2020 Suzuki Swift Sport goes hybrid – less power, more torque

The 2020 Suzuki Swift Sport hot hatch will reportedly adopt a new hybrid powertrain as part of the Japanese maker’s move to meet stricter emissions regulations and electrify its range.

According to Autocar, the facelifted Swift Sport will get a mild hybrid set-up with a 48V system to the existing car’s reworked 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The set up will slightly boost the Sport’s low end torque to 235Nm from under 2,000rpm to 3,500rpm, while power dips slightly to 96kW. The 0-100km/h dash takes 9.1 seconds en route to a top speed of 210km/h.

For comparison, the current 1.4-litre Boosterjet develops 103kW at 5,500rpm and 230Nm from 2,500 to 3,500rpm in order to lower CO2 emissions to 127g/km under the WLTP protocol. Fuel consumption is also said to improve by 6%.

Dubbed the “Smart Hybrid” system, it consists of an Integrated Starter Generator and lithium-ion batteries located under the passenger seat. The system will also be adopted by the S-Cross and Vitara down the line.

“It’s not about out-and-out power any more. We’re trying to make 48V work at a more efficient pace lower down the rev range. The Switch Sport has never been a hot hatch. The Switch Sport is a car to have fun in at good speeds, but safely and without getting into trouble,” a Suzuki spokesman told Autocar.