Maruti Suzuki Swift

The Maruti Suzuki Swift has been a household name in India since its debut in 2005, earning a reputation as one of the country’s most beloved hatchbacks. Known for its sporty design, peppy performance, and exceptional fuel efficiency, the Swift has consistently dominated the Indian hatchback segment, appealing to a wide range of buyers—from first-time car owners to enthusiasts seeking a fun-to-drive daily commuter. Now in its fourth generation as of 2024, the Swift continues to evolve, blending modern technology with its signature agility. Manufactured by Maruti Suzuki, India’s leading automaker, the Swift embodies the brand’s ethos of affordability, reliability, and innovation. With over 2.5 million units sold in India, it has won the prestigious Indian Car of the Year award three times, cementing its status as a market leader.

The 2024 iteration of the Swift introduces a new engine, refreshed styling, and upgraded features, making it a compelling choice in a competitive segment. Available in both petrol and CNG variants, it caters to diverse needs, offering a balance of performance and economy. Its compact size, nimble handling, and extensive service network make it particularly suited for urban environments, while its bold aesthetics appeal to younger buyers. This detailed product overview delves into the Swift’s technical specifications, available variants, pricing across metro cities, and an in-depth analysis of its strengths, weaknesses, and competitors.

Technical Specifications

The Maruti Suzuki Swift is powered by a 1.2-litre Z-Series 3-cylinder petrol engine, a significant departure from the previous 4-cylinder K-Series unit. This engine is designed for efficiency without compromising drivability. Below is a comprehensive table of its technical specifications, compiled from CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale as of March 2025.

Variants

The Maruti Suzuki Swift is offered in a range of variants to suit different budgets and preferences. It includes both petrol and CNG options, with manual and AMT transmissions. Below is a table listing all available variants as of March 2025, sourced from CarDekho and Maruti Suzuki’s official website.

Price in Metro Cities

The Maruti Suzuki Swift’s pricing varies across metro cities due to differences in taxes, registration fees, and insurance costs. Below is a table of ex-showroom prices (in INR) for key variants in major metro cities as of March 2025, based on data from CarWale and CarDekho. On-road prices may be higher due to additional charges.

Note: Prices are ex-showroom and subject to change. On-road prices in Delhi, for instance, range from approximately ₹7.39 Lakh to ₹10.74 Lakh.

About the Maruti Suzuki Swift

The Maruti Suzuki Swift has long been a benchmark in the Indian hatchback market, and the 2024 model builds on this legacy with thoughtful updates. Its exterior design remains sporty and youthful, featuring a bold front grille, sharper LED projector headlamps (on higher trims), and redesigned alloy wheels. The floating roof design and strong shoulder lines give it a dynamic stance, while the compact dimensions (3860 mm length) ensure it’s easy to maneuver in crowded city streets. The rear has been subtly refreshed with LED tail lamps and a revised bumper, maintaining its aggressive yet approachable look. Available in six monotone colors (Sizzling Red, Luster Blue, Novel Orange, Magma Grey, Splendid Silver, Arctic White) and three dual-tone options, the Swift offers ample personalization.

Under the hood, the new Z-Series 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine marks a significant shift. While it produces less power (80.46 bhp) compared to the older 4-cylinder unit (88 bhp), it’s tuned for better low- and mid-range torque, making it ideal for urban driving. The engine’s refinement is notable, with reduced vibrations compared to typical 3-cylinder units, though it lacks the punch of its predecessor at higher RPMs. Paired with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT, the Swift delivers a smooth and engaging drive. The manual gearbox is slick and precise, while the AMT, though improved, can feel slightly laggy during quick overtakes. The CNG variant, introduced in September 2024, enhances its appeal for cost-conscious buyers, offering an impressive 32.85 km/kg mileage—among the best in its class.

Inside, the Swift’s cabin has been revamped to keep pace with modern expectations. The dashboard features a layered design with a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen (on higher trims) supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 4.2-inch multi-information display between analogue dials adds a touch of sophistication, while features like automatic climate control, rear AC vents, cruise control, and a wireless charger elevate comfort. Storage is practical, with cup holders, door pockets, and a decent 265-litre boot. However, the absence of a sunroof—a feature increasingly popular in this segment—might disappoint some buyers. Space is adequate for four adults, though the rear bench feels cramped with a fifth passenger.

