2011 Maruti Swift to be launched in March

While it’s yet not official, Maruti Suzuki plans to launch the face-lifted Swift by March 2011. Speaking to DWS Auto at the Kizashi launch in New Delhi, Maruti spokespersons indicated that the new Swift will most likely be rolled out in March, though they remained non-commital and declined to confirm the launch date. They also hinted that the long-awaited SX4 diesel will be launched before the new Swift’s launch, which means within the next three weeks.

New Swift

The upcoming Swift test mule has been spotted twice in the past few months. The upcoming model will have a slightly increased wheelbase that will offer better leg room for the rear occupants. The speculated dimensions of the new Swift are 3,850 mm x 1,695 mm x 1,510 mm (length x width x height), with a wheelbase of 2,430 mm. The current Swift measures 3,760 mm x 1,690 mm x 1,530 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,390 mm. We expect the new Swift to be powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 84 hp and the 1.3-litre DDiS (Multijet) diesel engine that makes 75 hp.

SX4 Diesel

Maruti will likely launch the long-awaited Sx4 diesel this month. The car will be powered by Fiat’s 1.3-litre Multijet engine that also powers the Tata Indigo Manza and the Fiat Linea. The current 1.3-litre diesel that powers Maruti Swift and Dzire produces 75 bhp. There are chances that Maruti may use a VGT (Variable Geometry Turbo) and spruce up the engine’s power to 90 bhp, just the way Tata and Fiat did when they used the engine on the Manza and Linea respectively. The Maruti Sx4 diesel will take on its diesel counterparts: Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento and Fiat Linea.