Perhaps the most anticipated car ever? A car that has been the subject of speculation for over a year. A car that has clocked nearly 50K pre-launch bookings. Does this car need an introduction?
Experts are of the opinion that you need to stare for a while to be sure that this is indeed the new Swift. I wouldn't really agree. The new Swift is perkier from every angle, inside out. No two ways about it. Suzuki has done a commendable job of not tampering with the Swift persona while giving it a head-to-toe facelift.
What's new in the New Swift
Digest this: Every body-panel of the new Swift is spanking new. The car has an energetic and vibrant front fascia thanks to the swept-back, rather large headlamps, completely reworked grille and a smiling central air intake. This signature 'U-line' theme, as Maruti calls it, is carried all the way to the rear and strengthened by strong fender flares. The has got a complete makeover with bigger bumper and futuristic tail lamps that reflect the same aura of the headlamps. Further, the antenna has been moved to the rear. Sporty.
If you said the Swift is identical to its predecessor, eat your words. Step inside the cabin. Apart from the gear knob and power window switches, everything has been given a chic makeover. The dashboard sports the Kizashi family look with the 'waterfall' central console that houses a six-speaker music system with USB support and climate control on the top variants. Unfortunately, Bluetooth connectivity is not available even as an option. The overall plastic quality has been improved considerably and there's a trendy push type cup-holder strategically placed on the dashboard. The steering wheel looks great and provides better grip. Moreover, it can be tilted on all variants.
Driving experience
The new Swift is powered by the same 1.2 litre K-series petrol engine, further tweaked with the VVT (Variable Valve Timing) technology. The result: Increased power delivery of 87ps @ 6000rpm and torque of 114Nm @ 4000 rpm. The 1.3 litre DDiS diesel motor is already a champ, and so remains unchanged. However, the overall weight of the car has been reduced by 15 kg and 30 kg respectively on the Petrol and Diesel variants, boosting overall performance and fuel efficiency. Both engines are mated to a fine-tuned transmission that ensures slicker gearshifts.
Swift also boasts best-in-class acceleration — 0-100kmph in 12.6 seconds on Petrol and 14.8 seconds on Diesel. Interestingly, fuel efficiency has been improved by 4% and 6%, so if you are feather-footed you could extract 18.6 kmpl on Petrol and 22.9 on Diesel.
The new car is 90mm longer, with a 40mm longer wheelbase. Those who quibbled about lack of ample rear legroom can now rejoice. The revamped overall stance has improved handling, the ride has become firmer, and body-roll is better controlled when cornering. The new negation RBSS (Rally-based Suspension System) does its job smartly. Although the carmaker hasn't done anything specific to refine the power steering, it feels lighter than the old Swift. Overall, you feel very confident behind the wheel.
Despite the car's added heft, boot space is still cramped. Considering the amount of attention Suzuki paid to every minute detail to embellish the new model, it looks like the company has completely forgotten about the very existence of the boot.
The new Swift doesn't launch a new era for the hatchback. It's just going to continue the momentum its forerunner has built and, of course, in a terrific way.