Maruti Swift: Upgrading the Reliable Workhorse
If you have a winning formula, there is no real reason to change it. Especially if your formula has been successful for a whopping 19 years. An incredible achievement for the Maruti Suzuki Swift, which has been winning hearts of Indian drivers for nigh on two decades.
Even as the new Swift is being brought into the Indian market, still more than four thousand units were sold in April itself. A testament to the resilience of the brand.
After a bit of a gap, the 3rd generation of this beloved family hatchback has made its way onto our roads.
While there are many things to like about the new Swift, but the one element which will grab everybody’s attention is the more frugal engine, which delivers better fuel efficiency. Maruti has always played this game well and is only upping this ante.
The new Swift has been launched with a new engine, new features, an upgraded cabin, and added safety features. The Swifts design and style have become close to the hearts of customers, so Maruti has not made any drastic changes in these basic features, though there is a noticeable improvement. The Swift is still built on the same Heartect platform, with a wheelbase of 2,450mm. However, the weight has only increased by about 25 kg, mainly due to the extra airbags.
Exterior Design
The front of the Swift, often seen as the cars face, has received some updates. The housing of its LED headlamps is now black, and the entire grille is now an attractive black colour instead of the chrome strip across the grille. The logo, which was on the grill, has now shifted to the bonnet, designed in the shape of an oyster shell. The side view remains unchanged, but the shoulder line is now more visible. The rear armrest on the C-pillar is back in its original position, and the black colour on the pillars and roof gives the car a sporty look. The 15-inch alloy wheels (14-inch on cheaper models) add a fresh touch to the design.
At the rear, the LED tail lights have changed to a C shape. The tailgate opens and closes between the two taillights.
Interior Features
The cars dashboard is reminiscent of the Baleno. To give it a sporty look, the dashboard and seats are all black. The touch screen has grown to 9.0 inches and has become a floating screen, which means the AC controls have been repositioned. The instrument cluster is now colourful and includes a navigation mirror visible on the touch screen. Many elements like screws and buttons come from more expensive cars like the Baleno and Fronx. The addition of a piano finish to the steering wheel is a nice touch.
The handle on the C-pillar has been shifted, allowing for new quarter glasses. This makes the second row of seats feel a bit more spacious. For short trips, three people can travel in the back seat, while two people will be more comfortable on longer journeys. There is a separate AC vent for rear passengers, and the trunk can hold 265 litres of cargo. If more space is needed, the rear seats can be folded in a 40:60 ratio.
Specifications
Dimensions H/W/D: 3860/1735/1520 mm
Wheelbase 2450 mm
Ground Clearance 163 mm
Boot Capacity 265 litres
Turning Radius 9.6 meters
Weight 920 - 925 kg
Fuel Tank 37 litres
Engine 1197 cc, 3-cylinder NA
Power 82 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque 112 Nm @ 4300 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT
Tyres 185/65 R15
Suspension MacPherson Strut/Torsion Beam
Mileage 24.8 / 25.7 kmpl (claimed)
Drive Layout Front-wheel drive
New Features
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, along with cruise control, a wireless charger, and a reverse camera.
Safety
Safety features like 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, hill hold assist, and 3-point seat belts are provided even in the cheaper variants. The Swift earned just one star in the 2022 GNCAP test, so it will be interesting to see what rating it gets in the Bharat NCAP.
Engine and Gearbox
The new Swift replaces the 4-cylinder 1.2-litre K series engine with a 3-cylinder 1.2-litre Z series engine. This engine provides an additional 3 kmpl mileage compared to the old engine, with the AMT gearbox giving a mileage of 25.75 kmpl and the manual gearbox giving 24.8 kmpl. Although the noise is low for a three-cylinder engine, a slight vibration can be felt when the car is idling. In the AMT car, power delivery is linear, but the engine struggles if you press the accelerator hard for immediate power. If you keep your foot on the accelerator continuously, you can feel the gear change with a slight jerk. The AMT also has a Tiptronic facility for manual driving, but the Swift could benefit from a better automatic gearbox.
Compared to other cars in this segment, the Swifts 5-speed manual gearbox stands out for its smooth shifting.
Handling and Suspension
The steering has certainly improved. It is light, making it suitable for city driving, and it snaps back easily when you turn it. Theres no noticeable body roll. The front suspension absorbs vibrations well, but they are more evident in the rear.
Pricing and Comparison
The price of the Swift is comparable to the Maruti Baleno and higher than the rival Hyundai Grand i10. However, the Swifts sporty exterior, improved manual gearbox, and overall driving experience continue to attract loyal customers.
The new Swifts updates, especially in mileage and interior features, make it a strong contender in its segment. While the 3-cylinder engine may not be as lively as the previous 4-cylinder, the improved manual gearbox enhances the driving experience. Ultimately, its success will depend on how customers receive these changes.
It does feel like the brand has their finger on the pulse of the buyer, knowing their needs and desires. It is difficult to bet against the Swift continuing the success which it has enjoyed all these years.
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