The new Swift Sport has a more aggressive exterior and larger front grille that evokes a sporty feel. The three-door hatchback consists of smaller elements of Audi R8 in the lower nose, particularly in the spotlight cluster design and venting.

The model is powered by a 1.6 liter M16A engine with an output of  136 PS (100kW/134 bhp) and a torque of 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) ensuring higher power and lower fuel consumption. The engine brings in a six-speed manual transmission.

The new Swift Sport, that is 40mm longer than the standard version, offers better stability, handling and rear suspension. Vehicle safety has been significantly improved by its seven air bags (including curtain air bag and driver’s knee air bag) and ESP (Electronic Stability Program).

The company’s Russian auxiliary has stated that the model will be a three-door hatchback. The Swift Sport will be based on Suzuki’s S-Concept platform that was unveiled at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show.

So that means we can expect a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 136 PS (100 kW / 134 hp). It is likely to equip a six-speed manual, but an automatic might also be probably offered.

We are  anticipating the car to be unmasked at the Tokyo Motor Show. Stay tuned.

Though the company has not reveal specific details with regard to the concept car’s engine output, the grapevine has it that it would come with a 150-hp (112-kW / 152-PS). Thai is a clear 22 per cent increase over the 2010 model. Sounds good, right?

The Suzuki Swift S-Concept comes perched on 18-inch wheels, and has a large rear wing, new headlights and rear lighting clusters.  Bucket seats, a new steering wheel, different instrumentation and carbon fiber trim and all make it sportier.

No details are out as to when the car will get into production or when it would see a release. We however tend to believe that it is going to be a 2012 model.

Suzuki also plans to bring the Swift, Splash, Alto, Kizashi, Jimny, Grand Vitara, and SX4 to the show. The show will be held from March 3 to March 13 and on March 1^st, 2^nd the Media will be let in.

Suzuki also announced recently that the company achieved increased sales and profit for the fiscal year 2010 first nine months (1 April through 31 December 2010) despite continued severe market condition.

Although the company did manage increased sales of automobiles in Japan and of automobiles and motorcycles in Asia but the sales in North America and Europe were lower than the same period of the previous year.

Further information about the concept vehicle will be revealed at the Suzuki Press Conference dated for March 1^st at 1:45 p.m., on stand 42.51, Hall 4.

Not sure about you chaps, but for me Suzuki is by no means associated in my brain with turbo engines and extreme power. Well, that’s about to change as I just saw the 2010 Suzuki Concept Kizashi Turbo — a car that made its public debut on April 30th on the Speed Channel’s Test Drive program. It was nicely painted in red, and I learned that under the hood now there’s a tuner supplied 16G turbocharger added to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine (originally doing 185bhp) that brings 100 more horsies to the powerplant, for a good 290bhp. What else can you wish for? Apparently a high-flow intercooler, an extreme spray injector, a blow-off valve and a velocity air intake to polish this diamond. I just can’t take my eyes off of it …

Both prototypes spotted in Germany reveal that the next-generation Swift will have a smaller front spoiler and a similar looking element jutting out from the bumper. The gigantic headlights now take a clearer form for us and so do the cluster lights at the rear which seemingly compliment the triangle shape of the front lights. Swift has been a hot selling automobile for the Asian automobile manufacturer and it has done well in booming markets like India as well. [via WCF]

The fifth generation Suzuki Swift has been a great success so far, hence why the automaker intends to re-introduce the commuter as a three-door hatchback for the US market. The prototype of the 2011 Swift model was caught winter testing but the heavy camouflage ensured that nothing conclusive was revealed. Word is that the new four wheeler will bring a Kizashi-inspired grille, distinctive taillights and swept back headlights. Power to the wheels should come from both petrol and diesel options engines. The petrol variants will include a tiny 1.2L and a 1.6L engine producing 125hp at 148Nm of torque. Speculations are ripe about a hybrid model based on the 2009 Swift plug-in hybrid concept but this bit of info still needs a confirmation. [via WCF]

Few years back, no one talked about the Auto Expo New Delhi, but since India is the next big market to automakers, this year’s event has gained a lot of importance. For India MPV is still a rarity and the first of its kind to make its debut as a concept was the Suzuki R3 which was designed in a modest time of nine months. The R3 comes with six individual seats and those seats can be folded away to increase the cargo space. There are no sliding doors to be found and the rearward opening doors making things easier for the passengers. The exterior is boxy and it has a bulky rear portion. At the fascia is a combination of high-intensity lighting with LED accents and the LEDs can also be found at the back. The engine choice is still a mystery but that will gain importance only if Suzuki is keen to take this MPV to the production facility. The prototype has an engine that is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Suzuki Swift is sold in various countries around the world, and the engines under the hood vary, with the most appealing model, the 1.6-litre version outputs 125 hp and 148 Nm of torque. The vehicle uses a five-speed transmission system and has a front wheel drive (although an AWD model that’s exclusive for Japan, exists).

On top of these all, after seeing the Swift Plug-in Hybrid Concept, there are some strong rumors going around that the car may be a full production hybrid. Not bad eh? [via WCF]

The finalists for the 2010 South African Snoozefest Car of the year have been announced. The finalists in no particular order of monotony are:

• Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4i Turbo Petrol
• Audi Q5 2.0 T STronic
• Chevy Cruze 1.8 LS
• Hyundai i20 1.6 GLS
• Suzuki Alto 1(!) litre GLS
• Toyota Prius
• VW Golf 6 1.4 TSI 90 kw Comfortline
• Volvo XC60 3.0T Geartronic

From here on the finalists go on a couple of tests which include high speed dynamic assessment, parking ability, handling and other tests all while monitoring the fuel consumption.

I suppose they will have a proper car to tow some of these babies around to get them to high speed because on their own steam they won’t get there.

Anyway, which one do you think will win and why – leave a comment.