Toll Free Thrills

Some weeks can be really slow – even if you are working for an automobile magazine. And, as you’d be aware, we can’t handle days when pretty much nothing happens at work. Which is why we end up doing mad stuff like this: Divide the enthusiastic guys at work into two teams, and plan and organise an impromptu race up the hills to Lonavala, one of our favourite haunts. Just to make things more interesting, we added a twist: the goal was to get to Lonavala as quickly as possible – but without paying any tolls. Yes, toll-free thrills, exactly!

When it came to the cars that we would use for the trip, we knew it had to be the epic new Maruti Suzuki Swift. Obviously, this was not just because it is among the most fun cars in the country right now, but also because, over the years, we’ve had an absolute ball driving various iterations of the OG Indian hot hatch to Lonavala.

Mumbai to Lonavala is about 85km by road, but Team Blue’s toll-free route, which passed by the town of Kalwa, threw up a distance of 120-odd kilometres. Team Red, on the other hand, decided to take the RoRo ferry to Mandwa and drive up to Lonavala from there. At about 87km, theirs was the shorter route, but then it also involved an hour-long ferry ride. This was clearly going to be epic, we thought. The Swifts would be put through their paces in a diverse set of environments, from urban stretches and loopy roads up the hills to state highways and the rough stuff. So, with a neutral observer in each car, the great Swift versus Swift race was well and truly on. This is exactly the kind of celebration a car that has sold over 3 million units since its launch deserved.

Design of the times

The Swift has always been a looker and the latest generation takes that legacy forward. And you don’t just have to take our word for it. On the ferry to Mandwa, just across the bay from Mumbai, a lot of co-passengers stole glances at Maruti’s champion hatchback. We don’t really blame them. The new Swift is sporty, with a capital S, and that dynamic and distinctive wrap-around character line sets the visual tone. Its bold stance draws the attention, while the distinctive Swift silhouette instantly announces the hatchback’s iconic DNA. Other elements that complete the pretty picture include the smoky LED projector headlamps and boomerang LED DRLs that dial in a futuristic appeal, and those 15-inch precision-cut two-tone alloys are absolutely ace. Irrespective of whether it is parked on the high street, or blasting down the highway, the Swift cuts an impressive figure.

The sporty theme continues on the inside, too. Here, it is alloyed with a tasteful, premium treatment and a bucketload of features. So, apart from the ‘centre floating design’ of the dashboard that is oriented towards the driver, the Swift gets a classy piano black treatment with satin matte silver inserts and unique asymmetrical dials for the instrument cluster. Enthusiasts will love the flat-bottomed steering wheel and the super slick 9-inch Smartplay Pro+ infotainment system, while rear passengers will be delighted with the ARKAMYS surround sound system, rear AC vents, and fast-charging A and C-Type USB ports. Moral of the story? The Swift’s cabin is among the best places you can spend time in.

Road rocket

While its opposing team was getting off the ferry at Mandwa, Team Blue’s Swift was lighting up the highway, as it blitzed past Thane and Navi Mumbai. It won’t take you long to realise that the Swift doesn’t just have a sporty vibe to it; on the road, that vibe translates into some serious fun. A lot of credit for that has to go to the stand-out Z-Series engine that brings the two diametrically opposite worlds of spirited performance and low emissions together. The new Z-Series unit, especially suited for Indian driving conditions, makes the Swift the most fuel-efficient hatchback in its segment. For the record, the car delivers an astonishing 24.8kpl (Manual) and 25.75kpl (AGS).

The state-of-the-art engine generates 81.58PS at 5,700rpm and a peak torque of 111.7kgm at 4,300rpm. But it’s not just about the numbers – it’s the way the Swift drives that puts a wide smile on your face. There’s tons of low-end torque; crisp, linear acceleration; and an almost go-kart like feeling when you mash the throttle. The Swift displays excellent road behaviour irrespective of the terrain and the speed at which one is travelling, and its slick-shifting five-speed manual is among the reasons why this car is so genuinely endearing.

Once the roads start to twist, eager drivers will also be glad to note that the Swift has retained its legendary handling capabilities and fantastic ride comfort, which have been enhanced by an all-new suspension system. And while a hydraulic clutch mechanism now ensures smoother clutch engagements and disengagements, there’s also a smart Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmission for those who favour comfort and convenience as well as better fuel-efficiency.

The Swift also shines on unfamiliar terrain and rough patches, as Team Red discovered as they hustled the hatchback out of Mandwa and guided it through the narrow roads of rural Maharashtra. Its robust suspension cocoons occupants from the ill-effects of travelling on rain-battered roads. And with a raft of safety features that are standard across variants, from 6 airbags to ABS and Electronic Stability Program+ (ESP), occupants always feel secure. 

Dash to glory

Around early afternoon, our lensmen sighted Team Blue roaring up the hillside, followed closely by Team Red. It was a joy to watch both Swifts drive briskly yet responsibly, as they whipped up the hills towards Tiger Point in Lonavala. Cars like the Swift remind us how much we love hitting the road, and why we end up spending hours behind the wheel. It’s not just about the acceleration, or the handling abilities – with great cars, it is always about how different elements come together to create a compelling whole.

Team Blue crossed the imaginary finish line first, but Team Red was not too far behind. Lots of Maggi and chai was had, notes were exchanged on the two routes, and the way the respective Swifts performed. After a bit of strolling around Lonavala, it was decided that the best way to end the day would be to race back to work. The idea was accepted without much ado, because, in a Swift, all roads lead to fun.

Also see:

2024 Maruti Swift road test, review

Maruti Swift CNG launched at Rs 8.20 lakh