When it comes to marketing, the effortless use of the word “iconic” serves a great deal of purpose and works exceptionally well in the case of the Maruti Suzuki Swift. The hatchback is well known for gaining the admiration of a lot of people and reaches sales figures of almost 3 million units sold. Their marketing strategy, selling value, selling thing that are also stylish, driving feel, and selling yes.
Swift is on the fourth generation and throughout its life cycle has seen new updates. The bigger question is whether they have kept the goal of swifts best features in tact. Let’s find out.
Design & Dimensions: Does It Still Look Like a Swift?
The goal of and reason behind building such famous cars is to make them recognizable and Swift seems to have nailed that.
Main highlights:
- Maintains the narrow top, wide bottom outlook that best defines Swift.
- More black gloss new grille alongside Suzuki logo have moved to the bonnet now.
- The vehicle looks richer and sports with stylish L-shaped LED DRLs.
- Clamshell bonnet designs with distraction panel gaps.
- The door handle of the rear door has moved onto the door from the C pillar which is a change from previous models.
- The 15-inch alloy wheels could benefit from an optional 16-inch wheel which would give it a sportier look.
- The rear design is the least striking with the tail-lamp arrangement being rather ordinary. Nonetheless, a hatchback with 265L of boot space is practical enough for weekend trips.
Swift Interior & Features: Still Keeps the Look and Feels More Modern
The desire to enhance the appeal of the swift is well balanced with nostalgia.
What Works:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ | Vertical driving position with large glass area is retained ensuring visability. |
| ✅ | Glossy black finish on steering wheel contributes to an enhanced premium feel. |
| ✅ | The dials still remain analog with sporty needles enhancing the aesthetic. |
| ✅ | First generation blocks in the mid cluster were replaced improving plastic quality alongside fit and finish. |
| ✅ | 9-inch SmartPlay Pro touchscreen display with Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. |
| ✅ | LED headlamps on Automatic, wireless charging, cruise control, and AC vents at the rear. |
What Could Have Been Better:
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| ❌ | There is more grey than should be on the dashboard which forgoes vibrance, a youthful appeal, and a missed opportunity all in one. |
| ❌ | Small glove box and average sized door pockets results in limited storage. |
| ❌ | Infotainment screen is placed at an overly high position leading to an unnecessarily thick dash. |
| ❌ | Center cup holders and rear arm rest are absent. |
Ease of Rear Seat Adjustments: Improvement Needed
- Knee room and head space remain at an acceptable level. Comfort at the rear seats is however not substantially greater than the previous Swift model.
- Flat benches do not provide adequate thigh cushioning, which impacts support.
- Compared to the earlier version, there is greater improvement to the airiness of the vehicle owing to rear quarter glass.
- All three passengers are now provided with three point seat belts, eliminating the need for a central headrest.
- The addition of these AC vents as well as USB A and USB C ports is definitely positive.
Also Read, Maruti Brezza, Hyundia Venue
Safety: Positives?
Swift, with its new version, has improved in the safety features and now offers:
| Safety Features | Available |
|---|---|
| 6 Airbags (Standard in every variant) | ✅ |
| Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) | ✅ |
| Assistant for hill holding | ✅ |
| Three point seatbelts for each seat | ✅ |
The previous swift model however, scored just one star in the global NCAP crash tests. The new model has four stars in Japan NCAP tests, but we hope the India specific tests are conducted soon to validate the safety claims.
What’s The Update On Engine And Performance?
Talking points start with the new Z2E engine:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L petrol, 3 cylinder |
| Power | 82hp |
| Torque | 112Nm |
| Previous Engine | 4 cylinder K series |
| Fuel Efficiency | AMT – 25.75 km/l Manual – 24.80 km/l |
| Mild-Hybrid System | Not available |
| Auto Start-Stop | Available |
Driving
- Boosted performance: Better than expected for a 3 cylinder. There are some improvements in the smoothness compared to the old 4 cylinder.
- City driving is less of a struggle due to the increase in low-end torque, but the downside is that the redline is now lower at 6000 RPM and power takes a dip around 5500 RPM.
- Missed manual transmission cars? There is now an option of AMT with all the perks of a manual, which one do you pick?
Recommendation:
The best option would be the 5-speed manual. Smooth and progressive feel from the hydraulically actuated clutch and a slick gear shift action makes the drive enjoyable.
- Slightly better when it comes to shifting is the AMT or automated manual transmission, but it’s slow to respond when making hard pushes. Torque converters or a CVT would be better suited for a sporty vehicle like the Swift.
- Sporty vibes are coming back with improved ride and handling. The refined front stabilizer bar increases highway stability and makes controlling the body a tad easier than its predecessor, along with improved steering feel and return to center action. Although, highway stability takes a boost.
- Rear suspension helps handle increases, making it more forgiving regarding ride quality. Just like the previous Swift, it comes equipped with lower body control, remarkable highway steadiness, and improves handling.
The first generation Swift might be tougher to beat but at least it’s an step forward.
In Terms of Swift Pricing, Are They Making Sense?
| Variant | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|
| Base | ₹649,000 |
| Top-End | ₹950,000 |
Now sports a price tag more costly than the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, but close to Maruti’s Baleno.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ More fuel-efficient with an improved 3-cylinder engine. Swift still retains its hallmark design, driving feel and aspirational value. | ❌ AMT still does not deliver sporty finesse characteristic to the swift. Cabin design leaves much to be desired, being too grey and plastic. |
| ✅ Better ride, handling, and steering feel. | ❌ Swift is now more expensive crossing over into Baleno territory. |
| ✅ More safety features including 6 airbags. | ❌ No relevant increase when it comes to boot space or rear seat comfort. |
| ✅ Modern tech features like a 9-inch infotainment screen and rear AC vents. Mounting inflation has not spared the speculations surrounding the new Swift. |
Final Verdict: Is it Still Iconic?
Unlike the rest, the 2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift stays true to its fundamentals. A top contender in the hatchback segment, fun to drive with authentic design engineering identities always makes the Swift stand out. New features like improved safety measures along with a more planted ride make it an effortless choice for keen buyers. Sure, the AMT takes a little away from the fun, though the new engine with manual transmission makes up for it.
If you have adored the balcony view for its sporty garner, you will still appreciate this one — just do not forget to order the manual transmission!
FAQs
1. Is the new Swift good for long drives?
Yes! Enhanced highway stability, a more polished engine, and improved ride comfort makes it optimal for long drives.
2. What’s the mileage of the new Swift?
ARAI-certified figures:
25.75 km/l (AMT)
24.80 km/l (Manual)
3. How does the new Swift compare to the Baleno?
The Baleno is larger, more premium and even has a CVT whereas the Swift focuses more on sportiness and agility.
4. Should I buy the Swift AMT or Manual?
If you enjoy driving, the manual transmission is the best option. The AMT offers convenience, but not much in engagement.
What is your opinion of the new Swift? Tell us in the comments!
Author- Ayush
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