Maruti Suzuki Swift Test Drive review

• The Swift has just completed 20 years in India, delivering over 30 lakh units and commanding nearly 31% market share in the hatchback segment as of mid‑2025
• In June 2025, it topped sales with 13,275 units, outpacing Wagon R, Baleno, Tiago and i20. Despite a ~19% YoY drop, it remained the number‑one hatchback

Design & Exterior Updates

• Unveiled in May 2024, the fourth-generation Swift retains its sporty compact silhouette while introducing aerodynamic features such as spoiler-end rear door frames and sculpted bumpers that cleverly improve airflow and visual appeal. Despite its familiar footprint on the same Heartect platform, the styling tweaks give it a fresher and more youthful presence.

Cabin, Ergonomics & Practicality

• Cabin space is comfortable and thoughtfully laid out. Autocar’s long-term team spent nearly 10,000 km in the Swift, praising its supportive driving position, intuitive interface, and generous storage solutions like spacious door pockets and logical USB‑C placement.
• Rear legroom and seat comfort are decent by segment standards, though backrests feel slightly upright over long rides.

Engine, Transmission & Efficiency

• Swift now runs on a 1.2 L Z‑Series 3-cylinder engine (~82–83 PS / 108–112 Nm), replacing the older 4-cylinder K‑series. It strikes a sweet balance between refinement, mid-range torque, and fuel economy—especially in urban conditions.

Fuel efficiency figures (Autocar real-world):

• Petrol (MT/CVT): 24.8–25.75 km/l

Ride & Driving Dynamics

The Swift retains its fun-to-drive demeanor. The steering is light and confidence-inspiring in tight city spaces, yet becomes more weighted and stable on faster sections.

Suspension is tuned to be compliant at low speeds, smoothing out minor bumps, while remaining firm and confident over flowing roads—ideal for spirited cornering. Caution is needed at high speeds or under sudden braking: the rear can exhibit twitchiness or unsettled behaviour during abrupt maneuvers.

Features & Safety

Times Drive lists features such as rear AC vents, Suzuki Connect telematics, and Automatic Gear Shift Technology, making the Swift a tech-competent performer in its segment.

From higher trims: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC/VSM, driver monitoring, and Dual Sensor Brake Support II (binding collision support) are standard. These provide reasonable protection, though Bharat NCAP ratings are yet to be published.

Pricing (Delhi, ex-showroom)

Starts around ₹6.49 lakh and goes up to approximately ₹9.49 lakh for the top-spec CVT variant—competitive against rivals in this range.

Pros:

• Class-leading fuel efficiency (25 km/l petrol, even better with CNG).
• Engaging and agile to drive, particularly fun in town and twisty roads.
• Light, comfortable controls—ideal for frequent urban traffic.
• Trusted reliability and high resale value in the Indian market.
• Rich feature set at top variants, including telematics, driver aids, and rear AC vents.

Cons:

• Modest engine power—feel underwhelming when loaded or climbing hills.
• AMT refinement lags behind CVT/manual alternatives.
• High-speed confidence is moderate, and sudden braking may feel edgy.
• Safety ratings unclear under Bharat NCAP benchmarking.

Verdict

The Maruti Suzuki Swift brilliantly blends efficiency, agility, and practicality. Despite its modest size and power, it remains a top pick for city commuters, mileage-conscious buyers, and solo drivers who value driveability over luxury. If you're seeking a reliable and fun hatchback with strong resale and low running costs, the Swift continues to set the benchmark.