2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift Variants Explained

The new Swift gets 4 variants - L, V, Z, and Z+

Maruti Suzuki launched the Swift in February this year at the Auto Expo 2018. Like the Dzire, the Swift is also offered in four variants- L,V,Z and Z+. It also shares its engines with Dzire as it continue to be available with both a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.3-litre diesel with the option of a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed AMT (automated manual transmission).

In terms of safety features, the Swift 2018 comes with ABS with EBD and brake assist, dual airbags and Isofix child seat anchors as standard across the range. It continues to rival the Ford Figo and the Hyundai Grand i10, among others.

Before diving into the details, let’s take a look at the spec sheet of the 2018 Swift.

Engine: Like its predecessor, the new Swift is offered with the same 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engines.

Colour Options: The new Swift is offered in six colours - Solid Fire Red, Pearl Arctic White, Metallic Silky Silver, Magma Grey, Midnight Blue and Prime Lucent Orange

Read out first drive review of the new 2018 Swift here.

Maruti Suzuki Swift Lxi/Ldi: Misses out on some basic features

Gets the following features:

The ‘L’ is the base variant of the new Swift and, well, it’s quite basic in terms of equipment too. While Maruti Suzuki has done well to offer a tilt-adjustable steering throughout the Swift range, a height-adjustable driver’s seat would have been more than welcome. That would have allowed drivers of all shapes and sizes to easily find their preferred driving position, no matter which variant they opt for. Features like front power windows, central locking and keyless entry were there on the L(O) variant of the outgoing Swift but are not standard now.

Verdict - The prices of the petrol Swift have gone up by Rs 19,000 when compared to the L(O) variant of the outgoing Swift. Since the new Swift also misses out on some basic equipment which was there on the older version, it is a bit of a let down.

The diesel Swift 2018, however, is cheaper than the Ldi (O) variant of the outgoing Swift by Rs 21,000, so that won’t pinch the new Swift buyers much. But still, if you’re planning to buy the base variant of the new Swift, get ready to spend a few thousand rupees more on basic necessities like a music system, wheel covers (alloy wheels if you can), and front power windows to make it a complete everyday car.

Maruti Suzuki Swift Vxi/Vdi/Vxi AMT/ Vdi AMT: Necessities come at a price

Additional features over L variant:

The Swift’s V variant fulfils most people’s basic needs and that is good news as buyers considering this variant can opt for an AMT with both the engines as well. That said, this variant is not good enough to make the Swift a thorough modern-day hatchback. To call it that, it should have at least been equipped with features such as push button start/stop, auto climate control, electrically-foldable ORVMs, etc., all of which are available in the next variant - the Swift Z.

Verdict - The Swift’s V variant is the one that fulfils the needs of most of the buyers since it ticks all the right boxes. But a jump of Rs 88,000 for the basic amenities over the base variant is a bit on the higher side. If you okay to own a Swift minus electrically adjustable ORVMs, steering controls and height adjustable driver’s seat, we’d recommend you to go for the base variant and get power windows, central locking, keyless entry, and audio system fitted from Maruti Suzuki. These might not cost you over Rs 35,000. Get seat covers as well and you’ll still save some money. Thank us later!

Swift AMT buyers should also try to stretch their budget and go for the Z variant. Here's why.

Maruti Suzuki Swift Zxi/Zdi/Zxi AMT/Zdi AMT: Unbelievable value, the variant you should buy blindfolded

Additional features over V variant:

As we just mentioned, the Swift Z is a complete modern-day car. While there are feel-good features like leather on the steering wheel, a start/stop button and tweeters, the list of useful features is actually a lot longer. Features like parking sensors, auto climate control, rear defogger and wiper/washer, electrically-adjustable ORVMs, etc, promise to make your everyday commute in this car all the more easy and enjoyable. A set of alloy wheels and the option of an AMT means this variant will tick all boxes for those who don’t want their car to be too flamboyant on the outside.

Verdict - Considering an incremental price increase of Rs 62,000 and the additional equipment Maruti Suzuki is offering with this, we can’t help but say that this variant great value for money. Those who’re interested in buying the lower variants, we’d go to the extent to ask you to try to stretch your budget and go for the Swift Z variant.

Maruti Suzuki Swift Zxi+/Zdi+/Zxi+ AMT/Zdi+ AMT : The poser!

Additional features over Z variant:

Speaking of flamboyance, it’s the Swift Z+ that stands out from other variants and tease you into shelling out extra money. The Z+ gets a redesigned headlamp unit that packs LED projector headlamps along with daytime running lights (DRLs). The alloy wheels on the Z+ variant gets a machine-cut finish. However, the size of the wheels and the tyres are the same as the ones seen on the Z variant.

On the inside, the Z variant’s button-heavy audio system makes way for a 7-inch SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system that also brings you the convenience of a rear parking camera with guide lines. Indeed, this variant looks and feels a lot more modern than the others. But Maruti Suzuki will most likely charge a hefty premium for all the additional features it offers. In such a scenario, we believe only those who’re emotionally driven to buy this variant will go for it.

Verdict - The Swift’s top variant attracts a premium of Rs 80,000 over the previous variant and while the additional equipment isn’t much, the overall package is still worth since the Z variant is priced immaculately. Go for it if you like how the DRLs change the way the Swift looks and you want the other additional goodies.

For all updates from the Auto Expo 2018 - click here.