MARUTI SUZUKI SWIFT NEW VERSION TEST DRIVE AND REVIEW

New 2011 Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXi and ZDi

Price In Lakhs OTR Mumbai: Rs. 4.91 (LXi), Rs. 5.54 (VXi), Rs. 6.03 (LDi), Rs. 6.44 (ZXi), Rs. 6.53 (VDi), Rs. 7.42 (ZDi)

The all new Maruti Suzuki Swift is by far the most important car in the country today. The new Swift is not only important for Maruti Suzuki but also for other car manufacturers who produce vehicles in similar price range. The new Swift has been extensively delayed due to strikes and the lack of urgency felt by the company. With more than 42000 bookings (maybe 50000 by now) already received by the country’s largest automaker, the Swift’s brand value is amongst the highest in the car industry today. However is the new Maruti Swift as good as everyone expects it to be? We find out just that by driving both the petrol and diesel versions of the all new Swift.

EXTERIOR

The exteriors of the new Maruti Suzuki Swift can be taken as a weak point in India. We say so, because most of the people whom we showed the pictures of the new model could not recognize if its new. Most would pass the new Swift as a slightly updated version of the old model. Suzuki has tried to create a cult with the styling of the Swift. They want to do what Volkswagen did with the Beetle, BMW did with the Mini and Fiat did with the 500, but have they succeeded?

INTERIOR

The interiors of the Maruti Swift have drastically changed. One can confidently believe that they have bought an all new model when they step inside. Everything is new, from the steering wheel to the center console and the AC vents. The only old part in the interior which we spotted was the gear stick, which seems to have been carried from the old model. The 3-spoke steering wheel feels nice to hold and has audio controls on it.

ENGINE

Maruti Suzuki has retained the 1.2-liter K series and the 1.3 Multijet engines to power the Swift.

MILEGE

ARAI figures state 18.6 kms to a liter of petrol.the ARAI certified mileage has mproved 6 percent to 22.9 kmpl.

New Maruti Swift Specifications : -

* Engine: 1248 cc, 16V, DDiS, DOHC (D), 1197 cc, VTT, K-Series, MPFI (P)
* Power: 75 PS @ 4000 RPM (D), 87 PS @ 6000 RPM (P)
* Torque: 190 Nm @ 2000 RPM (D), 114 Nm @ 4000 RPM (P)
* Transmission: 5-speed manual
* Top Speed: 160 kmph (D), 170 kmph (P)
* 0-100kmph: 14.80 seconds (D), 12.6 seconds (P)
* Fuel Consumption: 22.9 (D), 18.6 kmpl (P)
* Fuel Type: Diesel and Petrol
* Suspension: Mcpherson Struts (Front), Torsion Beam (Rear)
* Tires: 185/65/15 Tubeless Radials
* Brakes: Ventilated Disc (Front), Drums (Rear), ABS, EBD
* Safety: ABS, EBD, EDC, Dual SRS Front Airbags, iCats

New Maruti Swift Dimensions : -

* Overall length x width x height: 3850 mm X 1695 mm X 1530 mm
* Wheelbase: 2430 mm
* Ground clearance: 173 mm (Petrol), 171 mm (Diesel)
* Turning Radius – 4.8 m
* Boot Volume: 206 liters
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 42 liters
* Kerb Weight: 1080 kgs (D), 990 kgs (P)