Maruti Suzuki Swift Review: The Fun Hatch is Back
The Maruti Suzuki Swift is an icon. For nearly two decades, it has been the default choice for anyone wanting a sporty-looking, fun-to-drive hatchback on a budget. The 4th Generation is here, but it comes with a controversial change: a 3-cylinder engine.
๏ฟฝ๏ธ Evolution of an Icon: 2005 to 2024
The Swift changed how India looked at small cars. Before 2005, hatchbacks were just cheap transport. The Swift made them cool.
1st Gen (2005 - 2011): The Game Changer
Launched with the iconic G13B engine (from the Esteem), this was raw, unadulterated fun. It handled like a go-kart and looked like a Mini Cooper. It is still a favorite among tuners.
- Highlight: Pure driving feel, hydraulic power steering.
2nd Gen (2011 - 2018): The Maturity Phase
Maruti softened the looks and replaced the G-series engine with the 1.2L K-Series. It became more fuel-efficient and spacious but lost a bit of that raw “edge.”
- Highlight: Introduction of the refined K12 engine.
3rd Gen (2018 - 2024): The Diet Plan
Built on the HEARTECT platform, this generation shed massive weight. It became faster (0-100 in ~11s) and incredibly frugal. However, it also faced criticism for light build quality.
- Highlight: Peppy performance and AMT introduction.
4th Gen (2024 - Present): The Efficiency Master
The current car prioritizes everything the modern Indian family wants: Safety (6 Airbags), Mileage (Z-Series), and Tech.
๏ฟฝ๐ Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L Z-Series 3-Cylinder Petrol |
| Power | 82 PS @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 112 Nm @ 4300 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed MT / 5-Speed AMT |
| Mileage (Claimed) | 24.8 kmpl (MT) / 25.75 kmpl (AMT) |
| Boot Space | 265 Litres |
| Safety | 6 Airbags Standard, ESP, Hill Hold |
๐ Design: Evolution, Not Revolution
- The Look: It retains the classic Swift silhouetteโthe “Mini Cooper” vibe is still there. The new angular headlights and the slightly reshaped grille give it a sharper, more modern face.
- Rear: The taillights have a distinct C-shaped LED signature that looks premium at night. The rear door handles have moved back to the conventional position (on the door), which is a welcome change from the pillar-mounted ones.
โ๏ธ The Engine: Z-Series (3-Cylinder)
Maruti has ditched the legendary K-Series 4-cylinder for the new 1.2L Z-Series 3-cylinder.
- Refinement: Surprisingly, for a 3-pot, it is very refined. Vibrations are well-contained.
- Performance: It creates 82 PS and 112 Nm. Numbers are down slightly, but low-end torque is better. It feels peppier in the city (0-60 km/h) but loses some breath at highway top speeds compared to the old K12.
- Mileage: This is the headline. It claims 25+ kmpl, and in the real world, it is incredibly efficient. It is easily the most fuel-efficient petrol car in its segment.
๐๏ธ Interior & Tech
- Cabin Quality: It is largely borrowed from the Baleno/Fronx, which is a good thing. The dashboard is layered and feels more premium than before. The steering wheel is flat-bottomed and feels great to hold.
- Features:
- 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+: Responsive and comes with Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.
- Wireless Charger: A segment-standard feature now.
- Safety: Remarkably, 6 Airbags as standard across all variants.
๐๏ธ Driving Dynamics
- Handling: The Swift has always been a corner carver, and this chassis (HEARTECT) retains that agility. The steering is light but direct.
- Ride Quality: Maruti has softened the suspension slightly. It absorbs bumps better than the 3rd Gen, making it a better daily driver on bad roads.
๐ Verdict
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| โ Incredible real-world fuel efficiency (20+ kmpl) | โ 3-cylinder engine lacks the top-end “punch” of the old K12 |
| โ 6 Airbags standard across the range | โ AMT gearbox is smooth but not as engaging as a CVT/DCT |
| โ Improved ride quality for city roads | โ Rear seat space is strictly for two adults |
The Verdict: It has matured. The Swift is now a sensible, safe, and efficient family hatch that still looks sporty, even if it has traded some raw performance for mileage. It is the perfect first car.