Preview: All-new Maruti Suzuki Swift to arrive in 2017
The Maruti Suzuki Swift, one of India's most popular hatchbacks, is all set to get a new-generation makeover and expected to arrive later next year. Spy shots of the same have been doing rounds on the Internet. However, clear details will only emerge once the concept or the production version comes into existence. Suzuki might showcase the new-gen Swift at the 2016 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
The third-generation Swift will get a modern design much like the Baleno as well as revised interiors with an updated features list. Most importantly, the new Swift will be based on the same lightweight platform as the Baleno, which is expected to make it lighter than the present-generation model by 50kg to 80kg. The new-generation Swift will primarily compete with the Ford Figo and the Volkswagen Polo.
Design
Camouflaged test mules have been spotted on various occasions, and there are some visible changes done to the exterior design. For starters, it gets a sharp and edgy radiator grille which looks wider and more dominating than the present iteration. The renderings based on the test mules also reveal a new headlight design which is expected to incorporate daytime running lamps, similar to that of the Baleno. The bumper too will go through a mild revision to accommodate new fog lamp housing.
The silhouette of the new-generation Swift is similar to the current model except for a sloping roof line which gives it a coupe-like profile. The C-pillar gets a black covering which gives a floating roof design like the Hyundai i20. The rear door handles have been repositioned on the rear windows. The dimensions of the new-gen Swift are not out yet. From images, however, it looks longer than the present version. The shoulder line of the new Swift too will be similar to that of the Baleno. The test cars spotted were running on steel wheels; however, the rendered images show a sportier alloy-wheel design.
The rear gets new tail lights with a squarish shape along with an inclined design which we believe gives a more evolved profile. The rendered images also show twin exhaust pipes, whereas the test mules get one, hinting at a possibility of a sportier version that will be offered with the standard model. A Swift Sport perhaps is what we can only hope for.
Interior, features and options
The cabin layout is expected to receive a major transformation. Even though the spy images do not reveal much, the renderings of the interiors show a tidier dashboard design with a new flat-bottomed, multi-function steering. The instrument binnacle gets a twin-pod design which will have an analogue display of the speedo and the tachometer. The touchscreen infotainment screen and the climate control unit might be borrowed from the Baleno.
In addition to getting some of the international spec features, we also believe that the cabin will get a tad more legroom and headroom, that is if the dimensions of the new Swift are bigger than the present model.
Engine
It has been reported that the international spec Swift might be offered with a 1.4-litre Boosterjet motor, replacing the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine and making it more of an enthusiast's car. However, we believe the same will not make it to India considering the higher costs involved. The present-generation Swift uses a 1.2-litre K-series petrol engine that puts out 84.3PS at 6,000rpm and generates 115Nm at 4,000rpm, whereas the diesel variants are powered by a 1.3-litre DDiS motor that churns out 75PS at 4,000rpm and 190Nm at 2,000rpm. Both these motors come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The upcoming Swift might employ the new 1.5-litre diesel motor which the company has been developing for quite some time. The motor is expected to produce 100PS and will be used in other models in the portfolio. It is also expected to get a 1.0-litre turbocharged Boosterjet engine which will also come in the Maruti-Suzuki Baleno RS along with a 1.0-litre petrol Dualjet motor.
Price
As mentioned, the new-generation Swift will compete with the likes of the Ford Figo priced between Rs 4.67-7.95 lakh and the Volkswagen Polo priced between Rs 5.45-9.16 lakh, ex-Mumbai. The prices of the present-gen Swift ranges from Rs 4.96-7.77 lakh. It should be also noted that the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is priced between Rs 5.39-8.71 lakh, ex-Mumbai. Considering that the new Swift is based on the same platform as the Baleno and also knowing the segment straddling strategy that Maruti Suzuki would opt for, the prices of the new Swift will be between Rs 5-8 lakh. This new-generation Swift too will be manufactured at the company's brand-new facility in Gujarat which is expected to go in full production from early 2017. Stay tuned to OVERDRIVE for more information on the new-generation Swift.
Spied images source: Carscoops
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