The Maruti Suzuki Swift is an iconic car in the indian market. Its iconic status goes beyond sales figures and specs. The Swift is emotionally significant due to its design, feel and value. Focusing on numbers, the Swift holds a special space, nearly 3 million units sold. The present swift sets the stage to evaluate the fourth generation, questioning whether it is going to maintain its iconic identity.
The new Swift has improved interior features, modernized design, and an amazing driving experience, while retaining its distinctive look.
Exterior Design Updates and Features
The new Swift keeps its familiar shape, with a narrow top and a wider, rounded bottom, ensuring instant recognition despite being entirely redesigned. Key updates include a gloss black grille on top variants and distinctive headlamps that curve upwards with L-shaped DRL patterns, drawing inspiration from Maserati. The Maruti Suzuki logo has been repositioned from the grille to the bonnet, which now features a clamshell design that adds interest but also creates a distracting gap above the headlamp.
Boot Space and Rear Design Details
The new Maruti Suzuki Swift features a rear camera, Swift branding, a rear washer and wiper, and a standard antenna rather than a shark fin style, which some might prefer. The boot offers about 265 litres of space, which is a good and practical size for a hatchback. Despite having a slight lip for loading, it is easier to manage than some compact SUVs, making it suitable for weekend trips. Overall, the exterior design of the new Swift is considered well-executed.
Interior and Design Elements
The new Maruti Suzuki Swift interior has both positive and negative aspects. The driving position is well-designed with upright A pillars and a large glass areas enhancing visibility. About the steering wheel, it is familiar yet improved with gloss black accents, complementing the sporty analog dials that are clear and easy to read. Plastic quality and fit have seen noticeable improvements, featuring textured materials and silver finishes.
The AC controls are user-friendly physical toggles borrowed from other models, and the wireless charger fits large smartphones securely. The seats are comfortable and snug, matching the car’s sporty character, and the speaker grills add an upscale touch. But these upgrades, the interior feels dull and gray overall, missing an opportunity for more vibrant design enhancements.
Safety Features and Ratings
The Maruti Suzuki Swift now includes enhanced safety features such as three-point seat belts for all seats, six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and hill hold assist as standard. These features aim to improve its crash test rating. The new Swift achieved a four-star rating with 90% in the Japan NCAP test, a significant improvement compared to the previous India-spec Swift, which, despite using the same platform, scored only one star.
Engine Changes and Specs
The new Swift under the 2022 Global NCAP protocols features a significant change under the hood with the introduction of the Z12E Petrol Engine. Although it remains a 1.2-litre displacement, it shifts from a traditional four-cylinder to a three-cylinder configuration, marking a departure from old petrol engines. Despite concerns about reduced power output, 82 horsepower and 112 Nm torque, less than the previous engine, the new three-cylinder engine performs very well. It maintains good refinement, with only minor external noise. Inside the cabin, the engine is smooth and acceptable, although not as seamless as the older four-cylinder K12 engines.
The Engine delivers an impressive fuel economy of 25.75 km/l for the AMT and 24.80 km/l for the manual version, aided by the Auto Stop-start function. However, this system is not a mild hybrid SHVS used by Maruti.
The engine’s redline is lowered to 6,00 RPM, with a power drop-off occuring around a 5,500 RPM. Drivers who chasing the high revs may feel some disappointment compared to previous swift models, but this represents a different engine character rather than a drawback. The segment ends with driving the AMT version, noting Maruti’s advances in their automated manual transmissions.
Steering and Driving Dynamics
The vehicle offers increased steering weight, enhancing confidence on highways and through corners. While it’s not fully restored to the original, swift dynamic feel, it is like moving in the right direction. And the engine performs surprisingly well, especially when paired with a manual gearbox, which is ideal for experiencing its full potential.
Pricing
The starting price of the Maruti Swift in New Delhi is ₹5.79 Lakh. The Maruti Swift ZXi Plus AMT DT, which costs ₹8.80 Lakh, is the most expensive variant, while the Maruti Swift LXi is the least expensive. For the best deals, visit the Maruti Swift store in New Delhi that is closest to you. mainly in comparison to the beginning prices of the Tata Punch and Maruti Baleno in New Delhi, which are ₹5.50 Lakh and ₹5.99 Lakh, respectively.
Though priced higher than before, the Swift’s unique blend of style, efficiency, and spirited driving ensures it remains a standout choice and a true icon in its segment.
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