Introduction
Maruti Suzuki Swift, a game changer in the hatchback segment has been a bestseller since its launch in May 2005. Stylish as always, the newly launched third generation model further ups the game for the Swift in India. For a modest introductory starting price of Rs 4.99 lakhs, the new Swift offers standard safety equipments such as - dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, engine immobiliser, driver side seat belt reminder and is also pedestrian protection compliant.
The first two generations where lucky enough to find limited competition in the progressive automotive sector in India. However, the third generation model has evolved enough to take on modern day competition without much effort.
So here below we have the highs and lows for the 2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift in India…
What’s good about it?
The new design theme has got all eyes fixed on the new third generation Swift. Upfront the grille looks sporty, thanks to the omission of the chrome surround from the Dzire and the sharply cut bumper further adds to the appeal. Although the side profile shares some resemblance with the new Dzire, the new Swift distinguishes itself with unusually placed rear door handles which makes the vehicle appear like a sporty three door version.
The new Maruti Swift is based on the Heartect platform like the Baleno and the Dzire, thereby making it lighter by about 85kgs than its predecessors. Owing to a lighter bodyweight, the new Swift delivers better performance and fuel efficiency figures. Moreover, the new Swift is also offered with AMT options on the Vxi/Vdi and the Zxi/Zdi variants. Needless to say the standard safety equipments which we have listed right at the start. As for features, based on variant opted for, the new Swift gets electronic ORVMs , SmartPlay infotainment system with navigation and voice command, and auto headlamps with lead me/follow me functions.
What’s bad about it?
Well this is indeed a tough one and does not have too many negatives. However, even though the new Swift gets a host of styling upgrades and new features, it still does not have that one additional bit which positions it a cut above the rest. By that we mean that Maruti has only managed to deliver as per customer expectations, while it still misses out on features like rear AC vents which is offered by its competitor the Hyundai Grand i10.
The best variant to buy
We would recommend the ZXI/ZDI as it comes with all the modern day convenience equipments. Moroever, it is also available in both manual and AMT tranmission options. However, buyers who are on a tight budget and would like to settle with modest features as well as have an AMT option, you have the Swift Vxi/Vdi variant.
Quick facts
Price Range
Petrol – Rs 4.99 lakhs – Rs 6.96 lakhs
Diesel – Rs 5.99 lakhs – Rs 7.96 lakhs
Fuel efficiency (ARAI specified)
Petrol MT – 22 kmpl
Petrol AMT – 22 kmpl
Diesel MT – 28.4 kmpl
Diesel AMT – 28.4 kmpl
Specifications
Petrol 1.2-litre 82bhp@6000rpm and 113Nm@4200rpm
Diesel 1.3-litre 74 bhp@4000rpm and 190Nm@2000rpm
Did you know?
Post its launch in May 2005, hatchback quickly announced its 100,000th buyer in India in January 2007. In the same year, owing to growing demand the company introduced a Fiat sourced 1.3-litre Multijet engine. The additional engine option further let people shed their inhabitations and sales for the Swift touched 200,000 in March 2008, followed by 300,000th Swift in February 2009 and 500,000th Swift in January 2010.