Maruti Swift road test, review

The Swift features a larger diameter front stabiliser bar, and with some smaller tweaks, the fourth-gen’s steering feel as well as cornering abilities have been elevated. What’s nice is that its steering is smooth and fluid but also feels reasonably precise, much more than the third-gen’s lifeless unit. It certainly gives you better control while zipping in and out of traffic or driving in a spirited manner on a winding road. Furthermore, its returnability (unaided return to original position after a turn) is very natural. However, it doesn’t steer or handle as precisely as the first-gen.

That said, with its wheels stretched to the extreme corners of the car, mechanical grip is impressive and body roll is well in check. It rides on the firmer side, but smoothens bumps and potholes nicely at low speeds. On the flipside, sharp movements do come through quite sharply at highway speeds. At 163mm (unladen), ground clearance is adequate and it deals with the worst our roads have to throw at it. Braking, too, is confidence-inspiring, and in our panic braking tests from 80kph, it performs similarly to the outgoing version.