Maruti Swift real-world fuel economy tested, explained

The fourth-generation Swift, with its all-new Z-series 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, boasts impressive fuel-efficiency figures of 24.8kpl and 25.75kpl for the manual and automated manual transmission (AMT), respectively. We put it through our instrumented tests to determine its efficiency in the real world. 

1. Weighs 20-25 kilos more than the previous-gen Swift
2. Gets auto engine stop-start feature
3. No mild hybrid system on offer

In our city cycle, with average speeds of around 18 kph, the Swift’s fuel efficiency was 14kpl for the manual version and 12.7kpl for the AMT. What’s nice is that the automatic engine stop-start system performed smoothly and turned off the engine while halted in order to save fuel. Interestingly, there isn’t a mild-hybrid system on offer, and there is no additional battery to bear the load of the air-con compressor, audio system and other electricals while the engine is switched off. The Swift’s fuel efficiency numbers during our highway test cycle, with an average speed of 54kph, were 19kpl for the manual and 19.1kpl for the AMT.

To put its numbers into perspective, in our tests, the 2018 K-Series Swift returned 12.6kpl/19.3kpl for the manual and 11.4kpl/18.6kpl for the AMT for city/highway cycles, respectively. While the new three-cylinder engine is much more efficient in the city than its predecessor, its highway efficiency is only marginally better. Also helping the new Swift’s highway efficiency is the fact that its engine spins at 2,600rpm while cruising at 100kph in the top (fifth) gear, which is 100rpm lower than its predecessor.

Autocar India’s fuel efficiency testing

Before our real-world fuel efficiency tests, we fill our test cars’ tanks to the brim and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendation. These cars are driven in fixed city and highway loops in and around Navi Mumbai, and we maintain certain average speeds. Throughout the tests, there is only one person in each car, running the aircon and other electricals, such as the audio system, indicators and wipers, when required, just like a regular user would. Periodic driver swaps further neutralise variations in driver patterns. At the end of each cycle, we calculate efficiency by filling the tanks to full again.

Also see:

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