Maruti planning Swift RS for India: Tata Tiago JTP effect?

In a few weeks from now, India will get its cheapest hot hatchback in the form of the Tata Tiago JTP, a car whose starting price is likely to be pegged under Rs. 6 lakhs. The Tiago JTP will use a 1.2 litre turbocharged petrol engine with 108 Bhp-150 Nm. The Tiago JTP will not only be more than Rs. 2 lakhs cheaper than the Maruti Baleno RS, but will also be more powerful as the latter makes 101 Bhp-150 Nm. In response, Maruti Suzuki is expected to bring in the Swift RS. The Swift RS is said to use the same 1 litre BoosterJet turbocharged petrol engine that’s offered on the Baleno RS, reports Gaadiwaadi.

The Maruti Swift RS is likely to be priced about Rs. 50,000 cheaper than the Baleno RS, at under Rs. 8 lakhs. making it better placed to take on the Tata Tiago JTP. We’re yet to hear the official word from Maruti though. Considering that Maruti has ruled out the Swift Sport with the 1.4 litre BoosterJet turbocharged petrol engine for India, the Swift RS with the same engine as the Baleno RS does make sense.

Maruti already produces this engine for use in the Baleno RS. Besides, both the Swift and Baleno share the same HEARTECT platform, another factor that should make it easier to share engines and  transmissions. The 5 speed manual gearbox is likely to be carried over from the Baleno RS as well.

The Maruti Swift has always been known for its driver-oriented, fun to drive nature, and the 3rd generation version is no different. Lighter than ever, the new Swift should be a boatload of fun with the 1 litre BoosterJet turbocharged petrol engine in tow. Stiffer suspension could be a part of the mix if Maruti indeed goes ahead with the Swift RS plans.

Currently, the Swift sold in India gets two engine options: a 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol with 82 Bhp-113 Nm, and a 1.3 litre turbocharged diesel with 74 Bhp-190 Nm. The petrol engine is the more rev happy of the duo, and the petrol Swift feels a lot more fun to drive than the diesel version, which seems a little strangulated due to tight emission controls and focus on fuel efficiency.