(December 15, 2011) Despite the on-again, off-again rumors about its appearance in the United States, the Suzuki Swift remains just a dream in North America. And with the addition of a Sport edition for 2012, it's really a shame.

The Swift Sport was first previewed by the S-Concept that debuted earlier this year in Geneva, and was shown in its current form at the Frankfurt show this fall.

It packs 136 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque from a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine routed to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Suzuki says the all new Swift Sport can complete 0 to 60 in about 8.5 seconds.

Enhancements to the Swift Sport include a stiffer suspension and more aggressive stance, rounded out by a handsome set of 17-inch wheels.

It's priced at £13,500 in the UK, about $21,500.

The new Swift Sport’s M16A engine is based on that of the previous model and now offers more power combined with lower emissions. Thanks to the addition of a variable intake system, optimization of the intake VVT (Variable Valve Timing) and increased valve lift, maximum output is up from 123 horsepower to an impressive 136 with the new model.

The Swift is just 153 inches in length with a wheelbase of 96 inches. Curb weight is 2,303 pounds.

The new Swift goes on sale in Europe in January.