If you want to know the most loved hatchback in the Indian market, look no further than the Maruti Suzuki Swift. First launched in 2005, the Swift has been through three generations and is still a strong seller. The third generation Maruti Suzuki Swift was launched in 2018 and is one of the most sporty looking hatchback in the Indian manufacturer’s stable. However, there are a few things you should be aware of before you plan to invest in one.
The third generation Maruti Suzuki Swift is a completely different design than the two previous generations, yet it is instantly recognisable as a Swift. It came with two engines and two gearbox options, however the diesel engine was discontinued in April 2020. The 1.3-litre unit produced a 75hp and a healthy 190Nm of torque. The old 1.2-litre petrol engine churned out 83hp and 113Nm of torquem while the updated 1.2-litre petrol engine makes 90hp.
The Maruti Suzuki Swift has been a competitive model in its segment. Even in the used market, it has a high demand and Maruti Suzuki models tend to depreciate less than its rivals. Keep a budget of approximately 5.75 – 7.5 lakhs, depending on the variant, engine-gearbox combination, and overall condition of the vehicle.
In the top spec Z+ trim, the Maruti Suzuki Swift was loaded with bells and whistles. It got auto LED headlights, alloy wheels, a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with SmartPlay system, a reverse camera, automatic climate control, push-button start, keyless entry, rear defogger with wiper washer, along with ABS, dual airbags, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seats.
For a keen driver, the petrol engine with the manual gearbox is a ‘can’t go wrong’ option. But the petrol engine with the automatic gearbox makes a good city runabout. The diesels, albeit punchy and frugal, are a bit unrefined but are well suited for regular highway usage.
One of the things you should check before buying a third-gen Swift off the used market is the touchscreen. Equipped in the top variants, some owners have experienced that it sometimes lags or even crashes. Additionally, you should take the car out for a test drive on a bit of rough patch to feel if the interior bits rattle or vibrate, as many owners report it tends to happen after a few years.
Another issue to consider only pertains to the AMT automatic gearbox-equipped Swifts. Some users have reported that the clutch is susceptible to wear off quickly in the AMT gearbox. So, do check the car rolls of the line properly and the gear shifts are smooth.
Satvik Khare