Maruti Suzuki’s Swift has long been India’s benchmark for fun‑to‑drive hatchbacks, and the latest generation reinforces that reputation while bringing meaningful gains in efficiency and safety. At a time when compact SUVs dominate headlines, the Swift still matters because it shows there is room in the market for a light, agile car that blends efficiency with genuine driver engagement and wide service reach.
Youthful Sheet‑metal Meets Thoughtful Tech
The nose now carries a wider honeycomb grille, swept‑back LED projector headlamps and a clamshell bonnet that hints at sportiness. Pronounced shoulder lines and pillar‑mounted rear door handles remain signature Swift elements, while new dual‑tone roof options add fresh character. Inside, a nine‑inch SmartPlay Pro touchscreen, wireless smartphone mirroring and connected‑car functions lift perceived quality. Practical touches such as 60:40 split rear seats, added door‑pocket volume and a revised 318‑litre boot mean daily usability keeps pace with its youthful persona.
Dual‑Jet Heart Balances Pep and Parsimony
Powering the hatch is Suzuki’s 1.2‑litre K‑Series Dual‑Jet petrol engine producing 90 PS and 113 Nm, paired with either a slick five‑speed manual or a refined AMT. Lightweight construction keeps kerb weight under 980 kg, giving the Swift an eager low‑end response and brisk mid‑range. Claimed fuel efficiency climbs to 23.76 km/l for manuals, while AMTs post an equally impressive 23.20 km/l. Suspension tuning remains taut yet compliant, allowing the car to tackle broken city roads without losing its playful cornering demeanour.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2-litre K-Series Dual-Jet Petrol |
| Power Output | 90 PS |
| Torque | 113 Nm |
| Transmission Options | 5-speed Manual, AMT |
| Kerb Weight | Under 980 kg |
| Fuel Efficiency (Manual) | 23.76 km/l |
| Fuel Efficiency (AMT) | 23.20 km/l |
Value Continues to Be a Cornerstone
Maruti offers the Swift in five core trims and corresponding AMT options, spanning a price band that starts at ₹6.49 lakh and tops out at ₹9.64 lakh ex‑showroom. The line‑up covers budget buyers seeking the basics and enthusiasts who want the fully loaded ZXi + with LED lighting, cruise control and six airbags.
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price | 20% Downpayment | Loan Amount (₹) | EMI (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift LXi | ₹6.49 Lakh | ₹1.30 Lakh | ₹5.19 Lakh | ₹11,063 |
| Swift VXi | ₹7.29 Lakh | ₹1.46 Lakh | ₹5.83 Lakh | ₹12,435 |
| Swift VXi Opt | ₹7.57 Lakh | ₹1.51 Lakh | ₹6.06 Lakh | ₹12,933 |
| Swift VXi AMT | ₹7.79 Lakh | ₹1.56 Lakh | ₹6.23 Lakh | ₹13,298 |
| Swift VXi Opt AMT | ₹8.06 Lakh | ₹1.61 Lakh | ₹6.45 Lakh | ₹13,767 |
| Swift VXi CNG | ₹8.20 Lakh | ₹1.64 Lakh | ₹6.56 Lakh | ₹14,013 |
| Swift ZXi | ₹8.29 Lakh | ₹1.66 Lakh | ₹6.63 Lakh | ₹14,164 |
| Swift VXi Opt CNG | ₹8.46 Lakh | ₹1.69 Lakh | ₹6.77 Lakh | ₹14,458 |
| Swift ZXi AMT | ₹8.79 Lakh | ₹1.76 Lakh | ₹7.03 Lakh | ₹15,017 |
| Swift ZXi Plus | ₹8.99 Lakh | ₹1.80 Lakh | ₹7.19 Lakh | ₹15,351 |
| Swift ZXi Plus DT | ₹9.14 Lakh | ₹1.83 Lakh | ₹7.31 Lakh | ₹15,614 |
| Swift ZXi CNG | ₹9.20 Lakh | ₹1.84 Lakh | ₹7.36 Lakh | ₹15,706 |
| Swift ZXi Plus AMT | ₹9.49 Lakh | ₹1.90 Lakh | ₹7.59 Lakh | ₹16,197 |
| Swift ZXi Plus AMT DT | ₹9.64 Lakh | ₹1.93 Lakh | ₹7.71 Lakh | ₹16,460 |
Cabin Comfort Steps Up a Notch
Red accents on the dashboard and seat fabric echo the Swift’s sporty intent, yet cushioning has been upgraded for longer‑haul comfort. Rear passengers benefit from greater knee‑room thanks to slimmer seatbacks, and the inclusion of rear A/C vents from the VXi (O) trim upward makes summer commutes more bearable. Acoustic insulation around the firewall and floor has also been improved, cutting engine and road noise at highway speeds.
Variant Strategy Suits Diverse Lifestyles
The entry‑level LXi focuses on essentials like dual airbags and rear parking sensors, while the VXi adds the larger infotainment screen, steering audio controls and power‑adjust mirrors. Opt variants layer in ESP and hill‑hold, reflecting Maruti’s wider push for safety, whereas the ZXi twins introduce LED headlights, alloy wheels and a colour multi‑info display. The ZXi + caps things with a six‑speaker Arkamys sound system, cruise control and smartphone‑based telematics features that only a segment above once offered.
Ownership Costs Stay Fearsomely Low
Maruti’s service network of over 3,500 workshops ensures parts are both accessible and affordable. Scheduled maintenance every 10,000 km averages just under ₹4,000 per visit over the first five years, aided by the engine’s timing‑chain design and long‑life coolant. Insurance premiums remain competitive thanks to the Swift’s favourable claim record and abundant spare‑part availability, keeping total cost of ownership among the lowest in class.
Safety Advances without Sacrificing Lightweight Agility
A stiffer Heartect platform underpins the latest Swift, engineered to dissipate impact forces more effectively. Dual airbags and ABS with EBD are standard; ZXi (O) and above gain six airbags, ESP and hill‑start assist. These additions elevate the Swift’s safety credentials while preserving the nimble handling that has endeared it to enthusiasts for nearly two decades.
Renewed Energy for an Ever‑Popular Nameplate
By pairing a spruced‑up design, class‑leading economy and richer safety equipment with Maruti’s well‑earned reputation for hassle‑free ownership, the new Swift secures its status as the go‑to sporty hatchback for Indian buyers. Whether you seek an efficient daily commuter or an engaging city runabout, the Swift continues to deliver a compelling blend of fun and frugality that few rivals can match.