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.

We just expect light cars to have that tinny feeling about them, don’t we? Thankfully that’s not a criticism you can level against the Swift. There’s a reasonably satisfying sound upon door shut and it’s quite impressive how much of the outside noise is kept at bay.

It’s a familiar environment on the inside; at no point do you feel like you are in anything but a Maruti. Of course, part of the familiarity is down to the fact that the Swift shares its dashboard with the Dzire, albeit with detail differences such as the incorporation of round central air con vents in place of the sedan’s angular ones. An all-black theme also sets the Swift’s cabin apart but we were divided on its impact. Some of us found it sporty, while others found the monotone look a bit drab. What does add colour and spice to the cabin are the hooded instruments that make great use of red detailing. Just wish Maruti went the extra step and drafted in the Baleno’s coloured multi-info display too. Other bits of note are the sporty flat-bottomed steering and also the climate control interface that looks really cool, with a digital temperature readout inset in its middle ‘dial’.

But, as with the exteriors, the trim level you opt for has a pretty substantial bearing on the look of things in the Swift’s cabin too. Low- and mid-spec versions, with their rotary air con controls and simple button-operated audio systems, don’t look as contemporary on the inside as the top-spec versions
that come with auto climate control and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Irrespective of which variant you go for, you’ll find quality levels to be good but not great. Though individual elements like the gloss silver detailing on the dash and steering look good, overall quality is just a marginal step up from the old Swift. The plastics are hard and don’t feel premium enough. Frankly, Maruti could learn a thing or two from Tata Motors, which uses upmarket knitted roof lining and textured plastics for the dash on the significantly cheaper Tiago. And it’s about time Suzuki bids farewell to those power window switches from the original Swift.

On the move, drivers will like their seating position, as well as the good frontal visibility afforded by the low dash and upright A-pillars. The front seats are large and well contoured, but cushioning is a touch too soft. The rear seat isn’t exactly perfect either, with a backrest that is a tad upright and limited shoulder support for taller occupants. Further, the rear windows aren’t the largest, and the housing for the outside door handles also cuts visibility. In effect, the Swift doesn’t feel particularly airy at the back. Still, your passengers will be more comfortable at the rear here than in any Swift before, thanks to the huge improvement in kneeroom and headroom; space is better than the Grand i10’s. There is marginally more shoulder room too (seating three abreast remains a bit of a squeeze), making this third-gen model a much better family car.

Enhanced passenger room aside, there’s also more space for smaller items. The glovebox is of an average size, but the front door pockets are large, there’s a recess for your phone at the base of the centre console (in the vicinity of the USB, aux and 12V charging points) and there are two cupholders for the front occupants too. The rear doors also get 0.5-litre bottle holders and there’s a slot for larger bottles between the front seats.

You’ll also experience the added practicality of the new Swift on airport runs. The 268-litre boot is a substantial 64 litres larger than the old Swift’s and there’s also the option to fold the 60:40 split rear-seat backrest forward to make more room. Do note, the loading lip is quite high and the boot floor is low, so you’ll have to load/unload items with care.