2024 Maruti Swift First Drive Review: Complicatedly New

The 2024 Swift has a hard time deciding how much it needs to change to feel new, while retaining the older one’s charming personality

The 2024 Maruti Swift has been launched at Rs 6.5 lakh and the top variant now costs Rs 9.65 lakh. It rivals the likes of the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Tata Tiago. What has always made the Swift better is its sporty engine and handling package, while the cabin quality and comfort has room for improvement. Have the improvements been made in this all-new fourth-generation Swift?

The 2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift continues to uphold its reputation as a stylish and practical compact hatchback, priced between Rs 6.5-9.65 lakh (ex-showroom). Despite being the fourth-generation model, it's more than just a facelift, and gets incremental improvements across the board.

Exterior

The design of the new Swift will remind you of the older one, but this time around it feels more polished and rounded. It's a very European design where the hatchback is wide, low to the ground with larger lighting elements like headlights and tail lamps. The color options, including vibrant red and blue, add a sporty touch. Furthermore. exterior features like the smoked projector LED headlights, LED tail lights, larger grille, and prominent shoulder line make the look remarkable. 

Interior

While the interior design adopts a layered approach like its bigger brother, the Baleno, the material quality remains on par with its predecessor, which is a let-down. The all-black cabin theme adds a sporty flair but the scratchy plastics make it feel inexpensive, something that the Swift is definitely not anymore. Compared to the previous-gen model, even the features list has not seen a major change. 

You still get keyless entry, push-button start, and automatic climate control. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system is new and supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though the sound system is again a let-down. While safety features like six airbags and electronic stability control are commendable, the absence of certain comfort features like a digital driver’s display, leatherette upholstery, and seat ventilation is noticeable. Maruti should have gone the extra mile to add these in order to make the Swift a segment leader. 

Despite this, the Swift offers comfortable seating for 4, good space for front and rear occupants, and practical storage options. The rear occupants now get AC vents, and 1 USB and a Type-C charger. The rear seats are comfortable for 6-footers but the overall visibility, though better than before, is still restricted by the large front headrests. 

Engine And Performance

Powered by a new 1.2-litre naturally aspirated 3-cylinder engine paired with either a 5-speed manual or AMT transmission, the Swift is indeed swift in the city. The low-rev torque delivery is on point which means you can drive in second gear in the city without any hassle. The performance is also average, with a 0-100 kmph time close to 14 seconds for the manual. For this downside, you do get about 3 kmpl better claimed mileage compensation than before. 

However, the engine's refinement is not as good as its predecessor, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The only time it struggles is overtaking on the highway, but that too only beyond 100 kmph. Of the two transmission options, I would recommend the AMT. It is fit for leisurely driving and commutes by offering smooth shifts. And when you want to drive in a sporty manner, the manual mode works flawlessly. 

Ride and Handling

The Swift is a comfortable hatchback, more than before. It is good at absorbing small bumps and speed breakers at regular speeds. Given that you will be facing these conditions in your commutes, it will remain comfortable. At higher speeds, though, the bad road conditions will become more apparent, and you will have to slow down over potholes so as not to jolt  your fellow occupants. 

Its handling still feels agile and lightweight. Dial in the responsive steering and the Swift is fun to drive. Don't expect enthusiast-level engagement from it, but for a family hatchback, it is more than happy taking on corners and hilly roads.

Verdict

The 2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift remains a compelling choice for someone looking for a fun everyday hatchback. It offers a good blend of style, practicality, and acceptable performance. While it should have pushed the segment ahead with features and quality, the Swift seems to be happy with what it stands for without moving ahead with the time. 

However, its pricing is the catch here. The top variants are now in close competition with much larger alternatives like the Baleno, and even SUVs like the Mahindra XUV 3XO, raising questions about its value proposition. Ultimately, the Swift's appeal lies in its good looks, iconic status, and sporty fan base.