Clash Of Segments: Maruti Swift 2018 vs Maruti Ignis - Which Car To Buy?

Modified On Mar 22, 2018 12:38 PM By CarDekho for Maruti Swift 2014-2021

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With overlapping prices, which one of these Maruti Suzuki hatchback offers the best value? Let's find out

Maruti Suzuki launched the new Swift 2018 at this year’s Auto Expo at a starting price of Rs 4.99 lakh, going up to Rs 8.29 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Interestingly, this put the new Swift at loggerheads with two other hatchbacks from Maruti itself - the Ignis and the Baleno. The three hatchbacks are not meant to be direct competitors, but the overlapping prices between the variants raises the question: which model should you really buy?

We’ve already answered which one is better between the Baleno and the Swift. And now, it’s time to find out how the Ignis and the Swift stack up against each other, starting with the basic characteristic differences between the two cars:

Swift

Ignis

Compact yet spacious

The new Swift is high on space compared to its predecessor. Increased width and wheelbase have resulted in improved space all around the cabin, especially at the rear.

Small but Tall

The Ignis is a smaller hatchback than the Swift on all counts except height. The cabin is ideal for seating four (not five), though, taller passengers get adequate headroom.

Firm ride but not uncomfortable

The Swift’s ride is on the firmer side, although it’s not bone-jarring. But road uncertainties filter into its cabin more compared to the Ignis.

A comfortable Ride

The Ignis’ suspension is set up on the softer side and is likely to offer a more comfortable ride than the Swift.

Driver’s car

The stiffer suspension setup results in a better handling package. The Swift should be more confident in tackling twisties than the Ignis.

Mix of both worlds

Despite having a softer suspension setup, the Ignis is a pointy car to steer. That said, its handling won’t be as sharp as the Swift’s.

Better resale value

The Swift is a successful nameplate in India and has always been in demand in the used car space. The new one is also selling in high numbers and is, therefore, expected to have better resale value than most of its contemporaries.

Quirky styling, quite polarising

The Ignis is doing well when it comes to sales. However, its quirky design is not to everyone's liking and that could affect its prices in the second-hand market.

Let us now look at which of the two cars and their closely priced variants provide better value in terms of the equipment on offer. Related: 2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift Variants Explained

Ignis Sigma vs Swift L vs Ignis Delta

Maruti Suzuki Ignis

Ex-showroom Delhi prices on March 1, 2018

Variant	Maruti Suzuki Ignis		Variant	Maruti Suzuki Swift
	Petrol	Diesel		Petrol	Diesel
Sigma	Rs 4.66 lakh	NA	L	Rs 4.99 lakh	Rs 5.99 lakh
Delta	Rs 5.27 lakh	Rs 6.32 lakh

The base variant of the Ignis gets body-coloured door handles and outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs), and front power windows, which the Swift’s doesn’t. If we go just by the features on offer in these cars and don’t consider the fact that the Swift is bigger and more spacious than the Ignis, then the Ignis Sigma is the clear winner here.

But, the Ignis Delta gets the following features over the Sigma: wheel covers, turn indicators on ORVMs, audio system with steering mounted controls, keyless entry, electrically adjustable ORVMs, day/night inside rear view mirror (IRVM) and rear power windows.

But choose the Ignis Delta only if its on-road price is not more than Rs 40,000 over the Ignis Sigma. Any price above that will not be a justified expenditure.

Swift V vs Ignis Zeta

2018 Maruti Swift

Ex-showroom Delhi prices on March 1, 2018

Variant	Maruti Suzuki Ignis		Variant	Maruti Suzuki Swift
	Petrol	Diesel		Petrol	Diesel
Zeta	Rs 5.69 lakh	Rs 6.79 lakh	V	Rs 5.87 lakh	Rs 6.87 lakh
Zeta AMT	Rs 6.25 lakh	Rs 7.34 lakh	V AGS	Rs 6.34 lakh	Rs 7.34 lakh

Both the Swift V and the Ignis Zeta get most of the features that we consider bare minimum for any car these days like dual airbags, ABS, power windows on all doors, music system with steering-mounted controls and electrically adjustable ORVMs. Both these cars also get body-coloured door handles and ORVMs in these variants. On top of this, the Ignis gets alloy wheels, push button start/stop, electrically folding ORVMs, rear parking sensors, fog lamps, rear wiper and defogger. Since these additional features hold a considerable value à la carte, buying the Ignis Zeta will make more sense over the Swift V even if their on-road prices are at par with each other.

Swift Z vs Ignis Alpha

2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift

Ex-showroom price as on March 1, 2018

Variant	Maruti Suzuki Swift		Variant	Maruti Suzuki Ignis
	Petrol	Diesel		Petrol	Diesel
Z	Rs 6.49 lakh	Rs 7.49 lakh	Alpha	Rs 6.50 lakh	Rs 7.58 lakh
Z AGS	Rs 6.96 lakh	Rs 7.96 lakh	Alpha AMT	Rs 7.04 lakh	Rs 8.12 lakh

The Alpha is the top variant of the Ignis that you can buy and it includes features like LED projector headlamps, Smartplay infotainment system and rear parking camera that you won’t find on the Swift Z, which sits below the Swift’s top Z+ variant. Taking the Swift Z and the Ignis Alpha in isolation, it’s easy to recommend the Ignis Alpha on the basis of the extra equipment you get with it.

But, frankly, the Swift Z doesn’t miss out on any important features. Also, you can’t ignore the fact that it’s the bigger car of the two. The Swift Z will, therefore, make for a more logical choice even if both the cars are priced neck and neck.

New Maruti Swift 2018 Clocks More Than 60,000 Bookings - Grand i10 Sales Take Minor Hit

Maruti Ignis Petrol AMT: Detailed Review

Before we wrap up, here’s a look at the technical specifications of the Ignis and the Swift:

Technical Specifications

Dimensions	Maruti Suzuki Swift	Maruti Suzuki Ignis
Length	3,840mm	3,700mm
Width	1,735mm	1,690mm
Height	1,530mm	1,595mm
Wheelbase	2,450mm	2,435mm
Boot space	268L	260L
Ground Clearance	163mm	180mm

	Maruti Suzuki Swift		Maruti Suzuki Ignis
	Diesel	Petrol	Diesel	Petrol
Engine	1248cc	1197cc	1248cc	1197cc
Power	75PS @ 4000rpm	83PS @ 6000rpm	75PS @ 4000rpm	83PS @ 6000rpm
Torque	190Nm @ 2000rpm	113Nm @ 4200rpm	190Nm @ 2000rpm	113Nm @ 4200rpm
Transmission	5MT/5AMT	5MT/5AMT	5MT/5AMT	5MT/5AMT