Maruti Suzuki Swift: A sporty hatch with practicality in its genes The Maruti Suzuki Swift has been an evergreen Indian hatchback that has always been loved for its sporty styling, peppy driving dynamics, and value-for-money equation.
The Swift which has debuted in 2005 has progressed with the nature of the times and has achieved an advancement in manners, safety and running.
In its current form, the Swift still reigns the city roads and is still liked by the small family as well as young buyers.
Stylish and Dynamic Exterior
One of the Swit’s major highlights is its design. A sculpted hood, aggressive grille, sweptback headlamps and floating roof design makes it refreshing on the young and athletic design!
Its sporty quotient is further enhanced with dual-tone roof options and signature LED DRLs.
At the back the tail lights are tastefully styled and the mildly raised bumper makes ensure that the Astina Braun stands out as a well balanced, modern looking machine.
Despite its small size, the Swift’s wheelbase is wide and the body low, which means that it has a strong on the road presence with a very good aerodynamic shape.
It walks a line between city slicker cool and day-to-day utility, and that’s still appealing across a wide range of buyers.
Interior Comfort and Features
Climb in, and the Swift greets you with a driver-centric layout. Inside, the predominantly black interior with silver highlights is sporty.
The flat-bottomed steering wheel, deep-bolstered seating and easy-to-read instrument cluster amp up its sporting demeanor.
There is plenty of legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers, although taller adults would want a little more rear seat space for longer rides.
The 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, for an uninterrupted smartphone experience.
It also comes equipped with the likes of steering mounted audio & calling controls, Push button start, Auto climate control, Electrically adjustable ORVMs etc., to name a few.
It doesn’t feel all that premium but is all put together reasonably well and would fare just fine with regular use.
Performance and Efficiency
Under the bonnet, the Swift gets a 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine churning out 90 PS and 113 Nm. Smooth performance is also offered in city traffic and in highway cruising.
The Swift is zippy and fun to drive – with either the 5 speed manual transmission, or the AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).
It gets a lightweight HEARTECT platform which in turn makes for improved handling and better fuel economy.
The steering is light but accurate and the suspension is set up to give a plush ride over potholes and ruffles without sacrificing stability.
Its ARAI claimed mileage is 22-23 km/l, which makes the Swift an efficient urban runabout.
Safety and Practicality
Maruti has definitely worked on enhancing the safety quotient of the Swift in the past few updates.
Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a rear camera are offered as standard while the top-end variants get more kit.
It also adheres to current crash safety regulations (although world markets would consider it behind the times in terms of international safety ratings).
For practicality, the Swift has a 268-litre boot which is practicable enough for short family trips.
During daily use there are a number of storage places on the inside, such as bottle holders, a glove box and pockets on the doors.
Pros:
Sporty Looks : A Tad More Youthful Than The Rest.
Smooth Engine: CVT provides a smooth drive with no jerkiness.
Nice Drive: Suitable for city and highway use.
Less maintenance: Well supported by Maruti for service.
Variants: There are manual as well AMT options as per the use.
Cons:
Tight Rear Seating: Somewhat cramped for three (adult) passengers in the rear.
No Diesel Prowess: As Expected, lineup is petrol only.
Fair Safety Rating: Has room for improvement when it comes to the vehicle’s safety structure.
Left Out Features: No frills for your thrills—no sunroof, no cruise control.
Maruti Suzuki Swift: Final Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Swift is still the package to beat in the premium hatchback category.
It interacts well to provide a fun drive, it looks good and the engineering behind it is dependable — well suited to young enthusiasts as well as commuters day to day.
Sure, it could do with a bit more in terms of safety and rear seat comfort but the Swift aspires to be so much more;
A combination of competitive price, strong brand recall and a driving experience that is dependable.