Suzuki has a fine reputation for building decent bikes, but when it comes to cars, the value-oriented Japanese marque has been churning out rubbish for far too long.

This review was first published in MOTOR magazine’s January 2007 issue.

Unfortunately, a great engine does not make a great car, as the last Swift GTi (1989-’99) emphatically proved. The Swift Sport, on the other hand, owes nothing to that much-modified, near cult-worshipped little dunger, and is, despite the lame name, 10 times the car the GTi ever was.

The new-generation Swift, launched in February 2005, isn’t quite the driver’s car, even though its funky styling and keen engine hint that it is. But with the new Sport, Suzuki has gone in hard to make the reality match the badge.

Despite a one-metre increase in its turning circle (now 10.4m) and only a small reduction in turns from lock to lock (from 3.1 to 2.9), the Swift Sport’s electric steering is keener when turning from straight ahead and noticeably faster-geared once you’re into a corner.

That could also have something to do with an overall reduction in understeer, but there’s no question the Sport is definitely a sharper tool.

Where the real entertainment lies is in the way the Sport handles. It’s no Renaultsport Clio, but the Swift Sport turns in eagerly and carries plenty of speed through a corner, all while absorbing bumps that would’ve speared the old GTi into another dimension.

Explore the Sport’s outer envelope and it’ll succumb to understeer, but generally its balance is fairly neutral and there’s certainly plenty of squeal-free grip from its Dunlop rubber. The Sport is also reasonably responsive to a lifted throttle or brake dab when loaded up in a corner, though always in a non-threatening fashion.

You wouldn’t exactly call its straight-line performance hot, but 0-100km/h in a claimed 8.9 seconds and 200 flat out isn’t too shameful, especially when the Sport is so encouraging.

MORE 2018 Suzuki Swift Sport unveiled

It’s very short-geared – fifth equates to just over 30km/h/1000rpm, meaning 4000rpm on the tacho at an indicated 120km/h – in order to make up for the slim pickings of torque (148Nm at a high 4800rpm). But second, third and fourth gears are tightly stacked to maximise everything the Swift has to offer.

Aiding the Swift’s quest for sportiness is its slick, leather-topped five-speed gearshift, its well-placed metal pedals (great for heel-and-toeing), and its horn-looking seats (which could use lumbar adjustment). But carried over from the regular Swift is a rather non-sporting driving position that’s fairly high and requires bent knees to get the tilt-only steering wheel in the right place.

Still, the Swift Sport was never meant to be a Honda Jazz. It’s its own thing – a cool, feisty, tight-handling, good-value hatch that’s easy to live with, yet can turn feral if you want.

For GTi fans, the simple fact the Sport doesn’t require a kidney belt should be reward enough. That it’s actually good is something else altogether.

MORE classic MOTOR

Cultus Turbo (1984)

Swift GTi (1986)

Swift GTi Mk2 (1989)

Ignis Sport (2003)

Fast Facts – 2007 Suzuki Swift Sport

LIKE: Cool styling; grippy handling; revvy engine; unisex appeal DISLIKE: Steering lacks feel; bit too much understeer; a bit dear RATING: 4 out of 5 stars