The third-gen Maruti Suzuki Swift has just got its first major update – the much-anticipated 90hp DualJet engine has been introduced and there are more features on offer. With Swift prices now ranging between Rs 5.73-8.41 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the asking price for each variant has increased by a Rs 15,000-24,000 margin. There are two other hatchbacks that contend with the Swift at a similar price point – the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and the Ford Figo. We find out how the three hatchbacks stack up.
2021 Maruti Swift vs rivals: Size and capacities
The design update for the Swift has seen its length increase by 5mm compared to the pre-facelift model. Measuring in at 3,845mm in length, 1,735mm in width, 1,530mm in height, the Swift is the widest and tallest hatch here, though the Figo is nearly 100mm longer overall (at 3,941mm) and has a 40mm longer wheelbase (2,490mm); the Ford also has the largest fuel tank at 42 litres. The Grand i10 Nios may be the smallest of the lot, but the Hyundai does have a larger 260-litre boot compared to the Figo’s 257-litre one. All three get 15-inch alloy wheels in top-spec form.
2021 Maruti Swift vs rivals: Engines and gearboxes
*BS4 model
With the new DualJet engine the Swift gets a 7hp increase in power, a healthier torque curve (though no increase) and improved fuel economy. The Swift was already the most frugal car in its class and that figure has improved by about 2kpl to 23.2kpl when equipped with the manual gearbox, and about 2.6kpl to 23.76kpl with the AMT. This can be partially attributed to the idle start/stop system available with the Maruti hatchback. The Figo’s 18.5kpl figure is the lowest here while all three petrol engine and gearbox options available with the Grand i10 Nios are rated just above 20kpl.
While the new 90hp engine makes the Swift more powerful than the 1.2-litre Grand i10 Nios, the Figo with its 96hp 1.2-litre engine and the Grand i10 Nios in turbo-petrol form are more powerful. However, in the case of the Ford, the higher output figure doesn’t translate to on-road performance as – in BS4 form – it took a relatively leisurely 13.8 seconds to sprint from 0-100kph.
Our 2021 Swift review confirmed it is quicker to 100kph from a standstill than its predecessor with a 11.67 second time. And while based on our previous tests, the updated Swift is quite a bit quicker than its naturally aspirated rivals too, the Nios Turbo is quicker still – in fact the turbocharged Hyundai hatch is the quickest sub-Rs 10 lakh car in India to the ton mark.
Unlike the Swift and the Grand i10 Nios, the Figo does not get an automatic option with the petrol engine, though it does get an excellent diesel engine option. Hyundai offers a greater number of powertrain options with the Nios – there are a total of five to choose from including the diesel-manual, diesel-AMT and the aforementioned petrol ones.
2021 Maruti Swift vs rivals: Features and safety kit
In terms of safety kit, the top-spec Ford Figo is the best equipped – six airbags, auto headlights and wipers and an auto dimming rear-view mirror are on offer. However, the Swift is the only model here to get ISOFIX child seat mounts and brake assist. The Grand i10 Nios gets safety essentials but comes across as lacking in comparison.
It should be noted that both, the pre-facelift Swift and the Grand i10 Nios have received a 2-star safety rating from Global NCAP. While the current Figo has yet to be tested by the safety watchdog, its sedan counterpart, the Ford Aspire, was given a 3-star rating back in 2017.
With the latest update, the relatively well-kitted top-spec Swift now comes with a segment-first cruise control, along with power folding mirrors and dual-tone colour options. It is still the only model here to get 60:40 split/folding rear seats and LED headlights. The Grand i10 Nios may miss out on the adjustable rear head rests available on its rivals but has a segment-first wireless smartphone charger and an AC vent for the rear passengers. Although the Figo seems to be down on its rivals on tech – the infotainment system is not Android Auto or Apple CarPlay compatible and doesn’t respond to voice commands – it’s the only hatch in its segment that gets the FordPass in-car connectivity suite.
2021 Maruti Swift vs rivals: Price
*Nios Turbo only available in Sportz variant
At this new price point, the 2021 Swift is on the higher side of this segment – its starting prices are Rs 9,000 higher than the Figo and Rs 54,000 higher than the Nios. While the mid-spec Swift VXI and ZXI variants are priced closer to the mid-spec Figo Titanium, the top-spec ZXI+ trims are priced at quite a premium over the competition, especially with the dual-tone colour options. The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios’ price comes across as quite competitive, if not aggressive.
On paper, the 2021 Swift seems like a slightly pricey but practical, well-kitted and frugal car, with a fun-to-drive aspect. A road test and a comparison will reveal more. Stay tuned.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Lenny D'sa
Saptarshi Mondal
