A MUCH-loved hot hatchback could be making a very surprise return – just mere months after it was revealed to be discontinued.
However, while the news is certainly exciting for petrolheads, the revived motor will probably not be making an appearance in Europe.
Back in July, it was revealed that Suzuki were having a major clearout with four popular models being scrapped to pave the way for their very first EV.
Among those was the iconic Swift Sport, which is adored by car fanatics for its fun-factor and has been on sale in the UK since 2006 – with its most-recent iteration boasting some mild hybrid tech.
When its impending doom was first announced, Suzuki said that Swift Sport would only remain in the UK for as long as dealer stocks lasted.
However, while that clearly remains to be true, well-renowned Japanese magazine Best Car, and as reported by Car Throttle, have suggested the little model could live on in Suzuki’s country of origin.
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They recently reported that a new version of the Swift Sport could be in development and may be revealed by the end of the year.
According to the report, the new Swift Sport’s engine is being thoroughly tweaked to the extent that it’s “almost newly developed” and will have an output of 148bhp – with the mild hybrid elements contributing a further 15bhp.
The demise of the Swift Sport was revealed alongside that of Suzuki’s Jimny, Ignis and Swace models – with all of them making way for a new range of EVs.
Suzuki explained that its decision was due to the UK’s Zero-Emissions Vehicle mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell a certain percentage of EVs that will increase over the next few years.
Failure to do so would result in a fairly hefty fine for every ICE vehicle sold.
The loss of the Swift Sport came as a major blow to the hot hatchback niche, which has already lost the likes of the Ford Fiesta ST and the Hyundai i20 N.
The first-gen Suzuki Swift is considered by many to be a great entry-level bargain hot hatch – with one car expert suggesting they can be found for as little as £2,000.
With its 1.6-litre engine, the sporty version of Suzuki’s compact city car boasts 123 bhp – taking it to 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds.
It also looks the part, boasting a sporty grille, aggressive front bumper, and distinctive alloy wheels.
