Variants, Safety and Features
As the fight in the hatchback segment intensifies, Maruti has ensured that they pack the new Swift till the brim… provided you’re buying the top variant. The new Swift is offered in a dozen variants and for the first time will be offered with AMT or in Maruti say – the Automatic Gear Shifts (AGS).
2018 Swift Petrol Variants: Lxi, Vxi, Vxi AGS, Zxi, Zxi AGS, Zxi+
2018 Swift Diesel Variants: Ldi, Vdi, Vdi AGS, Zdi, Zdi AGS, Zdi+
Higher variants can be recognised by their 15-inch precision-cut allow wheels, finished in gunmetal and silver. Moreover, the ‘+’ variants also get a colour display with smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link) on the dashboard and a wide-angle rear camera. Sadly, the AGS version doesn’t get these features since they are offered in the ZDi version only. The mid-variants also miss the smart projector headlamps and LED daytime running lights. Thankfully, even the lower spec Swifts come with different but good looking alloy wheels.
It is refreshing to see safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seat belt pretensioner and isofix. Buyers can choose between six colours which include the new Prime Lucent Orange, Prime Midnight Blue, Fire Red, Arctic White, Silky Silver, Magma Grey.
Engine
The tried and trusted engine options haven’t been altered in the new Swift and it continues to be offered with the 1.2-litre petrol K12 VVT engine and the DDiS 190 for those looking for a diesel option. These come mated with five-speed manual gearbox and also offer the convenience of ASG on both the petrol and diesel.
The refined petrol makes 83 PS at 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm at 4,200 rpm, but gets the benefit of the light-weight platform and feels peppy and eager to drive. The brisk low-end and mid-range performance make it a great city car, but the top-end isn’t as strong as it tends to loose steam when revved harder. Like the older model, the 75 PS at 4,000 rpm and 190 Nm at 2,000 rpm diesel is more engaging to drive, and will be more efficient as well. The new sound insulation keeps the diesel clatter at bay. However, the AGS is better paired with the petrol as the gear shifts feel more linear. In the diesel, the AGS gear changes are more pronounced and feel jerky, and have a tendency of shifting up early. This can get annoying for some, specially while negotiating inclined roads. I would suggest, those buying the Swift for its sporty heritage, should opt for the manual version.
Ride & Handling
In the city the ride quality of the new Swift feels more plush than before. The suspension has been tuned to take on road undulations better at slower speeds. This is good news, as the car has become more comfortable and spacious making it a practical investment for the family guy. Drive it enthusiastically, and the 2018 Swift doesn’t feel as firmly setup as the out-going car – which gave the older Swift its go-kart like dynamics. Moreover, the Bridgestone Ecopia tyres tend to screech when pushed to the limit and softer compound rubber would have increased the new Swifts dynamics even further. The steering is light and excellent for city use and when manoeuvring through lanes and by-lanes. A little more feedback would have made enthusiasts ecstatic as the car doesn’t feel as sporty as before.
New Swift Price And Launch Date
The 2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift will be launched on February 7th on the first press day of the 2018 Auto Expo. However, you can go ahead and book the car at Maruti Suzuki showrooms across the country. Though the price will be announced in February, we expected the new car to demand a premium over the older car and could be priced between Rs 5 – 7 lakh for the petrol variants and the diesel may be priced between Rs 6.25 – 8 lakh approximately.
Video: The New Maruti Suzuki Swift Gets Unveiled In India
