The Lower, Louder Swift Sport Katana Makes Us Sad We’re Not Dutch

Suzuki has announced a limited run of just 30 special ‘Katana’ versions of its big-fun Swift Sport. With a lowering kit, a louder exhaust and a strut brace for tighter handling, it’s one we’d really love to get our teeth into. Except we can’t.

The Swift Sport Katana has been built for the Netherlands only, which is strange as it’s one of the EU’s few member states that is already travelling full speed towards electric cars. For our Dutch users, though, here’s what you can enjoy if you’re quick.

It sits on adjustable HKS Hipermax Max IV GT coilovers, lowering the ride height by an unspecified default amount that’s nonetheless likely to be in the region of 30-50mm. Body roll and braking pitch will be reduced, with better grip on smooth surfaces the result.

Tightening the handling even further is a strut brace from Cusco, countering the extra stress on the suspension top mounts brought about by the stiffer springs and resulting sharper bump forces. Lightweight OZ Racing alloy wheels are offered in 17- and 18-inch styles that complement the aftermarket look of the thin-thick-thin offset triple stripe on the bonnet.

Finally, Remus provides a cat-back sports exhaust system with twin 115mm ‘black chrome’ exhaust tips. It should be a fruity upgrade from standard without risking the wrath of the Royal Gendarmerie.

All that’s left at the ordering stage is to pick your colour: silver grey and black metallic are available, each with contrasting graphics.

The engine is unchanged, making 138bhp from 1.4 turbocharged litres with 170lb ft through the midrange. A six-speed manual remains, thankfully, as it does on the Suzuki Katana motorbike from which the car derives its name. The bike features a 999cc inline-four with 145bhp and retro good looks.