Safety is a strong suit for the 2024 Swift, with six airbags standard across all variants—a rarity in this price range. Other features include ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), hill-hold assist, rear parking sensors, and a rear camera. While the Indian-spec Swift hasn’t been crash-tested by Bharat NCAP yet, its Japanese counterpart earned a 4-star rating in JNCAP, raising hopes for a solid performance. However, the Australian-spec model scored a 1-star ANCAP rating, though differences in safety equipment make direct comparisons tricky.

The Swift’s driving dynamics remain its standout trait. Its light steering, tight turning radius (4.8 meters), and compact footprint make it a breeze in traffic. The suspension—MacPherson struts upfront and a torsion beam at the rear—strikes a balance between comfort and handling, though it can feel firm over rough patches. Fuel efficiency is a major highlight, with the petrol AMT delivering 25.75 kmpl and the CNG variant pushing the envelope at 32.85 km/kg. Real-world figures hover around 22-23 kmpl for petrol and 30 km/kg for CNG, depending on driving conditions.

Maruti Suzuki’s ecosystem adds significant value. With over 4,500 touchpoints across India, including Arena dealerships, service and spare parts availability are unmatched. Maintenance costs are low, averaging ₹3,000-₹5,000 per service, and resale value remains strong due to the brand’s popularity. The Swift also benefits from Suzuki Connect telematics (on select variants), offering remote diagnostics and tracking.

However, the Swift isn’t without flaws. The build quality feels average, with inconsistent plastic quality in the cabin. The ground clearance of 163 mm is adequate for cities but may struggle on rural roads with speed breakers. Competitors like the Tata Punch and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios offer more modern features (e.g., sunroofs) or better perceived safety, challenging the Swift’s dominance. The lack of a turbo-petrol or hybrid option—available in global markets—also limits its appeal for performance enthusiasts.

Close Competitors

The Maruti Suzuki Swift faces stiff competition in the hatchback and subcompact crossover segments. Here’s an analysis of its key rivals:

1. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
   • Price: ₹5.92 Lakh – ₹8.56 Lakh (ex-showroom)
   • Engine: 1.2L 4-cylinder petrol (82 bhp, 114 Nm), CNG option
   • Pros: Premium cabin, smoother AMT, sunroof option
   • Cons: Lower mileage (20.7 kmpl petrol), smaller service network
   • Comparison: The Nios offers a more feature-rich experience but lags in efficiency and driving fun compared to the Swift.
2. Tata Punch
   • Price: ₹6.13 Lakh – ₹10.20 Lakh (ex-showroom)
   • Engine: 1.2L 3-cylinder petrol (87 bhp, 115 Nm), CNG option
   • Pros: Higher ground clearance (187 mm), 5-star GNCAP rating
   • Cons: Pricier, less agile in cities
   • Comparison: The Punch appeals to SUV buyers but lacks the Swift’s urban agility and fuel efficiency.
3. Citroen C3
   • Price: ₹6.16 Lakh – ₹9.42 Lakh (ex-showroom)
   • Engine: 1.2L 3-cylinder petrol (81 bhp/109 bhp, 115 Nm/190 Nm)
   • Pros: Unique design, turbo option
   • Cons: Limited features, smaller service network
   • Comparison: The C3 offers a distinct style but falls short on refinement and after-sales support.
4. Maruti Suzuki Baleno
   • Price: ₹6.70 Lakh – ₹9.83 Lakh (ex-showroom)
   • Engine: 1.2L 4-cylinder petrol (88 bhp, 113 Nm), CNG option
   • Pros: Spacious, more features
   • Cons: Less sporty, higher price
   • Comparison: The Baleno, a sibling, targets premium buyers but lacks the Swift’s dynamic character.

Final Thoughts!

The Maruti Suzuki Swift remains a standout choice in the hatchback segment, blending style, efficiency, and reliability. Its new engine prioritizes economy over outright power, appealing to practical buyers, while its updated features and safety kit keep it relevant. Priced competitively between ₹6.49 Lakh and ₹9.64 Lakh (ex-showroom), it offers excellent value, backed by Maruti’s unmatched service network. However, it faces growing competition from feature-rich rivals and lacks some modern touches like a sunroof. For urban dwellers seeking a dependable, fun-to-drive car with low running costs, the Swift continues to shine, though buyers craving premium features or ruggedness might look elsewhere. Its legacy as India’s favorite hatchback endures, making it a worthy contender in 2025.