| With its snazzy styling, the Swift was bound to be a | | | | Owners state that, at idle, it's hard to tell if the |
| success. This hatch looks strikingly attractive from | | | | engine is running at all. The 1.2 is fairly revv happy |
| the front, side and rear profiles alike. The Swift has a | | | | (though progress is slow and noise levels high after |
| low planted stance and is very well-proportioned. Our | | | | 5000 odd rpm). |
| reviewers insist it's not the looks alone though. Swift | | | | Owners report that this engine boasts a tractable & |
| owners are an incredibly satisfied lot; they consider | | | | flexible nature; it is at home pottering around in the |
| the hatch a value-for-money package. The build | | | | city or stretching her legs on the open road. The |
| quality feels more solid than what we have come to | | | | gearshift quality is smooth & sure-slotting as well. |
| expect from Maruti, yet it has a fair share of rattles | | | | Diesel power comes in the form of a fantastic Fiat |
| and shoddy fitting quality. Some panel gaps are | | | | 1.3 liter 74 BHP (@ 4,000 rpm) / 190 nm of torque |
| inconsistent too. Most reports stated that comfort | | | | (@ 2,000 rpm) engine, which is quick as well as |
| upfront is fantastic, but the interiors offer below | | | | fuel-efficient. The torque delivery is addictive and |
| average space at the rear. | | | | makes the diesel Swift more fun to drive than the |
| Again, boot space is limited and the smallest in this | | | | petrol! Owners report that initial turbo-lag is its |
| segment. Contemporary design continues from the | | | | Achilles' heel, but one can get used to driving around |
| outside to the inside. The 3 spoke steering, | | | | it. Mid-range is punchy and makes for fun highway |
| dashboard and electronic HVAC controls drew praise | | | | driving. Fuel efficiency is consistently high in all driving |
| from our ownership reports. Ergonomics are A+, and | | | | conditions. |
| the driver has a fantastic seating position. However, | | | | Our reviewers were particularly pleased with the |
| the black coloured interiors and small windows can | | | | short-throw gearshift. The Swift's ride quality is a tad |
| make for a claustrophobic ambience. The front seats | | | | stiff and this is especially prominent at lower speeds |
| are generous in size and offer superb support. Maruti | | | | or on bad roads. Owners were quick to add that ride |
| sells the top variant with dual airbags, ABS brakes, | | | | comfort improves with speed, and is compliant |
| audio system with steering mounted controls, climate | | | | enough on most urban roads. Maruti softened the |
| control, rear wash & wipe, keyless entry and alloy | | | | suspension a bit in 2010, making the new Swift ride |
| wheels. Airbags are conspicuous by their absence on | | | | better than the older one (though the firm edge still |
| the top-end diesel variant. | | | | remains). The Swift drew praise for its precise |
| The fantastic 1.2 liter K-series petrol engine of the | | | | handling that proudly exhibits the chassis' fine balance. |
| Ritz made its way into the Swift in March 2010. This | | | | Body roll is well controlled. High-speed stability is |
| unit is rated at 84 BHP (@ 6,000 rpm), 113 NM of | | | | confidence inspiring as well, while the electronic power |
| torque (@ 4,500 rpm) and is one of Suzuki's best | | | | steering is direct, though lacking in feel at high |
| petrol engines yet. The motor is a true all-rounder | | | | speeds. Chucking the Swift in and out of corners is a |
| that offers great refinement, decent in-town | | | | highly enjoyable experience. Of special mention are |
| driveability and is thoroughly contemporary in tech. | | | | the brakes which owners regarded very highly. |