Suzuki GB PLC is pleased to announce its presence at this year’s Autosport International show at the NEC in Birmingham. Suzuki will be exhibiting several examples of its very popular Swift model including an early opportunity to view two Special Edition models due for introduction in the UK in the near future; these will be badged SZ-L for the 1.2-litre model and SZ-R for the 1.6-litre Sport. From the two wheel side of the company, the latest version of the GSX-R600 will also be on display equipped with advanced technology derived from MotoGP.
The Swift is the model with which Suzuki launched its world strategy and is produced at seven plants around the world and sold in more than 100 countries and territories. Its dynamic performance and sporty styling have helped take it to sales of two million units faster than any other model in the company’s history. With the Swift, driving a compact car does not mean settling for less.
Also at the show will be the highly acclaimed Swift Sport model which is the performance flagship of the range. In development Suzuki pursued even higher levels of chassis performance, achieving an exceptional balance of controllability and stability.
Greater toe and camber rigidity for the torsion beam, greater lateral rigidity in the torsion-beam bushings and larger rear wheel bearings enhance stability at the rear under hard cornering. Increased spring rates for the front and rear springs and the addition of rebound springs in the front suspension struts significantly contribute to stability by providing greater roll stiffness. These modifications result in handling that has evolved even further from that of the previous Swift Sport, a car well known by Motorsport fans and endorsed by many Rally and RallyCross drivers both in the UK and further afield.
The Swift Sport’s M16A engine offers more power combined with lower emissions. Thanks to the addition of a variable intake system, optimisation of the intake VVT (Variable Valve Timing) and increased valve lift, maximum output is an impressive 136PS at 7,000rpm.
The engine’s high output is combined with excellent fuel economy of 44.1mpg on the EC Combined Cycle; CO2 emissions are 147g/km and a bespoke exhaust system yields a sportier note. The Sport is fitted with a six speed manual transmission as standard.
Swift Sport is available for £13,749 including metallic paint and to help widen the market as well as assist younger buyers aspiring to own one, Suzuki has now included it its latest PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) offers with a special low deposit of just £1,409 required followed by 42 monthly payments of £239 and an optional final payment of £4,698.
The GSX-R600 was voted Best Sports Bike in the under 600cc category by MCN in 2011 and 2012. It has a power output of 124hp at 13,500rpm from its 4 cylinder fuel injected engine. A key point about the performance of GSX is that it weighs just 187kg including a full tank of fuel which translates to over 660hp per ton. GSX is equipped with Brembo Monoblock Radial Mount Brake Callipers, race proven slipper clutch and six speed close ratio gearbox.
The Autosport International show at the NEC opens to the Trade on 10th January and to the public on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th.