The all-new Maruti Suzuki Swift is based on a lighter platform and comprises of several exterior and interior changes
Maruti Suzuki Swift has unarguably been the most popular hatchback in India for well over a decade and is getting a brand new version. The largest automaker in the country has officially announced the commencement of bookings across dealerships for an initial token of Rs. 11,000 today and its commercial launch will take place at the 2018 Auto Expo next month.
The Swift compact hatchback, in its upcoming third generation, gets loads of changes visually as well as on the interior. Based on the latest global iteration, the new Swift has become more upmarket and features Automated Manual Transmission for the first time. Here we have dissected ten of the significant changes for your understanding:
1. Funky Design:
Obviously when you look at it, your first impression will be the heavily updated exterior that makes you realise it is not something you have seen plying on Indian roads under the Swift badge. Resembling its latest Dzire sibling in several ways, the new-gen Swift has become more edgy and sporty compared to the outgoing model.
With a rather busier front end, it gets a quirky and trendy floating roof while the door handles are mounted on the C-pillar for added funkiness. The rear end is as equally dominant and adorns a wider profile with compact glass area and wraparound tail lights.
2. Projector headlamps with DRLs:
Maruti Suzuki has made the Swift more upmarket right from the get-go and with the availability of projector headlamps and LED Daytime Running Lights, its sportiness has certainly been elevated. With customers opting towards more feature packed cars in recent times, the top-spec variants with the U-shaped LED DRLs will have increased number of takers.
The swept-back tail lights have full LED technology available in the range-topping Zxi+ and Zdi+ variants and it elevates the visual stance of the compact hatchback further.
3. New Heartect Platform:
Courtesy of the fifth-generation Heartect platform that also underpins the Baleno, the new generation Swift has witnessed substantial weight reduction of around 90 to 100 kilograms aiding in more nimble performance and of course additional fuel economy.
With increased strength and rigidity, the power to weight ratio has shot up leading to better acceleration and fun- to-drive quotient. Corner carving will be more engaging than before due to the smaller engine compartment helping in good approach angle.
4. Roomier Cabin And Increased Dimensions:
The 2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift is wider and roomier than the outgoing model due to the new platform it is based on. In terms of proportions, it has 20 mm longer wheelbase enabling more space for the passengers on the inside while the headroom has also gone by 24 mm. At around 460 litres, the new Swift has 58 litres more trunk space.
For additional comfort at the rear, it has better seat back angle as well. It has been shortened by 10 mm to make it more compact but the 40 mm more width will be of much help aerodynamically during highway drives with more driving stability.
5. All Black Interior With Newly Designed Centre Console:
The interior is equally a few notches above as the exterior. The cabin interface and controls have been made sportier than before and let alone the redesigned cabin giving a high quality vibe. While designing the interiors, the theme was to make the all-new Swift reflect a sporty, high-quality, advanced and easy to use cabin space for the passenger.
The cockpit styling is enhanced with the driver-focussed HMI (human-machine interface) controls. The interior comprises of ‘urbane satin chrome’ finish on the instrument panel, steering, doors and speedometer rings while the sporty flat bottom steering wheel is a tasty addition to the hatchback. Other important elements are circular AC vents and AC controller and twin-pod instrument cluster.
6. Advanced Infotainment System:
The brand new Swift comes equipped with a SmartPlay seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link connectivity for the first time. It is claimed to have refined voice recognition with Indian accent English, Bluetooth audio streaming and navigation. Reverse parking camera display has also been integrated with the infotainment screen for an engaging in-car experience for the driver as well as passengers.
7. Standard Airbags, ABS, ISOFIX From Base Variant:
With a stiffer architecture, Maruti Suzuki has played its cards on upping the safety standard of the new generation Swift. Employing Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT), it features dual front airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and ISOFIX child mounts as standard across the range making it the safest Swift till date.
8. Five-Speed AMT In Both Petrol and Diesel:
The 2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift continues with the same 1.2-litre VVT petrol and 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engines without any change in performance numbers. The petrol motor produces a maximum power output of 84 PS and 115 Nm of peak torque while the tried and tested diesel mill makes 75 PS and 190 Nm of torque. Transmission option will include five-speed manual and five-speed AGS for the first time in Swift. The latter will be offered only in V and Z grades.
9. Improved Fuel Economy:
Despite the engines remaining similar, the lightness of the chassis will aid in improved fuel economy along with better drivability. The claimed petrol fuel economy is a highly impressive 22 kmpl while the already frugal diesel engine now returns as much as 28.4 kmpl.
10. Complies With Advanced Safety Norms:
The new Swift also complies with frontal offset and side impact regulations and meets future regulations for pedestrian safety that will come into effect towards the later stages of this year. With the use of high tensile steel, it is now claimed to have become stronger for increased occupant protection.