Maruti Suzuki Swift: Affordable Performance, Uncompromised Quality: Affordable Performance, Uncompromised Quality

Maruti Suzuki Swift: Affordable Performance, Uncompromised Quality: Affordable Performance, Uncompromised Quality

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Maruti Suzuki has launched the latest iteration of its popular hatchback, the Swift 2024, continuing its legacy as an affordable yet feature-rich offering in the Indian market. Packed with contemporary styling, cabin features and efficient powertrains, it seems poised to appeal to young and urban buyers looking for a practical yet enjoyable drive.

Let’s explore why the 2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift makes a compelling case as an all-round hatchback designed for Indian conditions.

Exterior – Style Meets Substance

The Maruti Swift has always had a vibrant, sporty shape that stands out on roads. The 2024 variant carries the same essence but has bolder character lines, a large signature grille, and stylish LED lighting, presenting a more modern face. Higher trims also include 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and power-folding ORVMs with turn indicators – upping the premium quotient.

At the rear, wrap-around LED tail lamps and a roof-mounted spoiler give it a sporty edge. Dual-tone colour options add further flair. Despite its curvy shape, the Swift fuses style and functionality well. Overall, the exterior design looks contemporary while retaining the iconic Swift appeal.

Interiors – Ergonomic and Feature-Loaded

Step inside the cabin, and an all-black sporty theme greets you. The dashboard has silver accents with piano black and chrome inserts, which look relatively upmarket. Higher variants include segment-first features like a coloured multi-info display, wireless charger, cruise control, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit.

The cabin offers decent room in the front and back seats, with adjustable headrests. Small touches like the rear parcel tray, illuminated glove box, front footwell lights, etc., make daily use very convenient. While the material quality could have been better, the overall cabin feels practical and premium.

Powertrain Options

The Swift 2024 is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, which produces 80.46bhp and 111Nm torque. It combines 5-speed manual and AMT (automated manual transmission) gearbox options. An idle start-stop system boosts mileage up to 24.8 km/l. Those looking at CNG variants benefit from 68.79 power and 101nm torque figures without compromising boot space.

The engine offers smooth daily driving with decent torque lower down the rev range. The light clutch and steering make navigating city traffic relatively easy. On open roads, the Swift feels adequately powered to overtake slower vehicles confidently. While high-speed stability could be better, the Swift checks most boxes for urban commutes and highway jaunts.

Ride and Handling

The Swift features a slightly stiff suspension setup with MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear. This allows it to tackle uneven sections and offer stable high-speed manners. However, bigger potholes and rumblers can make things slightly bumpy for rear passengers.

Swift has always been famous for its nimble handling abilities, and the new model carries it forward with minimal body roll around corners. The steering is light at low speeds but decently weighted at higher speeds. Overall, the Swift offers predictable dynamics to keep enthusiastic drivers engaged.

Variants and Pricing

The Swift is available in four broad trims, starting with the base LXi priced at Rs. 7.29 lakh to the range-topping ZXi+ variant at Rs. 10.28 lakh ex-showroom. Despite the LED lighting, modern infotainment and abundant safety features, Swift offers a strong value-for-money quotient even in lower variants.

The Bottom Line

Over the years, the Maruti Suzuki Swift has won many hearts with its sporty image, peppy driving experience and lower ownership experience. The 2024 Swift carries the legacy forward with a contemporary new look, feature-rich interiors and the familiar enthusiastic drivetrain.

Though accessories could be improved and the high-speed ride made plusher, the Swift checks most boxes for a practical, value-focused, enjoyable family hatchback. So, if you are looking for an affordable all-rounder for daily city commutes and occasional highway trips, the Maruti Suzuki Swift 2024 is likeable.