New Suzuki Swift Sport in 2012

Suzuki Swift S-Concept - expected to become the 2012 Suzuki Swift Sport

It’s reported that the Suzuki Swift S-Concept revealed at Geneva 2011 is going in to production as the 2012 Suzuki Swift Sport

There was a time when the little Suzuki Swift was the biggest oxymoron in motoring. But things have improved a lot and the Swift is now a fun and lively little car; perfect for city buzzing.

But back at Geneva in the Spring Suzuki showed the Swift S-CONCEPT, a hot-hatch update on the latest Swift which we assumed would make an appearance at some point as the new Suzuki Swift Sport.

Well now (at least according to a press release Suzuki in Russia issued) we get confirmation that the S-Concept is going to see production as the 2012 Suzuki Swift Sport, although we’re not sure how hot it will be.

The general consensus is that the 2012 Swift Sport will get a 136bhp 1.6 litre 4-pot, an increase in power over the old Swift of just a few horses, but with the lighter current generation Swift that should see more performance.

We were hoping – and still do – that Suzuki would choose to fit the 1.4 litre red-hot lump from the Polo GTi.

That seemed to be on the cards when the S-Concept was shown at Geneva – although it could just have been an industry rumour – and seemed a perfect fit for the aggressive, 3-door S-Concept with its big front bumper, big wing and rear diffuser.

But maybe Suzuki are planning on toning down both the style and attitude of the S-Concept to give buyers a more conservative hot hatch with the uprated version of the current engine. Still, we should find out soon enough with plans to start production in November.

Until which time we’ll continue to hope for 178bhp channelled through a a seven-speed DSG twin-clutch ‘box.