Maruti Suzuki Swift: Maruti Suzuki has finally taken the wraps off the fourth-generation Swift, marking a significant evolution for India’s beloved hatchback. The new model, which arrives seven years after the third generation debuted, brings substantial changes under the hood alongside a refreshed design language that manages to be both familiar and distinctively new. First deliveries are expected to begin next month, with bookings already open across Maruti’s Arena dealership network.
Design Evolution: Familiar Yet Fresh
The new Swift doesn’t stray too far from its predecessor’s silhouette – a smart move considering the model’s strong brand recognition. Nevertheless, the changes are immediately apparent to anyone who’s spent time with previous iterations. The front fascia sports a wider hexagonal grille with a honeycomb pattern that gives the car a more aggressive stance. The headlamps, while retaining their basic shape, now incorporate LED projector units with distinctive L-shaped daytime running lights on higher trims.
“We didn’t want to mess with the Swift’s DNA,” explains Kenichi Umeda, Chief Designer for the project. “The challenge was making it instantly recognizable as a Swift while pushing the design forward. I think we’ve struck that balance.”
Around the back, the changes are more pronounced. The new tail lamps stretch further onto the quarter panels and feature a three-dimensional design that adds visual depth. The rear bumper has been completely redesigned with a more pronounced diffuser-like element that houses reflectors and fog lamps. A subtle roof spoiler completes the sporty look.
Z-Series Engine: New Heart, Better Performance
Under the bonnet lies perhaps the most significant upgrade – the all-new Z-series 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine replacing the familiar K-series four-cylinder unit. This powerplant puts out 82hp and 112Nm of torque – marginally lower than its predecessor’s numbers on paper, but Maruti engineers insist the torque delivery is more accessible in real-world driving conditions.
“The Z-series engine might be down on cylinder count, but it’s actually more responsive in the rev range where most daily driving happens,” says Rahul Bharadwaj, who heads Maruti’s powertrain division. “Plus, the reduced weight improves the power-to-weight ratio, so the car feels peppier than the numbers suggest.”
Transmission options include the familiar 5-speed manual and an improved AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) that Maruti claims offers 28% faster shifts than the outgoing model. Fuel efficiency – always a Swift strong point – improves further, with the manual variant delivering an ARAI-certified 23.76 km/l.
Tech-Loaded Interior with Premium Touches
Step inside, and the changes are immediately apparent. The dashboard has been completely redesigned with a more horizontal layout featuring a free-standing 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system (up from 7 inches) that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument cluster combines analog dials with a 4.2-inch color multi-information display that shows everything from fuel economy to driving dynamics.
“The new Swift’s cabin feels considerably more upmarket,” notes Vikram Gour, a veteran automotive journalist who attended the media preview. “The materials have improved, especially on touch points like the steering wheel and door pads. It’s still not quite premium hatchback territory, but it’s narrowed the gap significantly.”
Comfort features now include automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, and a wireless charging pad on higher-spec variants. The seats get improved bolstering and a new upholstery pattern that adds visual interest to the cabin.
Enhanced Safety Package Across Range
Safety gets a significant boost with the 2025 Swift, reflecting changing consumer priorities and upcoming regulatory requirements. Six airbags come standard across all variants – a first for the segment – alongside ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and hill-hold assist (on AMT variants).
The Swift also introduces several new active safety features to the segment, including a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchors as standard equipment across the range.
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Maruti Suzuki Swift: Pricing and Market Positioning
The new Swift starts at ₹6.49 lakh for the base LXi variant, with prices rising to ₹9.55 lakh for the fully-loaded ZXi+ AMT (ex-showroom). This represents a marginal increase over the outgoing model, which Maruti justifies through the significantly enhanced feature list and new powertrain.
With annual sales consistently hovering around the 1.5 lakh unit mark, the Swift remains a crucial model for Maruti Suzuki despite the market’s shift toward SUVs. The fourth-generation model appears well-equipped to continue this success story, offering a compelling blend of style, efficiency, and features that should keep it relevant in an increasingly crowded market.
As the first mass-market Maruti to feature the new Z-series engine, the Swift also serves as a technology showcase for the company’s future powertrain strategy, with this engine expected to make its way into other models in the coming months.