The all-new Maruti Suzuki Swift is almost here, and rightly enough, happens to be one of the most anticipated cars in India in 2018. The latest rendition of the massively popular hatchback brings a fresh facelift, is based on a new platform, and promises a much better equipment package to maintain its popularity in the face of rising competition. The Maruti Suzuki Swift will premiere in India at Auto Expo 2018, where it will also be joined by the facelifted version of another popular hatchback – the Hyundai Elite i20.
The present generation Maruti Suzuki Swift established itself in India with good handling and ride quality, but offers little in terms of lifestyle appeal. With that at hand, we take a look at a direct comparison between the present generation Swift, and the 2017 Maruti Suzuki Swift that is set to launch in India soon.
Technology and Equipment
The 2017 Maruti Suzuki Swift is slated to be much more advanced in terms of the technologies that it will come with. To begin with, it comes with a central dash-mounted SmartPlay infotainment system that now includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system has the standard array of input interfaces – USB, aux, SD card and Bluetooth for phone connectivity and media playback, although you would block the SD card slot if you opt for integrated navigation services. It also has all-touch controls and its own voice command operator, similar to what we have seen with the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. However, with Android Auto now getting Google Assistant, the Swift automatically becomes privy to more advanced smart operations.
Alongside this infotainment setup, the 2017 Swift is most likely to get the mild hybrid SHVS trim. To know how SHVS works in detail, click here. Furthermore, the international Suzuki Swift comes with Dual Sensing Brake Support (DSBS), and uses a monocular camera and laser sensor for high beam assist and collision mitigation assistance. These also help the Swift enable automatic headlamps and adaptive cruise control. It is unlikely that the Swift's entire feature set would make it to India, including the fully hybrid trim. The top-spec variant of the international Swift also gets paddle shifters, which are likely to be omitted from the Indian version.
However, the Indian Swift should come with rear parking camera and sensors, steering-mounted media and telephone controls, all power windows with automatic roll-down for front windows, all-new LED headlamps and tail lamps, and a 12V power socket for the rear passengers as well.
In comparison, the present generation Swift's top-spec ZDi trim comes only with a 2DIN multimedia system that offers Bluetooth, USB drive and aux connectivity. There is no smart connectivity on board, and none of the drivetrain technologies that Suzuki has introduced in the new Swift are present in the soon-to-be-older one. It does, however, have automatic climate control, steering-mounted controls and rear parking sensors, all power windows and even keyless ignition. The upcoming 2017 Swift, hence, offers much superior technology and equipment package, and Maruti might even surprise us by bringing most of the international-spec Swift's advanced drivetrain features.
Design and Interiors
The upcoming Swift gets a quirkier, buggier design in comparison to the rather conservative outgoing model. It retains the sharp C-pillar and the bulging A-pillar of the Swift's typical design, but tucks everything neatly into a more compact form factor. It also gets lower ground clearance than before, which will be raised higher than the international variant to suit Indian roads. The rear window looks particularly tight from outside, although it remains to be seen how Maruti has managed to optimise space from the inside. The new Swift is also said to come with 'sportier' interiors, a new dash design to accommodate the infotainment system, overall more premium ergonomics, and with a lower centre of gravity fused with the lighter platform, is expected to present better overall ride quality and handling.
The outgoing Swift, meanwhile, has a neat but bulky overall design. Rear seat spacing is a little cramped, but head and shoulder room is quite decent. The overall dash looks a bit too simple, and with prime rivals Honda, Hyundai and Tata Motors stepping up the play of aesthetics, the present generation Swift does not manage to present an appealing equipment and interior set for the young car buyers.
Powertrains and Pricing
Upon introduction, the new Swift will be powered by the same engines that power the present Swift. These engines include the 1.2-litre DOHC VVT petrol producing 90bhp and 118Nm, and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel producing 74bhp and 190Nm. Maruti may even introduce an 'RS' version of the new Swift, powered by the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine that produces 100bhp and 150Nm. Alongside the 5-speed manual gearbox, the new Swift is also expected to get an automatic CVT gearbox.
In terms of pricing, the new Swift is expected to be slightly pricier than the outgoing model, on account of a much more premium overall package. However, seeing that the new Swift will face competition from the updated Hyundai Elite i20 as well, Maruti is surely going to price it competitively. The all-new Maruti Suzuki Swift will be on show at the Auto Expo 2018, and will be launched in India in the coming months.