Maruti Suzuki Swift - Tried and Tested (VXi)

Exterior When the Swift came to India in 2004 it was a sensation. The curvy yet sharp features of the exterior combined with the lighting technology used in the tail lamps gave it a upper hand in the mid segment car market.

However, the Swift that is in production now has lost its edge over the other mid segment cars (Like the VW Polo, Honda Brio, Hyundai i20). Nevertheless the Swift’s exterior still manages to turn heads with its sweptback headlamps and broad stance. The indicators on the ORVMs too add a zing and account for safety while shifting lanes or taking turns. One odd thing was the height of the tailgate; it would make loading and unloading luggage a little bit of a task. Apart from that, gotta love the looks!

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) The swift interiors are very impressive. The dashboard quality is amazing, something you would notice in a high end Honda. My favorite feature is the little cup holder for the passenger seats, which is nicely tucked into the dash, when you press it the cup holder slides out with perfect ease. I initially found the driver’s seat unusually high but after 50 kilometers, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The back seats provide great thigh support something other cars in this segment struggle to offer. Lots of little cubbyholes everywhere to store things, little depression right above the glove box (along the width) is good for keeping cellphones or wallets. There is a nice small storage space next to the steering on the right, perfect for those big screen phones. The boot space is good too.

Another favorite is the instrumental cluster! It shows instant fuel consumption, average fuel consumption and range. The instant fuel consumption helps me to drive in an economical manner! However, the trip meter and fuel information buttons are very hard to operate even though they are located in the cluster. Height adjustable feature for the headlights come handy when you are climbs steep inclines or when your boot is heavy, the lights respond quickly to the change.

Engine Performance & Fuel Economy Ah! I am so glad my family purchased the petrol swift and not the diesel. Though the diesel clocks more kilometers per liter, it didn’t make sense for us, as we need it only for city use. The petrol engine is so much smoother than the diesel one, and almost with zero noise. When I drove it out of the showroom I wasn’t sure if it was running or no! Fuel economy so far has been decent, 13kmpl in the city with A/C according to the very helpful fuel meter, but I have managed to keep the instant consumption over 25kmpl as much as possible.

Ride Quality & Handling Ride quality is great, with very little cabin noise. Though at speeds above 70kmph you might hear a noise from the tires. The breaking feels pretty good, though I have read many reviews that claim it needs improvement. The steering is a boom in the city and my guess is that the Swift has one of the smallest turning radii in its segment, when you take a U-turn it so happens that more often not the Swift is hugging the median! However, it’s too light for a highway and might need a little getting used to.

Final Words If you’re buying the swift for a second car or for city use, buy the petrol! Pollutes less, feels less like a tractor!

Areas of improvement The knobs of the trip and fuel meters could be placed on the right of the steering instead of on the instrument cluster.

Quality of interiors, Steering,Annoying to operate trip meter switch