The Swift has been a popular nameplate in for Maruti Suzuki in India since its launch in 2003 having sold more than 2.7 million units so far. Soon, the current model, which has been around since August 2011, will be replaced by the new model Swift. Suzuki unveiled the 2017 Swift in Japan in December last year followed by its global debut in Geneva in March 2017. The launch of the new Maruti Swift 2017 will take place at the 2018 Auto Expo in February. Expect prices to start at around Rs. 5.00 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Swift nameplate made its debut in India in 2006. As of April 2016, the Suzuki Swift had sold 5 million units worldwide. It was initially launched with a 1.3 L petrol engine, which was replaced by a 1.2 L K Series unit in February 2010. A Fiat-Sourced 1.3 L Multijet Diesel was added to the line up in 2007. Interestingly, unlike the previous two generations of the Dzire, the new third-generation launched much before that of the new Swift. Although, in a recent interview, Mr. CV Raman, Executive Director of Engineering at MSIL told us they could have launched the hatchback before the sedan. And while it is based on the same platform, the ‘Swift’ has been dropped from the branding.
| Model Name | Launch Date (expected) |
| New Maruti Suzuki Swift | Auto Expo 2018 |
Though unconfirmed, Maruti will launch the new Swift in the first quarter of 2018. Production of the upcoming Maruti Swift will commence in October 2017 with Maruti targeting an initial monthly production of 10,000 units. It is understood that the Swift will be manufactured in Manesar as well MSIL’s new plant in Gujarat to cope with the high demand.
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price (Estimated) |
| Base Model | Rs. 5.00 lakh |
| Top Model | Rs. 8.50 lakh |
Currently, the Maruti Swift range starts at Rs. 4.81 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the base petrol LXi variant. We’re not expecting a major jump in pricing when the new Swift arrives in India. However, the top of the line ZXi+/ZDi+ trims will be much more expensive taking the pricing of the top model to around Rs. 8.50 lakh. The increase in price will be due to a longer features list. Also, like the new Dzire, there will be automatic petrol and diesel variants on offer that will get 5-speed AGS transmission.
Estimated Variant Wise New Maruti Swift Price List
| 2017 Maruti Swift LXi | Rs. 5.00 lakh |
| 2017 Maruti Swift VXi | Rs. 5.75 lakh |
| 2017 Maruti Swift ZXi | Rs. 6.50 lakh |
| 2017 Maruti Swift ZXi+ | Rs. 7.40 lakh |
| 2017 Maruti Swift LDi | Rs. 6.15 lakh |
| 2017 Maruti Swift VDi | Rs. 6.60 lakh |
| 2017 Maruti Swift ZDi | Rs. 7.50 lakh |
| 2017 Maruti Swift ZDi+ | Rs. 8.40 lakh |
Competition Check
Rivals of the new Maruti Swift will include –
| New Maruti Swift Petrol Specifications | |
| Engine | 1.2 L K Series Petrol |
| Power | 84.3 PS |
| Torque | 115 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual/5-speed AMT |
| Estimated Mileage | 21-22 KMPL |
The one thing the new model Swift will have in common with its predecessor will be the engines. Petrol variants will receive the 1198 cc K Series motor while diesel variants will get the 1248 cc DDiS engine. The all new Swift is based on Suzuki’s ‘HEARTECT’ platform that also underpins the Baleno, Ignis and new Dzire. This rigid new platform is lighter resulting in a better power to weight ratio and better fuel efficiency. The Dzire lost 80-105 KG depending on the variant, with the introduction of the new platform. Expect similar levels of weight shedding in case of the new Swift.
| New Maruti Swift Diesel Specifications | |
| Engine | 1.3 L Multijet Diesel |
| Power | 75 PS |
| Torque | 190 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual/5-speed AMT |
| Estimated Mileage | 27-28 KMPL |
New Maruti Swift 2017 Mileage
| Variant | Estimated Overall Fuel Efficiency |
| Petrol | 21-22 KMPL |
| Diesel | 27-28 KMPL |
The new Maruti Swift should have ARAI certified fuel efficiency figures similar to the new Dzire. Based on the gains made by the Dzire in the fuel efficiency department thanks to the new lighter platform, expect the lighter Maruti Swift fuel efficiency figures to go up by 6-7% for the diesel and 5-6% for the petrol variants. However, being the sportier of the two, MSIL might not chase after the title of most fuel efficient car in the country and let the Swift be the more fun to drive of the two.
The styling of the new Swift is based on the concept of a “bold evolution of Swift’s DNA”. Having said that, the 2017 Swift is instantly recognizable as a new model. It gets a larger single piece grille and a new bumper with a deep set lower air dam. Headlamps with LED DRLs and projector units and LED stop lamps also feature. It continues with blacked out A and B pillars, while the black C-pillar helps create the appearance of a floating roof.
Unlike previous generation Swift and Dzire siblings, Maruti has ensured there is clear differentiation between the styling of the two this time around. This has been done by giving the Dzire’ impact design grille ample chrome garnish and a different bumper.
The interior of the new Swift, especially the dashboard design, has an air of sportiness about it. It gets a flat bottom steering wheel, circular aircon vents, and dials with integrated display for the automatic climate control. A 7-inch Smartplay touchscreen infotainment system dominates the center console. Expect an all-black colour scheme for the cabin of the 2017 Maruti Swift. The upcoming new Swift’s wheelbase is longer by 20 mm and it is also 20 mm wider. Rear seat passengers will now enjoy 23 mm more headroom. Boot space has also gone up by 54 litres to 264 litres. All this means there is more space on the inside, especially for the rear seat occupants. However, the loading lip of the boot is set a little higher, which means getting heavier items into the boot will be more cumbersome.
Exterior
Interior
Safety
| Length x Width x Height | 3840 x 1695 x 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm |
| Kerb Weight | -NA- |
| Wheel Type and Size | 15 inch alloys |
| Boot Space | 265 L |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 litres |
These dimensions are based on the Japan-spec model. The one that will be sold in India will come with an increased ground clearance.
There will be two engine options on offer. New addition to the transmission options will include a 5-speed AMT unit that also does duty on the Dzire and Ignis. Until now, the Swift has done without an automatic transmission option. The introduction of AMT variants will help it realize the goal of selling 3,00,000 automatic cars by 2020. Within two years of its launch, Maruti may launch a hotter version of the 2017 Maruti Swift with a 1.0 L Boosterjet petrol engine under the Swift RS moniker. According to dealership level sources, the RS variant of the Baleno accounts for around 800-1000 units of the total sales. The Maruti Swift RS, if launched, will cater to enthusiasts looking for a richer driving experience from the Swift.
