2018 Maruti Swift Review (Petrol and Diesel), Exterior, Interior and Specs

Overview

India’s largest automaker decided to launch the next-generation of Maruti Swift at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo. The new iteration of the popular hatchback was priced at Rs.4.99 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) and features all-new underpinnings and updated styling. The first generation of the model was launched in 2005 and now after 13 years, we will investigate how far the carmaker has pushed the envelope with the all-new premium hatchback. At the same time will also deduce how much of the 2018 Swift has been carried forward from its previous generations and if the tech is dated.

Price List

So, with prices starting from Rs. 4.99 Lakh (Ex-Showroom), the next generation of one of the most popular Maruti cars now has a very attractive price tag. It is worth noting that the starting price for another contender in the same segment by Hyundai, the Elite i20 is Rs. 35,000 pricier in comparison. However, the base diesel model which carries forward the same 75 PS diesel mill in more expensive than the base diesel model of Elite i20.

Exterior

The original silhouette is carried forward but the 2018 Maruti Swift gets all new panels and design elements. Sleeker headlamps which come with LED lamps and DRLs, flared wheel arches, blacked out A &B pillars, floating roofline amongst other design elements give the new Swift a sportier appeal. Keeping up with the sporty theme the next generation hatchback also does away with the incorporation of chrome accents. The front grille features a hexagonal shape and the fenders and bonnet get a muscular design.

Dimensions

The 2018 Swift with its 2450mm wheelbase and 1530mm height is shorter and taller than its closest Korean competitor. The Heartect platform it’s based on not only improves its ride and handling characteristics, but the compact design makes it more fun to throw around in the corners.

Interior

Inside the cabin, Maruti has done away with the black and tan colour scheme. The sportier 2018 Swift now gets an all-black interior. The front seats are height adjustable and as a courtesy of the Heartect platform, there is more cabin space. The front passengers get more leg room but because of the compact wheelbase, the rear passengers must compromise on inadequate knee room even though there is plenty of headspace thanks to its tall height. The plastic and material quality are still questionable as compared to other premium hatches on sale.

Engine and Transmission

So, the next-generation Swift incorporates the same diesel engine options as the first-generation Swift, which was launched thirteen years ago in 2005. The newer petrol engine is comparatively younger and is just eight years old and was launched in 2010 with the first-generation facelift of the hatchback. Its Maruti’s way of saying, if it works why change it!

Fuel Economy

The fuel economy has not changed at all as compared to its predecessor. The 1.2-litre petrol delivers the same claimed fuel economy of 20.4 kmpl and the diesel stands at 25.2 kmpl, same as the third generation Swift facelift.

Features

In terms of features, the centre console gets a 7-inch SmartPlay infotainment system which comes with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto. Also, on offer is a rear-view camera and Maruti’s MirrorLink connectivity.

Safety

Safety features like ABS with EBD, brake assist, Dual front airbags, front seat belt with pre-tensioners, Isofix child seat anchors and force limiters all come standards across all variants. The top of the line models also gets automatic climate control, passive keyless entry system, push button start/stop and flat bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Colours

Swift is available in Prime Lucent Orange, Midnight Blue, Pearl Arctic White, Solid Fire Red, Silky Silver and Magma Grey colour schemes.

Pros

• Sporty Styling
• Feature Laden Interior
• New Platform

Cons

• Dated Engine Options