Maruti Suzuki Swift: Very few will resonate like the Maruti Suzuki Swift. Since the day it went on sale, it has been a go-to hatchback for just about everyone — college students, daily commuters, even first-time buyers.
And now, the Swift is back, and is bolder, more sophisticated than it ever was.
Maruti has walked a tightrope on this one. They’ve managed to keep what worked so well with the Swift while taking just enough of a step forward to align with how buyers are demanding a bit more from their cars.
But does it cut the mustard against today’s heavily contested breed of hatchback? Let’s take a closer look.
Realistic Design with a Touch of Familiarization
One look at the new Swift and you will see it has not retired its cheeky charm. That curvy shape is still very much intact, but the squarer LED headlamps, updated grille and especially the new alloy designs lend it a slightly slicker, more grown-up ambience.
It doesn’t scream for attention — but it’ll turn a few heads at a traffic light. It has just the right amount of flair without straying so far from its playful DNA.
Two-tone colors add a youthful feel and the dimensions overall are just right – not too small or too big. Perfect for zooming through traffic or squeezing into smallest parking spaces.
Inside: Spare, serviceable, and surprisingly roomy
On the inside, the new Swift has everything practical. The dashboard design is simple and has a floating touchscreen infotainment system (7-inch) that brings a sense of modernity to the cabin.
The two-pod instrument cluster is now semi-digital and fuses the charm of analog with the convenience of digital.
The seats are supportive and there’s reasonable space for four adults. The legroom in the rear won’t blow your mind, but for a hatch in this segment, it’s more than serviceable. Boot space is still usable as well, ideal for city shopping trips or weekend away.
Maruti’s done well with materials—there’s soft touch in places and plastics feel well finished, enough to make the experience a notch above basic.
Performance: Now With a Side of Mild Hybridism
The most important change under the bonnet is the addition of the all-new 1.2-litre Z-series 3-cylinder petrol engine.
It’s encumbered upon BS6 compliancy too; mild-hybrid tech in a range of these versions also assist in giving fuel efficiency a handy shot in the arm, too.
Power, meanwhile, is rated at around 82 bhp with 112 Nm of torque—nowhere near hair-raising, but fine for some spirited urban work. The 5-speeder is just as slick and enjoyable to use as before, while the AMT version does well to make pottering around the city a cinch.
The Swift’s steering is light and direct, and suspension tuning sits at a good compromise between control and comfort.
It handles most things — potholes, sharp bends — with confidence and ease.
And fuel efficiency? And here is where the Swift really excels – factor 22-24km/l on the cards, depending on driving conditions and variant.
Features and Safety
The feature list is inclusive of cruise control, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, push-button start, automatic climate control and steering mounted controls.
It may not have the same number of gizmos as some premium hatchbacks, but its more than enough for today’s buyers.
For safety, the new Swift now gets six airbags (in the top trim), ABS with EBD, ESP, hill-hold assist (AMT) and rear parking sensors so that’s reassuring.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Sporty and fuel efficient engine
Contemporary with young look
Maruti’s reliable service and resale value
Easy city driving traits
Hybrid version brings a mileage punch
Cons:
AMT is smoother, but not as smooth as a full blown automatic.
Rear seat space and boot need improvement
Cabin soundproofing is only regular
Doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of its competitors
Maruti Suzuki Swift: Verdict: A Favorite, Now Smarter
New Delhi: The Maruti Suzuki Swift has always been a good car, it is and will always be. But now, it does so with more maturity, better safety and enhanced efficiency.
If you want for some fun when you pop to the shops, but don’t want to remortgage your house to pay the fuel bill, then the new Swift remains right up there. It doesn’t try to be everything — but what it does, it does brilliantly.