Photo feature: A close look at the new Suzuki Swift features

Maruti will officially launch the 2011 Swift on 17 August. It is one of the most anticipated launches of the year. Already, there is a waiting period of over 3 months, and the company claims pre-bookings of 40,000. We put together this photo feature that should help buyers get familiar with the new Swift’s features and gadgets.

The new Swift has many changes. Read the CarToq first drive impressions here. Here’s a close look at the car and its features.

All New Front: The New Swift sports a new front which sports a new grille, longer high-swept headlamps and a revamped bonnet. Its design is reminiscent of Maruti Suzuki’s Kizashi Sedan and draws heavily from its design. However it is difficult to differentiate the new Swift from the older model from a distance as the dimensions are more or less the same.

Longer side profile: From the sides it is evident that the designers at Maruti Suzuki have increased the length of the new Swift. It now measures 3850 mm in length and the roofline too slants downwards at the rear. There is a sharp character line that runs down the sides cutting the door handles and merges seamlessly with the large tail lamps.

Refreshed rear: At the rear the new Swift is very different from the present model. Although it carries forward the overall round shape of the outgoing model, the refreshed tail lamps and high set boot lip lend it a dynamic new look. The boot lip also hides the number plate illumination lamp and the boot release button.

Well designed interior: The new Swifts inside welcome you with the warm and simple two tone (grey-black) interiors. The dashboard however is new and features an integrated single-CD music system with a high-gloss finish in the centre console. The sound system comprises of four speakers and two tweeters.

Other gadgets: The Swift is loaded with new features that the older model missed dearly. It has a large centrally placed 2-DIN audio system with USB, Aux-in and CD playback. The top trim variants also sport automatic climate control, steering mounted audio controls and all four power windows.

Engine: The heart of the new Swift beats with the same passion as the engine on the older model. The 1.2-litre petrol engine with variable valve timing (VVT) performs like a dream. It produces 85.8 bhp of power and 114 Nm of torque. Maruti claims that it can complete the sprint from a 0-100 kmph in just 12.6 seconds. The company also claims an ARAI-certified mileage figure of 18.6 kmpl for the petrol Swift.

Overall: All in all the new Swift is an improvement over the older model and has become even more of a driver’s car. It is rewarding and the little quirks that were there in terms of design have been taken car of.