Suzuki S-Concept previews upcoming Swift Sport

From Paultan.org

This is the Suzuki S-Concept that was unveiled at Geneva. It doesn’t take a genius to predict that it’s a preview of the upcoming Swift Sport, the hot version of Suzuki’s latest supermini that was launched mid last year. They didn’t release any specs or info on what’s planned under the skin, so we can only speculate on the looks.

From one of the more subtle and classy sport hatchbacks around, the next Swift Sport takes on an attention hungry, over the top persona, if what we see here translates to production wholesale. For a junior hot hatch that’s expected to get an upgraded version of the M16A 1.6-litre NA engine (125 hp in current car), it has the bodywork to make one expect at least 200 hp. Perhaps Suzuki’s focus groups asked for a more overtly sporting car?

The elongated front headlamps of the new Swift gets a vertical twin projector layout; below them are big fog lamps with triple claws for extra drama. The grille is a single black honeycomb unit, not unlike the Mk5 Golf GTI, with a silver bar breaking it up in the middle.
On the side, there are vents behind the front wheel arch and on the side sills, painted in contrasting colour. The rear is very aggressive looking with that big spoiler and prominent diffuser style rear bumper with integrated exhaust pipes. There are two more vertical slats on the bumper.

Inside, the S-Concept adds on metal pedals, gloss black trim and a steering wheel with perforated leather and a centre marker, Renault Sport style. Even the Recaros look similar to those found in the Megane RS 250. Add in the fact that yellow is the signature colour for both Swift Sport and Renault Sport, and you’ll spot some inspiration here and there. In any case it’s understandable, since the guys from Dieppe make some of the best hot hatches one can buy today.