New Maruti Swift launched at Rs 6.49 lakh

Maruti Suzuki has launched the fourth-gen Swift in India priced between Rs 6.49 lakh and Rs 9.65 lakh; Rs 25,000-37,000 higher than the outgoing model. The new Swift gets an evolutionary design, more features, additional safety kit and a more frugal 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine.

1. New Swift available in five variants – LXi, VXi, VXi (O), ZXi and ZXi+
2. ZXi+ gets 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
3. New Z12E engine delivers 25.75kpl with the AMT; 24.8kpl with the manual

Also see: New Maruti Swift price, variants, features explained

New Maruti Swift walkaround video

New Maruti Swift: price starts higher than Nios, Tiago

Considering that the Tata Tiago and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios' prices start at Rs 5.65 lakh and Rs 5.92 lakh, respectively, the new Swift is definitely priced on the higher side. In addition, the range-topping petrol-automatic versions of Tata and Hyundai’s small hatchbacks cost Rs 7.95 lakh and Rs 8.56 lakh, each, which is again lower than the range-topping Swift variant.

New Maruti Swift: looks familiar

While the new Swift’s design language is the same as the outgoing model’s, there are some obvious changes: new front bumper, a redesigned radiator grille, reshaped headlights and fog lights, conventionally placed rear door handles, new alloy wheel designs and new tail-lamps with a C-shape pattern. In addition, although the new Swift’s wheelbase is the same at 2,450mm, the new hatchback is 15mm longer, 40mm narrower and 30mm taller.

There are nine exterior colour options on offer, including three dual-tone paints, two new blue and red colours, and two accessory packages: Racing Roadstar and Thrill Chaser. The former adds sporty cosmetic changes inside and out like carbon patterns, while the latter adds what Maruti calls 'energetic exterior and glamorous interior' styling changes.

New Maruti Swift: upmarket and better equipped

The new Swift’s interior is similiar to the Baleno and Fronx, which is not a bad thing. It definitely looks more premium than the outgoing model’s cabin, and there’s a larger ‘floating’ 9-inch touchscreen infotainment that takes centre stage on the new textured dash. The seats get new fabric upholstery across the range, restyled central air-con vents, new HVAC switches and a slightly modified analogue instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch digital MID.

The top-spec Swift ZXi+ will sport the aforementioned touchscreen, a wireless phone charger, rear AC vents, LED fog lamps, cruise control, auto climate control, push-button start/stop, steering-mounted controls, a rear camera, and power adjustable and folding wing mirrors. However, even the entry-level LXi variant is decently equipped this time around, with standard safety kit such as six airbags, ISOFIX anchors, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, hill start assist and ESC.

New Maruti Swift: Among India’s most frugal hatchbacks

Thanks to the new Z12E engine that replaces the older K12 unit, the Swift is not only about 3kpl more frugal but also ranks amongst India’s most fuel-efficient hatchbacks. Its 24.8kpl-25.75kpl figures make it more economical than the 1.0-litre models like the Wagon R (24.35kpl-25.19kpl), Alto K10 (24.39kpl-24.9kpl) and S-Presso (24.12kpl-25.3kpl). However, Maruti’s Celerio (24.97kpl-26.68kpl), along with the Grand Vitara – and Toyota’s Hyryder – are more frugal still; the SUVs mentioned have the advantage of strong-hybrid tech, while the Celerio has a smaller 1.0-litre petrol engine. Here's a complete analysis on how the new Swift compares to its rivals on mileage.

The new Z Series engine comes with a 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearbox, and produces 82hp and 112Nm of peak torque; a drop of 8hp and 1Nm over the outgoing Swift. Maruti also claims that the new Swift produces up to 12 percent less CO₂ emissions.

Also see:

New Maruti Swift image gallery