2021 Maruti Suzuki Swift Review

While the SUV segment is experiencing unprecedented growth and increasing competition, the hatchback space seems to move forward at a slower pace. Hence, there are fewer developments and new updates in the hatchback segment. Being the segment-leading model, Maruti Swift has an easy time maintaining its popularity without frequent updates. Recently, Maruti has delivered the due facelift for the existing model which has been around for years. However, this time, there are only a few distinctive updates compared to the pre-facelift version. IndianAuto will get into the details of the new 2021 Mauri Swift in India.

Maruti Swift Exterior

Exterior-wise, Maruti Swift carries forwards the majority of the design from the pre-facelift model with some minor updates. These updates will make it easier to tell the facelift version from the previous model.

Front end

On the front design, Maruti Swift gets a different grille design with a new pattern and a horizontal chrome bar in the middle. The new grille makes the front design appear sportier. Apart from the redesigned grille, the front end of the Maruti Swift gets no other updates. It continues to feature the same round-ish styling for headlights, lower bumper and hood. There is an LED projector with LED DRLs and foglights.

The facelift Maruti Swift receives only a few subtle updates on the front end

Side profile

Apart from the slightly updated front end, the facelift Maruti Swift keeps the identical side and rear-end design from the pre-updated version. It continues to feature a floating roofline, blacked-out A and B pillars that create a sharp and smart look. For the facelift version, Maruti offers new dual-tone options for select trims. It comes with the same 15-inch alloy wheels. These dual-tone options include Solid Fire Red with black roof, Pearl Metallic Midnight Blue with white roof, and Pearl Arctic White with black roof. If you want to get these funky colour themes, you will have to pay a premium of Rs 14,000 compared to the monotone version.

Rear end

The rear end is similar to the pre-facelift version. The facelift model keeps the smart-looking design with a simple bumper, rear spoiler, chrome Swift badging and Maruti Suzuki logo. The raked windshield and curvy rear design well complement the overall sporty and handsome look of the Swift.

Maruti Swift Dimension

In terms of dimensions, the Maruti Swift sees no change. The length measures 3,840 mm in length. The width and height of the Swift stand at 1,735 mm in and 1,530 mm, respectively. It runs on the same wheelbase of 3,840 mm.

Maruti Swift Interior

Design and comfort

Similar to the exterior, the interior does not receive any significant updates. It gets the same touchscreen infotainment display at the centre of the dashboard with two circular air vents above and rotary knobs and buttons beneath. To the driver’s side, there is the same multi-function three-stroke flat-bottom steering wheel. Some subtle updates including the new upholstery on the seat.

Since the overall dimensions of the Maruti Swift remain unchanged, the interior, therefore, offers the same interior space. There is sufficient room on the inside, for both the front and rear row. The seats offer great side support and soft cushioning, which makes sure that even a long drive feels pleasant. On top of that, Maruti also provides various storage space, including the glovebox, cupholders on the armrests, bottle holders, and side pockets, not to mention the 268 litres of boot space.

Interior Features

For most parts, Maruti Swift’s feature list remains the same. However, the top-spec model of the  Swift now comes with a new SmartPlay Studio system, cruise control, and a TFT coloured display between the dials.

Compared to the current standard of the market, the equipment list of the new Swift feels somewhat lacking. It should have done better by providing connectivity techs, sunroof, wireless charging and air purifier like some other competitors in the market.

Safety features

On the safety front, the Maruti Swit gets some enhancements including a hill-hold assist and ESP (electronic stability program) for the AMT version as standard. For the entire range, Maruti Swift gets dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchorage and rear parking camera from the base variant upwards.

Maruti Swift Engine

The most significant update of the facelift Maruti Swift happens under the hood. The old 1.2-litre K-Series engine is replaced by a new version called 1.2-litre DualJet. The new version of the 1.2-litre petrol unit is equipped with two injectors for every cylinder, along with Dual VVT (variable valve timing), and EGR (cooled exhaust gas recirculation), offering higher power output and better fuel efficiency. Under the new form, the petrol unit is capable of making 90 PS and 113 Nm. The boost of 7 PS over the previous version seems to be insignificant in real-life performance. However, thanks to the engine-idle start-stop function, the new powertrain gains a noticeable increase in terms of fuel efficiency. Accordingly, the DualJet’s fuel mileage is increased by 2 kmpl, making it one of the most fuel-saving models in the car market.

Maruti Swift Prices

These minor updates for the facelift Maruti Swift add a premium to the prices of this hatchback. Prior to the facelift, the premium hatchback was priced from Rs 5.73 lakh to Rs 8.27 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). At the moment, it is available at the starting price of Rs 5.49 lakh. The top-spec model is priced at Rs 8.02 lakh. The biggest price change is Rs 25,000 on the top-spec model.

Verdict

The new Maruti Swift gets slightly more powerful and more efficient. In addition, Maruti Swift continues to offer a comfortable and practical interior. Even though the price of the new model gets slightly more expensive, Swift still retains its charm as an attractive, comfortable and fun-to-drive hatchback. With all these praise-worthy attributes, Maruti Swift will no doubt remain its strong presence in the market.