Maruti Suzuki Swift

Summary

It is always a big thing when the auto industry’s strongest product undergoes an update and it is no different this time around with the modern era Maruti Suzuki Swift undergoing its third major update. The car was showcased for the Japanese market towards the end of last year and it is the new generation of the Swift based on Maruti’s new Heartech platform. The Swift competes with the likes of the Hyundai Grandi10, Honda Brio, Ford Figo, Nissan Micra as well as compact sedans like the Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent and the Ford Aspire.

Exterior

The 2018 Swift is all-new and has been built ground up. But it does carry forward the design identity that has made the swift so popular. A revised fascia which gets sleeker headlamps, revised grille and a sporty bumper which has a recessed front air intake. There is a sense of familiarity when you move to the side as the side profile is more or less the same since this version of the Swift was launched in 2004. At the back we can see a new wrap around design for the tail lamps, chunky bumper and slightly lowered roofline to give the car a sporty appearance.

Interior

Step inside and you are greeted by a black and grey cabin with the seats getting contrast coloured bases. The feature list is quite extensive and includes things like a touchscreen infotainment system with reversing camera, climate control and leather upholstery. It still doesn’t get rear AC vents but has much more usable cabin space thanks to the new platform. The boot-space has also increased, bringing it at par with the competition. ABS with EBD and front airbag are standard across the range.

Engine and Gearbox

On the engine and gearbox front, this car will be offered with the 1.2-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel and possibly at least one version that will make use of the RS spec 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. The standard 1.2-litre unit is a four-cylinder engine producing 83/115Nm while the diesel (also a four-pot) produces 75bhp/190Nm. This is the forst time the Swift gets an automatic across the range for both the petrol and diesel powertrains – the same AMT setup as the Maruti Suzuki Dzire.