New Maruti Suzuki Swift bookings begin at Rs. 10,000

It appears that some Maruti Suzuki dealers have quietly started accepting bookings for the much anticipated new Swift. The move suggests that the new Swift’s launch is around the corner though Maruti officials are keeping a tight lid on the proceedings. Also, not all dealers seem to be taking orders.

DWS Auto did a quick check to confirm the development and found that a Maruti Suzuki dealership in Delhi is indeed accepting bookings for the new Swift. However, Maruti dealers in Chennai feigned ignorance saying that they are yet to accept bookings.

The sales representative at the Delhi outlet revealed that the booking amount for the new petrol Swift is Rs. 10,000 while the on-road price will be roughly Rs. 40,000 more than that of the outgoing model. Related: New Maruti Suzuki Swift spy photos

The new Swift will continue to sell in 3 variants: the LXI will be priced at around Rs. 4.50 lakh which is Rs. 43,000 more expensive than the older Swift. The other variants, too, would have a similar difference in price. The mid-trim Swift VXI will set buyers back by Rs. 4.96 lakh – Rs. 36,000 more compared to the current model and the top-of-the-line Swift ZXI will be priced at Rs. 5.86 lakhs, which is roughly Rs. 50,000 more than the existing version. The sales rep did not divulge pricing details of the Swift diesel, though, we think the VDI spec may have a price tag just under Rs. 6 lakhs.

The new Swift will be 90mm longer, 5mm wider and 10mm taller compared to the older model. Maruti has also extended its wheelbase by 50mm, so expect more cabin space. But what’s most exciting is under the hood. The petrol Swift has been given an engine transplant and it’ll now sport Maruti Suzuki’s capable K-Series engine, which also beats inside the Ritz, Alto and A-Star. Although the new K12B 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine sounds like a step down as against the older 1.3-litre DOHC mill, it actually puts out more power (95 PS at 6,000rpm) and torque (118Nm at 4,800rpm). We’ll have to wait and watch as to how the increased power will play out in terms of actual performance. Read more: Differences between the old and the new Swift

The Swift has been a successful chariot for Maruti Suzuki in the past and we can expect the new variant to inject fresh life into Swift sales, alluring even those who had gotten bored of the way the old Swift looks.

Maruti has already sold over 4.5 lakh Swifts in India since its launch in 2005. With the new model, Maruti would look to plug the shortcomings of the outgoing model (cramped interior, small boot). But one thing’s for sure: the Swift will continue to set the cash registers ringing irrespective of what changes Maruti brings about in the new model.