2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift review, road test

The Swift has long been India’s most-loved hatchback. Does the bond deepen with the new third-generation model?

Published on Mar 29, 2018 06:00:00 AM

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2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift review, road test

Grip and body control are great but the lifeless steering is a killjoy.

Just like its predecessors, the latest Swift has a youthful air about it.

Despite its light weight, the Swift feels confident at high speeds and stability is good.

Swift is attractive but top-spec versions' jazzier wheels and LED headlights make a big difference.

Manual Swifts are available in four variants each, but, much to the chagrin of many buyers, the autos are only offered in the middle two trims. Then again, Maruti did eventually add a top-spec version to the Baleno automatic line-up, so you can’t rule out fully loaded Swift autos going on sale in the future.

What’s noteworthy is that all versions of the Swift come with safety essentials like anti-lock
brakes, dual airbags, and Isofix child seat mounts on the rear seat as standard. However, the base LXi/LDi trims’ list of creature comforts is limited to power steering and manual air conditioning. The VXi/VDi trims bring in power windows, central locking, keyless entry, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and an audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, along with exterior and interior upgrades. ZXi/ZDi versions add auto climate control, push-button start, rear parking sensors, rear defogger and wash/wipe among other goodies. These versions also get alloy wheels. Range-topping ZXi+/ ZDi+ Swifts, identifiable by their LED headlights (that provide excellent illumination) and precision-cut alloy wheels, are easily the most tempting of the pack. They are also the only ones to feature the SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system, a reverse camera, and auto headlights.
By segment standards, the top versions of the Swift are as loaded as they come.

The thing is, the new Swift is pricey for its size and segment, and, in fact, if you study the pricing, you’ll find a considerable overlap with Maruti’s larger hatchback, the Baleno. The option to buy a larger hatchback for not much more money is sure to have a lot of potential Swift buyers scratching their heads.