Following Suzuki’s other models – the Baleno, the Ignis Ciaz, and the standard Swift – the Swift Sport supermini can now be obtained with a mild-hybrid powertrain on board.
The system is called SHVS, which stands for ‘Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki.’ It includes the old 1.4-liter Boosterjet gasoline engine, a 48-volt power network, an engine starter/generator, and a small lithium-ion battery.
In its Hybrid guise, the urban car gains 15 kilos and now weighs in at 1,025 kg (2,260 lbs). It also loses 11 horsepower, which leaves it with 129 hp (96 kW). The peak torque grows by 5 Newton-meters to 230 Nm (170 lb-ft), but this does not help the initial acceleration much.
Whereas the gas-powered Suzuki Swift Sport sprints 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 8.1 seconds, the SHVS manages the same in 9.1 s. The top speed drops marginally by 1 km/h to 209 km/h (130 mph). All-electric speed is capped at 80 km/h (50 km/h). Mixed-cycle fuel consumption amounts to 5.6 liters per 100 km, or 50 MPG in Great Britain, or 42 MPG in the United States.
On the outside, the newcomer looks exactly like its gas-powered counterpart shown on the video here. Inside, the standard trim level is much better-appointed and now includes six airbags, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, a reversing camera, and an infotainment system with GPS navigation. Options include lane control, traffic sign recognition, blind zone detection, and parking reverse assist. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support also comes at a premium.
Compared against the standard Swift, the Sport spec boasts louder exhaust, enhanced brakes with 285mm (11.1”) discs at the front, six-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter, and stiffer suspension complete with special shocks, stabilizers and springs.
The Suzuki Swift Sport SHVS will become available in Great Britain in April, and the prices remain pending.