Maruti Suzuki Swift

About Maruti Suzuki Swift

Maruti Suzuki Swift is one of the most popular hatchbacks in India. Currently, in its third generation, the Swift has come a long way in terms of design, features and dimensions. The hatchback's popularity is a never-ending phenomenon, and it consistently appears in the best-selling cars list. The mantra for Swift's success in India is its sporty styling, peppy engine and affordable price tag.

The current avatar of the Maruti Swift is available as a petrol-only model. However, you can also opt for a CNG variant, which runs on both petrol and CNG. On the design front, Swift’s new model has not entirely veered away from its original design. Maruti Suzuki has sharpened the edges and introduced new features. However, the Swift DNA remains the same: sporty, agile and affordable.

Maruti Suzuki Swift: Quick Review

This section highlights the important aspects of the Maruti Suzuki Swift, including design, interior, features, performance and safety.

Exterior Design

Thanks to Swift’s iconic exterior design, you cannot mistake it for any other car! The overall design is the same except for the addition of a few new elements, such as a revamped grille with a honeycomb mesh pattern and a prominent chrome strip that runs across the grille. Apart from these changes, the front fascia remains more or less the same.

The side profile also looks sharp, thanks to the character line, sloping roof line and the new C-pillar mounted rear door handle. The rear profile of the hatchback gets no significant changes; in fact, it remains identical to the previous-gen model. Overall, Maruti Suzuki may have missed a trick in the process of retaining the original Swift design. Still, the hatchback looks sporty as ever.

If you opt for the Swift top model, you also get the new dual-tone alloy wheels and LED projector headlamps. Also, you can opt for the dual-tone paint scheme, which accentuates the sporty appeal of the hatchback. Overall, the Swift remains to be one of the sporty-looking cars in India.

Interior and Features

The Swift's interior also tells the same story regarding updates, as it remains more or less identical to the previous model. The dashboard looks busy with circular AC vents and dark grey accents. Otherwise, black is the dominant colour inside the cabin. The flat-bottom steering wheel adds to the sporty look of the interior. However, the analogue instrument cluster with a small digital display in the middle feels dated.

Talking about comfort, the sitting ergonomics inside the cabin are spot on. The large front seats offer good support and are accommodative; top-spec models also get the height adjustment feature for the front seats. The rear bench seats can accommodate three people and offers ample knee room. However, the lack of rear AC vents can take away comfort during a hot day.

The features on Swift have been updated. However, they are limited to top-spec variants. If you opt for the top-end variants, you get features such as cruise control, a MID display for the instrument cluster, auto-folding ORVMs, automatic climate control and the SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system, automatic headlamps and 6-speaker audio system. Overall, the Swift is a well-rounded package in this price segment. It may not be as modern as its rivals, but it offers enough for the price it demands.

Engine Performance

The Maruti Suzuki Swift gets the new 1.2-litre petrol engine that pumps out 88.5 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. The CNG avatar's power figures drop to 76.42 bhp and 98.5 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual or AMT transmission. CNG variants come with only the manual gearbox. 

The engine produces ample power to keep you excited behind the wheel. The AMT gearbox offers good driving performance and also makes for easy driving on urban roads. However, the manual transmission is the best option if you lean towards spirited driving, as it doesn't require much effort to get the most out of the engine.

Fuel efficiency is another factor that makes Swift so popular. The petrol manual model delivers a mileage of 22.38 kmpl, and the AMT version delivers a mileage of 22.56 kmpl. The CNG variant delivers a fuel efficiency of 30.90 km per kg of CNG fuel.

Safety

The Maruti Swift comes with standard safety features such as dual front airbags, Electronic Stability Programme with Hill-hold assist, ABS with EBD, and reverse parking sensors with a camera. It missed out on advanced safety features and strong build quality.

Pros and Cons of Maruti Suzuki Swift

Pros

• Looks sporty with the iconic Swift design

• The new petrol engine offers good performance

• Spacious and comfortable cabin

• Gets new features

Cons

• No diesel engine option

• It doesn’t get modern features

• Overall build quality is average