The Swift has always been the top-pick for a buyer interested in mid-size hatchbacks. Maruti Suzuki has cashed in on this, which has resulted in the car being in the top 10 every month, in terms of sales.
The third-gen Swift first unveiled at the end of 2016, according to reports, is likely to be unveiled at the Auto Expo 2018 and then finally available for sale in the market. Adding fuel to fire, the all-new Swift has been recently spied in the country and news about dealers accepting bookings for the new car have also surfaced.
The market is blooming in this segment and the all-new Swift seeks competition from the likes of Hyundai Grand i10, Ford Figo and even the Volkswagen Polo at the higher end of the segment.
Here’s how Maruti’s new Swift fares on paper against its competition, and the outgoing, second-gen model:
Exteriors
| Current Maruti Swift | New Maruti Swift | Volkswagen Polo | Ford Figo | Hyundai Grand i10 | |
| Length | 3850mm | 3840mm | 3971mm | 3886mm | 3765mm |
| Width | 1695mm | 1735mm | 1682mm | 1695mm | 1660mm |
| Height | 1530mm | 1500mm | 1469mm | 1525mm | 1520mm |
| Wheelbase | 2430mm | 2450mm | 2469mm | 2491mm | 2425mm |
| Ground clearance | 170mm | NA | 165mm | 174mm | NA |
| Kerb weight | 960-1080kg | 890kg (approx) | 1033-1158kg | 995-1048kg | 1066-10
93kg |
The all-new Swift is marginally shorter in length and height than most of its rivals, and yet sports one of the longest wheelbases. However, the third-gen Swift isn’t expected to have class-leading space. Expect the interior room to have increased over the current-gen model. Though, the overall compact dimensions should help manoeuvrability on our congested roads.
Interiors
While the India-spec Swift’s interiors are yet to be revealed in full, we expect the cabin to feature a new instrument cluster, a more upmarket, multi-function steering wheel and a touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. In terms of safety, two airbags are expected along with ABS on the higher trims. This kit will set it on-par with rivals.
Engines
| New Maruti Swift | Volkswagen Polo | Ford Figo | Hyundai Grand i10 | |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1197cc | 1198cc/1197cc, turbo-petrol | 1196cc/1499cc | 1197cc |
| Power | 84hp | 75hp/105hp | 88hp/112hp | 83hp |
| Torque | 115Nm | 110Nm/175Nm | 112Nm/136Nm | 114Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual/5-speed AMT | 5-speed manual/7-speed dual-clutch auto | 5-speed manual/6-speed dual-clutch auto | 5-speed manual/4-speed auto |
| Fuel efficiency (ARAI figures) | 20.4kpl (2ndgen model) | 16.47kpl/17.2kpl | 18.16kpl/NA | 17.4kpl/NA |
| New Maruti Swift | Volkswagen Polo | Ford Figo | Hyundai Grand i10 | |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Engine | 1248cc | 1498cc | 1498cc | 1120cc |
| Power | 75hp | 90hp/105hp | 100hp | 71hp |
| Torque | 190Nm | 230Nm/250Nm | 215Nm | 160Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual,5-speed AMT | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel efficiency (ARAI figures) | 25.2kpl (2nd gen model) | 20.14kpl/19.78kpl | 25.83kpl | 24kpl |
Powering the new Swift will be the same 84hp, 1.2-litre petrol and 75hp, 1.3-litre diesel engines that are available on the current model. However, the new-gen model is expected to outstrip its predecessor in terms of performance and fuel efficiency as it shares the Baleno’s lightweight platform. The new Swift is also expected to be the lightest car in its class, which, on-paper, translates to class-leading economy and performance.
Pricing
| Maruti Swift | VW Polo (including GT) | Ford Figo | Hyundai Grand i10 |
| Petrol prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 4.41-6.38 lakh | Rs 5.41-9.20 lakh | Rs 5.00-8.00 lakh | Rs 4.59-6.86 lakh |
| Diesel prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 5.99-7.47 lakh | Rs 6.93-9.34 lakh | Rs 5.96-7.60 lakh | Rs 5.70-7.37 lakh |
On-paper, the new Maruti Swift is expected to shake up the segment much in the same way that its predecessor did. A comprehensive road test and a comparison against its rivals will be necessary to get a proper verdict but it looks like Maruti does have another cash cow on its hands. Like the current model, Maruti is expected to price the new Swift very competitively.
The current segment leader, the well-specced Grand i10, is priced from Rs 4.59 lakh to Rs 7.37 lakh, while the Figo will set you back by Rs 5.00 lakh to Rs 7.60 lakh, depending on the variant. Volkswagen’s Polo, particularly the GT-badged models, is at the higher-end of the spectrum and is priced from Rs 5.41 lakh to Rs 9.33 lakh. Expect the new Swift to cost a small premium over the current Swift’s price tag of Rs 4.41 lakh to Rs 7.47 lakh (all-prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).