Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Suzuki

Despite the on-again, off-again rumors about its potential voyage to the United States, the Suzuki Swift still remains a tasty piece of forbidden fruit. A shame, too, especially since this new Sport version sounds like it'd be quite the enjoyable steer.



The Swift Sport was first previewed by the S-Concept that debuted back in Geneva, but now packs 134 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque routed to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Those aren't earth-shattering numbers, but in a vehicle this tiny (and lightweight), we imagine it to be pretty engaging from behind the wheel. Think Mazda2, but more powerful.



Other enhancements to the Swift Sport include a stiffer suspension and more aggressive stance, rounded out by a handsome set of 17-inch wheels. All in, we'd gladly throw the Sport around an autocross course or some curvy canyons... if it ever comes to the U.S.

2012 Suzuki Swift Sport sure looks like fun... for someone else originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Suzuki

We're gearing up for the next auto show season, with the Los Angeles showcase taking place in just a few weeks. Suzuki - an automaker that hasn't been doing so hot lately - will reportedly be absent from this year's festivities in Los Angeles, and will not be seen at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit come January.



"For the upcoming season, our brand will selectively participate at auto shows where our distinctive and engaging story will resonate the most," Suzuki spokesperson Jeff Holland told Automotive News. As for the remainder of the North American show circuit, it's unclear whether or not Suzuki will appear at the Chicago Auto Show in February, but we'd be surprised if the Japanese automaker didn't have some sort of showing in New York next spring.



Suzuki was hit hard by the large economic recession of the past few years. Automotive News reports that while the automaker managed to sell over 100,000 vehicles in the United States in 2007, it only sold 23,994 in 2010. Due to the poor economy, Suzuki's marketing budgets have been slashed, says Holland, and thus, the company will have "more of a conservative approach going forward."

Suzuki ducking out of Los Angeles, Detroit auto shows originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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