Powering the front wheels is Suzuki’s K14C 1.4-litre four-cylinder Boosterjet (turbocharged) engine, developing a respectable 142 PS at 5500 RPM and 230 NM of torque from 2500 RPM. 0-100km/h is achieved in 8.0 seconds flat before maxing out at the top speed of 205 km/h. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Segment | B-Segment |
BodyType | Hatchback |
Transmission | AT |
Capacity | 1.4 L |
Horsepower | 140 PS |
Seats | 5 |
Traditionally, hot hatches are defined by their manual transmission (MT), although some hot hatches are available with an automatic.
So, when new Suzuki distributor Naza Eastern Motor launched the 2021 ZC33S Suzuki Swift Sport in an auto-only format, not only did it raised some eyebrows, it also piqued our curiosity on if it would be a good fit for the venerable Swift Sport.
After all, coming from me and my manual-swapped Suzuki Swift, a hot hatch is not complete without the stick shift.
Can the automatic ZC33S Swift Sport justify itself against its manual sibling? Let’s dive in and find out.
Ride and Handling- Based on Suzuki’s new HEARTECT platform which offers strengthened chassis rigidity, high speed and cornering stability is greatly improved. While not as poised as the Ford Fiesta ST, it holds itself well in the bends and rides effortlessly though bumps and road imperfections.
Performance- 142 PS from a turbocharged 1.4 litre engine may not seem extraordinary these days, but pair that with a lightweight body of just 970 kg (same as Perodua Myvi 1.3 AT), you get yourself a nimble and agile performer.
Styling- To the untrain eye, the Suzuki Swift Sport appears to be a sporty 3-door hatchback thanks to the ‘Stealth’ rear door handles which are cleverly tucked near the rear quarter window. Blacked out A and B pillar coupled with the kink on the C pillar gives that desirable floating roof effect. While the carbon fibre trims may be fake, the dual chrome exhaust definitely are not.
Safety Features- The lack of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) such as Autonomous Emergency Braking on the car at this price point is inexcusable. The safety feature in the Suzuki Swift Sport is rudimentary at best.
Price- At RM 139,900, the Suzuki hatchback is simply not priced competitive enough to go up against its rivals in Malaysia. To put things in perspective, a Peugeot 208 GTi is about RM8000 cheaper but with 68 more horsepower and 70 NM more torque.
Practicality- Space has never been the Suzuki Swift’s strongest suit and it is no different with the Sport. Back seat space is cramp, and you will find yourself struggling fitting 3 adults abreast at the back partly due to the curved in roofline on either side.
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