The performance flagship of the new Suzuki Swift model range will go on sale in the UK in January of 2012 with a starting price of £13,500, the Japanese automaker announced today.

The 2012 Swift Sport comes equipped with a new Euro 5 1.6-liter VVT petrol engine that delivers 136HP and a maximum torque of 160Nm (118 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm, with a newly designed 6-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels.

Suzuki says that the Sport completes the 0 to 62mph (100km/h) sprint in 8.7 seconds and tops out at 121mph (195 km/h), while it returns a combined fuel consumption of 44.1mpg UK (36.7mpg US).

The Swift Sport also features a stiffer suspension setup, a modified steering system and rides on larger 17-inch alloy wheels shod in 195/45R17 tires to improve handling.

On the outside, the sportiest member of the Swift series gains an aero package that includes a bespoke front bumper with a glossy black grille, side skirts, a roof spoiler and a modified rear bumper that houses a prominent diffuser and large tail pipes.

As for the interior, highlights include the sports seats with an exclusive to this model fabric, and the three-spoke steering wheel.

Among other amenities and safety features, the Swift Sport comes equipped with standard auto air conditioning, fog lamps, push button start, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, HID Projector headlamps with headlamp wash, ESP and seven airbags.

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