The perfect beginner's hot hatch? Check out the Suzuki Swift Sport at the Carlist Drive Auto Fair
CY Foong · Aug 23, 2023 03:35 PM
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For automotive purists, sticking with a manual transmission is the way to go and anything with two pedals or less is considered sacrilege. But what if your only (official) option is an automatic gearbox, should you feel ashamed and let those purists clang the bells while calling shame on you?
Well, in the case of the Suzuki Swift Sport (ZC33S), Suzuki’s Malaysian distributor, Naza Eastern Motors only offers the 6-speed automatic variant. The more enthusiast-approved 6-speed manual transmission is only available through grey importers as recond models which offer a less comprehensive warranty.
However, just because the Malaysian-spec Swift Sport is only available with a slushbox, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad thing. As a daily, you wouldn’t have to worry about constantly moving your left leg to engage and disengage the clutch but let’s be real, this is a hot hatch.
For those who are just dipping their toes into a performance car, the Swift Sport is perfect for beginners, all the more so if they’re used to an automatic gearbox. Granted, the 6-speed AT is not the most engaging or as snappy as those found in a Mazda but it is liveable.
BoosterJet just might be the coolest name for a small turbocharged engine
What gives the Swift Sport its hot hatch pedigree is the way it drives with effortless power delivery thanks to the turbocharged 1.4-litre 4-cylinder engine that makes 140 PS and 230 Nm. 0-100 km/h is done and dusted in 7.6 seconds according to our review.
Another aspect where the Swift Sport absolutely shines is in the handling department. Touching just slightly close to the 1-tonne mark, the hot hatch blitzes around the corners with such nimbleness that you’ll be guaranteed to leave grinning.
Available with a 3-year/100,000-km warranty, the Suzuki Swift Sport ZC33S is priced from RM 145,900 on the road, without insurance. You can get up close with the Japanese hot hatch at the Carlist.my Drive Auto Fair at the Setia Alam Convention Centre from 1-3 September 2023, Friday to Sunday, from 10 am to 8 pm.
You might even walk away with a fantastic prize just by signing up. Simply click here to register and stand a chance to take home a Soundstream Anzuo Android Car Player worth RM 2,688!
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
