The third-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift may have only been in the market since 2018, but an updated version is already said to be in the works. Expected to hit showrooms sometime around the third quarter of 2020 due to coronavirus-related delays, the refreshed Swift will get a mild facelift, a new, more powerful Dualjet petrol engine and minor changes on the inside.
The real talking point, of course, is the new engine - the third petrol in the Swift's 15-year history. Maximum power on the dual injector (per cylinder) engine sees a substantial jump of 7hp, to 90hp, and combine that with the expected kerb weight of 895kg, and you arrive at a power-to-weight ratio of around 100hp per ton. So expect a good increase in performance, with a 0-100kph time of 10-11sec.
While Maruti has steered clear of the trend for turbocharged direct-injection petrols for now, the Dualjet engine could actually deliver the best of both worlds. For one, direct-injection turbo petrols, seen on many competing products, are a lot more expensive to make. And then, Suzuki's Dualjet engine with the hybrid system could turn out to be more efficient in the real world. Turbo lag and boost on these smaller-capacity engines often play havoc with fuel flow and efficiency, so Maruti may be on to a good thing here. A healthy improvement in overall fuel efficiency is also expected.
While the Swift has been facelifted in other markets with a more prominent chin and a mild side skirt, India is likely to get only some of these updates. Bits that could be carried over from the international facelift include the large fighter-jet-like 'air-intakes' that surround the fogs, new headlights, and Maruti is also working on a new, larger grille. The Indian car is also likely to get larger alloys and a wider rear bumper.
There aren't too many changes expected on the inside. There will be some upgrades to the trim, a new and larger touchscreen could be drafted in, and Maruti could even debut its new SIM-based connected tech system here. All in all, a lot to look forward to, especially if the carmaker keeps a lid on the prices. Prices could start at Rs 6 lakh and go up to Rs 8.25 lakh for top-end Swift variants.
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