Maruti Suzuki Swift Review: Sultan of Swing

Ever since the Maruti Suzuki Swift burst into the Indian market in 2005, it introduced a sporty DNA to the hatchback segment, which was never heard of earlier. It was the first car from India’s number one auto manufacturer to introduce a vehicle without a white colour option initially. It changed people’s perception of hatchbacks being affordable family vehicles to a fun-loving car to drive.

Maruti Suzuki has recently launched the fourth-generation Swift and the company is confident that it will further propel its sales numbers. With a host of new features and a brand new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine, does the new Swift bring back the zing in hatchbacks or has it taken the fuel economy way? We crank up the engine, upshift and find out whether it brings back old memories or creates new ones. 

Maruti Suzuki Swift Review: Behind the wheel

Let’s start with the new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z Series petrol engine, which makes its debut in India with the new Swift. If we compare the power output numbers with the older K Series engine then one might feel slightly disappointed as the new engine is down by 8 bhp and 1 Nm of torque. Before we jump the gun and start getting all judgmental, there’s more to the 3-cylinder motor than just numbers. With 81 bhp and 111.7 Nm, the new Z Series power plant offers more useable torque at low speeds, which makes it easier to tackle the daily commuting blues.

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The new engine masks the initial power surge that could be felt in the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder K Series motor, but it doesn’t have the initial acceleration pace when you put the pedal to metal. The 3-cylinder picks up speed in a measured fashion and keeps a strict eye on the fuel economy. It remains smooth and fairly muted till the 2,000 rpm mark, but after that the decibel level increases by leaps and bounds.

The Z Series engine’s strongest suit is its low-end powerband whereas the mid-range lacks the urgency one would have liked. This becomes evident while driving on the highway or when you attempt to overtake at high speeds. In all fairness, most Swift owners will be commuting to work and back within the city limits and for that usage, there’s ample power and torque as long as the hatchback isn’t hurried and pushed for quick acceleration.

The Z Series may not be as free-spirited as the previous engine but in day-to-day conditions, the new motor makes the driving experience quite effortless. A lot of this has to do with the new hydraulic clutch which is light and engages with ease. The 5-speed manual transmission is smooth and remains featherweight. There is no change in gear ratio and the short throw shifter makes the driving experience more involving. 

Maruti Suzuki Swift Review: Ride and Handling

The new-generation Swift gets a brand-new suspension setup which is focused on pampering the rear passengers. It negotiates dips and ditches without a hitch, but one has to ease off the pedal when the car encounters deep potholes. Don’t get us wrong, it manages to cushion a jarring effect but at the same time, you are pretty much aware of the road conditions, especially on broken tarmac.

With a slightly taut suspension, the Swift doesn’t wallow or bounce at high speeds, but the suspension is on the firm side as compared to other hatchbacks in this segment. Unlike other automobile manufacturers, the difference here is that for a more plush ride, Maruti Suzuki also offers the Baleno.

Watch video: 2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift Review

Maruti Suzuki has not compromised with the Swift’s class-leading handling capabilities. With a tarmac-hugging chassis, the new Swift continues to be agile and eats hairpin bends for breakfast. It offers plenty of grip and the body never weighs in making the Swift a fun-to-drive hatch. The updated steering wheel has gained some much-needed weight and responds well. All you have to do is point and choose the direction and it changes direction instantly. The wheel does lighten up at slow speeds making it super easy to maneuver through tight spaces in the city or parking lots.  

Maruti Suzuki Swift Review: Features and Cabin

Maruti Suzuki has been playing catch up when it comes to features in the last couple of years, but the new Swift offers plenty of equipment. The company has ensured that the Swift comes standard with six airbags, Electronic Stability Program, Hill Hold Assist and a three-point safety belt for all five seats. Also, barring the entry-level model, all the trims get steering-mounted controls, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, charging USB and Type-C ports and Over the Air system updates. The top trim, the ZXI+, has a slew of features including a 9-inch floating touchscreen, Arkamys sound system, a wide-angle rear parking camera and rear air condition vents.

The Swift has an all-black cabin with big and wide front seats along with additional side support. The seats are on the softer side, but there’s a simple cheat code and it is a well-padded aftermarket upholstery. The plastic quality is average but it boasts a new centre console with an automatic climate control and the instrument cluster has been reworked with a 4.2-inch MID that also reads out turn-by-turn navigation. The cabin continues to offer decent leg and headroom, especially for rear passengers. In terms of shoulder room, it can get a bit tight if there are three adults. 

Maruti Suzuki Swift Review: Should you buy it?

Starting from Rs 6.49 lakh, ex-showroom, the Swift is more expensive than its competition which starts from below Rs 6 lakh, but in hindsight, the entry-level Swift is Rs 25,000 more expensive than the older model, which makes it a reasonable hike when you consider that safety features its equipped with.

Let’s be realistic, the Swift has always been priced on the premium side and it will continue to attract a lot of buyers for its sporty flair. Based on the ARAI figures, the new Swift returns 25.75 kmpl for the AMT and 24.8kmpl for the manual making it more fuel efficient than its direct rivals and vehicles a segment below it. The 2024 Swift retains its strengths like driving experience and youthful looks, but it also misses out on a couple of features like front ventilated seats and a sunroof. It may not revolutionise the hatchback segment, but it certainly brings back nostalgic moments like no other vehicle in this segment. No doubt, the new Swift will sell in truckloads as Maruti Suzuki will continue to laugh all the way to the bank.