Updated: The new Suzuki Swift is already here, and a big hit! Read our road test and review of the diesel Suzki Swift, or the petrol variant review. watch a video review, or read our popular stories comparing the Swift with the Hyundai i20 and the Honda Jazz
The much awaited next-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift small car will be launched in August 2011. The launch period targets the festive season (Diwali, Dussehra) which will witness many new car launches such as the Honda Brio.
The new Swift will likely be priced 5-7% (Rs. 26,000 approx) higher than the current Swift which is priced ranging from Rs. 4, 09,341 to Rs. 4, 77,831 for the petrol version and Rs. 4, 99,163 to Rs. 5, 56,277 for the diesel variant. (All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi) Also read: 2011 Maruti Suzuki Swift photo gallery
The new Maruti Suzuki Swift has radically different design as against the current model but still has a lot of traditional ‘Swift’ lines. The upcoming Swift gets larger headlamps swept further up the front fender.
The front grille as well as lower air dam has curvy edges and the fog lamp inserts are big. Comparing the side profiles of the present Swift and the new Swift, you will find that the shape of the rear quarter glass has been changed and the rear wheel arches appear to be more flared.
At the rear, the new Swift has a redesigned tail gate and the positioning of the number plate too is different. The tail lamps get clear lens treatment and the orange turn indicator lights enhance the aesthetic appeal of the car.
The new (Australia-specific) Swift’s dimension are 3,850 mm x 1,695 mm x 1,510 mm (length x width x height) and the wheel base is 2,430 mm. The Swift presently being sold in India measures 3,760 mm x 1,690 mm x 1,530 mm and the wheelbase is 2,390 mm.
On comparison, it is clear that the upcoming Swift is slightly longer (90 mm) and flatter (20 mm) than the current Swift. Importantly, the wheelbase has been increased by 40 mm which means the new Swift will have slightly more legroom in the rear. Also read: New Maruti Suzuki Swift bookings begin at Rs. 10,000
The interiors of the new Swift will likely inherit many design cues from the Maruti Suzuki Kizashi luxury sedan. The steering mounted controls will likely include phone controls apart from volume control for audio system.
Electric mirrors and an up-market central console will likely delight customers of the new Swift. Subtle changes like new fonts on the instrument dials and a multi-information display will do justice to the newness of the next-generation car.
Some of the other features anticipated to come in the new model include an Engine Start-Stop button and Bluetooth connectivity.
Maruti Suzuki will likely launch the 2011 Swift with its existing engines. The new Swift will likely be powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 84 hp of power and the 1.3-litre DDiS (Multijet) diesel engine that makes 75 hp of power.
Maruti Suzuki might make minor tweaks in the diesel engine to make it more fuel-efficient and environment friendly.
The upcoming Swift will inherit the basic nature of the current model and there could be improvements in the ride quality and ergonomically designed steering setup. The new Swift will challenge upcoming cars like the Honda Brio, Toyota Etios and current models such as Hyundai i10, Nissan Micra, Hyundai i20, Ford Figo, Fiat Punto, Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia and Tata Indica Vista.