Amongst the local car enthusiast scene, there’s a clear, two-camp split right down the middle.

Comprising the first camp are the purists; those that hold the strong belief that designers and engineers know best. When buying a used car, phrases like ‘original equipment’ and ‘dealer maintained’ are things they look out for. Everything needs to be approved by their car manufacturer, from bodywork, to wheels, and even to small items such as an air filter.

On the flipside, the second camp are the modification-mad; those that believe that anything and everything can be improved further. Body panels? Swap them out to carbon fibre units to save weight. Shock absorbers? Replace them with coil-over suspension for improved handling. The list goes on, but you get the gist.

Gabriel, the owner of this second-generation Suzuki Swift Sport, falls firmly into the latter camp. With a lengthy modification list that spans the interior, exterior, and undercarriage of his car, Gabriel has one simple rationale behind it all – to make the car better than it was from the factory.

Gabriel’s beloved Swift Sport is a second generation ‘ZC32’ model, with a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Although looking largely similar to the previous generation Swift Sport, it’s got an uprated engine and new transmission. The high-compression engine gains 11bhp and 12Nm of torque, while the close-ratio transmission now has a 6th gear.

The Swift, as Gabriel admits, is a joy to drive, but he found it possessing some unlocked potential. Already known for being a great handling car, one of Gabriel’s first modifications to the car was a new set of wheels and tyres.

"I also love how wet performance has been improved (over the RE003) – even in a heavy downpour, I can still maintain the speed limit!”

Fast forward nearly 2 years and 50,000km later, and the POTENZA Adrenalin RE004 launches in Singapore just as Gabriel needs a new set of tyres. The worn-out RE003 tyres were swapped out for a fresh set of POTENZA Adrenalin RE004 in the 205/50 R16 size, much to Gabriel’s delight.

“I like spirited driving, and the POTENZA Adrenalin RE004 suits me perfectly with its good road holding. I also love how wet performance has been improved (over the RE003) – even in a heavy downpour, I can still maintain the speed limit!”

Gabriel’s journey in making the car better than it was from the factory began in the engine bay. Several goodies from Monster Sport have taken residence, with a Carbon Intake Kit taking centre stage. Next to the beautifully glossy carbon fibre intake box is a Monster Sport High Pressure Radiator Cap, and a red Monster Sport Battery Bracket. A high-performance intake requires a high-performance exhaust system to match, thus a Greddy Power Extreme R muffler was installed on the opposite end of the car. 

A spirited driver doesn’t overlook handling modifications, and Gabriel is no exception. For starters, the Swift now sits approximately 25mm lower to the ground thanks to a Monster Sport Low-Down Spring Set. Then, beneath the 16-inch OZ Ultraleggera wheels reside a RAGE Performance 4-piston Big Brake Kit for maximum stopping power. To fully exploit the benefits of all these modifications, a rigid collar kit has also been added to reduce free play in the chassis.  

With all the performance and handling modifications done and dusted, it was pertinent that the Swift looked as fast standing still as it does on the move. For that, the exterior of Gabriel’s Swift is tastefully garnished with selected carbon fibre parts sourced from Japan.

The largest and most obvious is the R’s Racing Service carbon fibre bonnet, paired with the single-piece Monster Sport Carbon Radiator Grille. Keeping them company is a set of GT-Dry carbon fibre fog lamp surrounds, and a Greddy front lip spoiler to round off the front end modifications.

Those with sharper eyes will notice more carbon fibre parts making an appearance around the car. Gabriel has sourced carbon fibre covers for the wing mirrors, door handles, and even the fuel door – a testament to his obsession with the material. 

There’s more at the back, too! The two-tone colour scheme is finished off with a Greddy carbon fibre rear wing, and an OE-style carbon fibre rear diffuser which the titanium exhaust tip peeks out of.

Inside the cabin where a lot of time is spent, there’s also a touch of carbon fibre, in the form of trim pieces overlaid on the centre console and speedometer cluster. Interestingly, Gabriel has opted to replace his original seats with a set of Recaro semi-bucket seats from the previous-generation Swift Sport.

Other interior jewellery include a weighted titanium Powerhouse Amuse R1 Titan shift knob, an aluminium Monster Sport pedal cover set designed to make heel-toe downshifting easier, and a Defi Advance ZD digital gauge to keep an eye on vital engine statistics.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: