sits on a similar platform but is more plush. PEUGEOT It's all about size for the French manufacturer. In July the 207CC, the previous generation of which set the standard for accessorising small cars, is back and promising to reclaim the crown. Its far more focused and athletic sibling, the GTi arrives in August with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. The station wagon derivative of the base 207 goes on sale in October. PORSCHEThe 911 turbo cabriolet proves Porsche's belief that if you can go fast in a sedan you should be able to go just as fast in a cabriolet. In September you can prove it for yourself. RENAULT August sees the Megane diesel join the Renault fleet, while the Clio Sport returns in November in an all-new guise. SAAB The new 9-3 will highlight Saab's first all-wheel-drive system in a completely renewed model range. All models arrive in November. SKODA Launches into Australia with a two-pronged attack in October. The Octavia medium-sized hatch and the quaintly named Roomster compact MPV will carry the flag initially. SMARTIn September the next next-generation smart ForTwo arrives, a little bigger and a little smarter. SUBARU The new Impreza is one of the most polarising styling departures of the year. In basic and WRX fettle the hatch arrives in September. A cult car heads mainstream and the jury is out. SUZUKIIf it ain't broke ... A freshen-up for the car that put punch back in Suzuki's local range, the brilliant Swift is in showrooms in October with the sedan version of the SX4 “tall hatch” joining the stable in September. TOYOTA The first product from Toyota's new “hot shop”, the Aurion TRD, arrives in August with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 with sports manners and a load of plastic kit. Also in August is the generational change for Kluger with the SUV getting a substantial facelift and the 3.5-litre V6 from the Aurion. November brings the Landcruiser 200 Series and a TRD version of the HiLux. VOLVO The highlight for the Swedes in the second half of the year is the all-new generation of the XC70 due in November. About the same time the C30 will get the in-line five-cylinder diesel. VW A hot version of the Passat, the R36, is heading Down Under in November. 

The Swift Sport, unveiled to Australian media in Japan this week, may not carry the famous GTi badge (it no longer has rights to the name) but it has the firepower to outgun its predecessor. Powered by a high revving 1.6-litre twin cam four cylinder engine, the four-door hatch is quicker from 0 to 100km/h than GTi and runs rings around it when it comes to handling. What it lacks is the raw edge that made the original GTi so much fun to drive, because like the off road Vitara it didn't have to bow to anyone. In this critical area, we would have liked to have seen a larger, more powerful engine, but hey . . . the Liana started life with a 1.6 didn't it? To create the engine, Suzuki engineers have increased the stroke and upped the compression of the donor 1.5-litre unit. It gets a new block, new inlet and exhaust camshafts, new pistons and rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, larger capacity sports muffler, oil cooler, intake and exhaust manifolds and an electronic throttle body. The result is a compact engine that delivers 92kW of power at 6800rpm and 148Nm of torque at 4800rpm. This compares with the standard car's 74kW and 133Nm - a significant increase. Swift Sport is due to go on sale at the end of September and looks set to build on the momentum of a car that has become a runaway success since launch in 2004. To go with the extra power, the car's chassis has been strengthened with extra cross members, a close ratio, short throw five-speed manual box has been added, along with firmer damping and of course bigger, beefier brakes. Cosmetic changes have also been made, with the addition of a deeper front air dam, black WRX-style side skirts and small rear wing plus a new rear bumper that incorporates twin exhaust outlets. The car sits on 16 inch alloys with 195/50 series rubber, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and six airbags. It looks hot, especially in bright yellow and Suzuki claims the Sport is good for 8.29 seconds for the dash from 0 to 100km/h, with a top speed of about 200km/h. You pay a small penalty for this extra performance as the car takes 98 strength premium unleaded, but it still manages to sip the stuff at the same 7.5 litres/100km, with a 43-litre fuel tank. We got to put the Swift Sport through its paces at Suzuki's proving ground at Hamamatsu. Weighing in at 1100kg, and with a power to weight ratio of 12.0kg to the kilowatt, it goes hard but lacks torque down low. This is particularly evident from a standing start as well as when exiting corners, but wind it up and it's a ball to drive. Our confidence in the Sport's handling grew with each lap of the proving ground as we pushed harder and harder through corners. Pour it on and the car remains composed and manageable even at the extreme limits of adhesion. The rasp from the twin exhausts sounds the part and inside there are some nice touches too, including sports seats (we're told they're Recaros), three-spoke leather stitched sports wheel, silver look gear knob and stainless steel pedals. In terms of performance, the original GTi weighed just 750kg and, with a 74.3kW motor, boasted a power to weight of just 10.1kg/kW (0-100km/h took 8.6 seconds). It wasn't forced to labour under the additional weight of the safety equipment that is imposed on modern vehicles. Launched in 1986 the original GTi roared out of the gates, but was plagued by dreadful torque steer and could be a real handful in the wet. In comparison, the Swift Sport is much more refined and desirable car. At $23,990 it comes fully equipped with few direct competitors. Suzuki benchmarked the car against the Mini Cooper and Citroen's C2, while Ford's Fiesta Zetec could also be considered a rival. None provide the size, interior space and four-door utility of the Swift. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power ancillaries, steering wheel audio and fully featured trip computer. But there's no spare wheel and no room for one either - just a re-inflation kit. Whether the Swift Sport is indeed the successor to the GTi that Suzuki has been looking for remains to be seen. The car has not been released in the United States, but like us, the Canadians have expressed interest in bigger engines too. The Suzuki Sport certainly looks the goods and handles exceptionally well, but the extra $6000 could stretch the budget. With no turbo, however, it remains within reach of P plate drivers.   Chris Riley is a roadtester on the CARSguide team. His work appears here and in the 96 News Limited Community Newspapers across Australia – including the Cumberland Newspaper Group, Leader Newspaper Group, Quest Newspaper Group, Messenger Newspaper Group, Gold Coast Sun, Townsville Sun.