2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift retains old engines yet offers more performance

The Maruti Suzuki Swift has always been the affordable sporty hatch for many of us and there is no better time than now to buy one. We say ‘now’ because the Swift has just been revived with an entirely new generation model. 

With the previous, second-gen model finding its way to the history books, it’s now time for the new Swift to take the mantle forward in the premium hatchback segment. All-new for 2018, the third-gen Swift comes with an evolutionary design, one that’s a lot more streamlined, especially around the rear. The interior, on the other hand, is completely new and is loaded with more equipment as standard than before. 

What remains unchanged, however, is the engine range. Maruti will continue to offer their tried and tested 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engine options for the all-new Swift. The petrol motor makes 83bhp/113Nm whereas the more popular diesel puts out 75bhp/190Nm. Now for some of you, the fact that there is virtually no jump in performance may not come as great news, but if you look at the bigger picture, things aren’t so bleak. For starters, the new Swift is based on the fifth generation of Suzuki’s Heartec platform which is not only more rigid but also lighter compared to the old car. The newer underpinnings have made the third-gen model 40mm wider and given it 20mm longer wheelbase, but despite these improvements, the new Swift is roughly 40kgs lighter than the old car. Less weight equals better handling/straight-line speed and shedding 40kgs off a car that weighs around 900kgs is a guaranteed recipe for more performance and efficiency. 

Going by the buzz triggered around the new Swift, there is little doubt that it will remain the benchmark in its segment. If priced right i.e. near the previous gen model’s range, Maruti is bound to have yet another segment leading hatchback. Stay tuned for our comprehensive first drive review from the ongoing media drive of the 2018 Swift.