Maruti Suzuki Swift (facelift) review: Should you buy it?
What's the story
Despite our current obsession with SUVs, the Maruti Suzuki Swift still happens to be the best selling car in India.
In many ways, the Swift brand name is as strong as Maruti Suzuki itself considering it has surpassed the cheaper Alto's popularity.
To keep the momentum going, Maruti Suzuki has now introduced the facelifted Swift with many crucial changes.
Here's our review.
Exteriors
Maruti Suzuki Swift (facelift) comes with a revised front grille
In terms of visual upgrades, the Swift (facelift) comes with subtle changes including a revised mesh grille with a new chrome accent. Otherwise, it is largely the same design as the outgoing model.
Maruti Suzuki has also introduced three new dual-tone color variants and our pick is the red with black roof, which enhances the visual presence of the hatchback.
Interiors
The cabin offers adequate legroom and headroom
Inside, the Swift (facelift) has silver accents to liven up the cabin ambience while the flat-bottomed steering wheel and circular AC control knobs provide a sporty touch.
Cabin quality is decent but not class-leading as more soft-touch materials would have helped here.
The Swift (facelift) also offers adequate legroom and headroom, but the rear side can comfortably accommodate two passengers
Features
From auto-folding ORVMs to a revised instrument cluster
The Swift (facelift) has cruise control, auto-folding ORVMs, a revised instrument cluster with a multi-information colored TFT display, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen console with cloud-based services. However, it misses out on rear AC vents and wireless charging.
Safety provisions include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts, as well as parking sensors with a rear-view camera.
Performance
New Dualjet petrol engine makes more power
The biggest highlight regarding the Swift (facelift) is the 1.2-liter Dualjet petrol engine which develops 90hp/113Nm. Standard across the range is a 5-speed manual gearbox while an AMT automatic is optional.
The new engine feels smoother and is better to drive with a linear power delivery. The AMT gearbox has also been improved as the shift quality is a lot less jerky.
Mileage
Idle start-stop system improves fuel efficiency
Maruti Suzuki's Swift has been known for its good fuel efficiency and the updated version is even more frugal with a claimed mileage of 23.76km/l.
This is partly due to the inclusion of a start-stop system, which shuts off the engine when idle to save fuel.
In the real world though, expect a figure of around 20km/l, which is still impressive.
Our verdict
Is it worth your money?
Prices for the Swift (facelift) have been increased slightly as the updated range now starts at Rs. 5.73 lakh and goes up to Rs. 8.41 lakh for the fully-loaded dual-tone AMT automatic model.
Overall, the new Swift looks to maintain its popularity while offering improved fuel economy, better performance, and new features to enhance its value quotient considerably.
What works and what doesn't