Maruti Swift Facelift – Mild Makeover to Boost Appeal

The facelifted Maruti Suzuki Swift gets exterior and interior updates plus additional features to maintain competitiveness but lacks major upgrades over the pre-facelift model.

Introduction

The popular Maruti Suzuki Swift has received its first major update since the third-gen model was introduced in 2018. The facelifted Swift was launched in March 2021 with fresh styling, added features and minor tweaks to make it more appealing against rivals like the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Ford Figo. While retaining its fun-to-drive character, the facelift aims to give the Swift a more contemporary and upmarket feel.

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Build Quality

Maruti has made minor structural reinforcements resulting in a 40kg increase in kerb weight and so the Swift feels solidly put together with consistent panel gaps and paint quality. However, excessive use of cost-cutting plastics continues to be an issue, especially on lower trims. The facelift also retains monocoque chassis from the pre-facelift car, which offers confident handling dynamics. Overall build quality is acceptable but not segment-leading.

Exterior Design

The refreshed Swift gets noticeable cosmetic updates including a new front fascia with a meshed grille flanked by sleeker headlamps. Top trims get stylish LED projector headlamps and LED DRLs. The front bumper is also redesigned with a sporty profile. At the rear, C-shaped LED tail lamps and a revised bumper freshen up the look. 15-inch alloy wheels are standard. The new color options further highlight Swift’s sporty character. However, the side profile remains identical to the pre-facelift car.

Interior Design

Inside the cabin, the dashboard layout is similar but finished in a darker theme along with metallic accents around the air vents and door handles. The flat-bottom steering wheel ups the sportiness but plastic quality remains mediocre. Front seats with integrated headrests are comfortable with adequate bolstering. However, the seat fabric could be of better quality. With an unchanged wheelbase, cabin space stays identical and can get cramped for tall occupants.

Practicality

Owing to its compact footprint, practicality is not one of Swift’s strong points. The boot space stays unchanged at 268 liters and can hold a few small bags. Rear seat space is also limited, with tight headroom and legroom for taller occupants. Seats are placed low, affecting ingress and egress. High window line impacts rear visibility. However, storage spaces like cupholders and door pockets are adequate.

Features and Safety

To take on rivals, Maruti has added a few new features like a colored MID, push button start/stop, keyless entry, auto headlamps and cruise control. However, Swift misses out on few expected features like projector headlamps, telescopic steering wheel, auto climate control and connected car tech even on the top variant. Dual airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors are standard safety fitments, with no option for six airbags.

Engine and Performance

The updated Swift continues with the familiar 1.2 liter K-series petrol mated to 5-speed manual transmissions and AMT automatic. The petrol engine makes 83hp and 113Nm and delivers satisfactory city performance and cruising ability. Claimed efficiency stands at 23.2kmpl for petrol and 23.8kmpl for diesel. The petrol engine is refined and peppy.

Ride and Handling

The Swift has always been praised for its nimble handling and the facelift carries forward the same car-like dynamics. The light steering is great around town while high speed stability is also confidence-inspiring. Ride quality is slightly on the firmer side but absorbs most bumps and undulations well. Braking performance could be better though as the discs tend to fade during intense usage. Overall, the Swift facelift builds on the hatchback’s fun to drive appeal.

Price and Verdict

The Maruti Swift facelift is priced between Rs. 5.99-9.03 lakh, ex-showroom. For the price, the refreshed Swift brings mild cosmetic and feature upgrades along with the tried and tested strengths of sporty handling, peppy engines and Maruti’s vast service network. However, it misses out on few essential features and still suffers from cost cutting measures. The Swift facelift makes for a practical, value for money hatchback for urban usage.

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