Are Suzuki missing a trick

[olliete]

To me it seems like Suzuki would be in a prime position to launch an MX-5-based, no frills sports car.

Do you think there is a reason they haven't and would you buy one if they did?

[rodericb]

Risk. The last such car they built was a long time ago (Cappuccino) and recent Japanese efforts haven't really taken off - the Honda S660 apparantly didn't sell many units to young people and while the MX5 has been around a long time, I think the tie in with Fiat gave it a bit of a stay-of-execution. Proton (yeah, Malaysian but is relevant here) were mooted to be producing a Lotus Elise variant but that didn't eventuate and they're awash with government cash and could well afford such a folly.

[hobobaggins]

If Toyota ever release their S-FR I could see this market blowing up again, I'd buy a Suzuki badged one of those any day.

[PorkFan]

I think the trick Suzuki are missing is making a rally rep 4x4 2.0 turbo swift with about 300bhp and 1100-1200kg, wide arches, tuneable, and under £25k.

In fact I think all the manufacturers are missing the same trick....all the current 'hot hatches' are far too big and heavy these days, and the smaller cars always have to be slower than the halo cars.

I loved my mk2 swift gti back in the day, I'd love to see them make something exciting that has more than 2 wheels.

[olliete]

Agreed.

I hope they put the boosterjet engine into the new Swift Sport - they should also make an Ignis Sport, that would be awesome!!

[gweaver]

olliete said:

Agreed.

I hope they put the boosterjet engine into the new Swift Sport - they should also make an Ignis Sport, that would be awesome!!

They will, but don't expect fireworks.

They'll probably manage to take some weight out of the new Swift, but the Boosterjet 1.4 weighs more than the 1.6 (at least the Vitara S weighs 50kg more than the equivalent Vitara 1.6), and they might not turn the wick up much on the engine, which puts out a "mere" 140bhp in the Vitara S. I'd be surprised if they took it beyond 160bhp - I'd expect them to concentrate more on making it responsive.

[gweaver]

Rumours from Japan said:

1.4 Boosterjet

Power: 150 HP @ 5,500 RPM
Torque: 180 lb.ft @ between 1500 to 4000 RPM
Weight: 1000 kg kerb weight

(from http://ssoc.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?5863-New-t...

That's about what I expected TBH. Should make for an agile car, but it won't set your pants on fire.