2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift: Five things you should know

Abhishek Samuel Updated: January 23, 2018, 07:58 PM IST

We have just driven the 2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift and come away impressed in a variety of aspects. You can read our first drive review of the 2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift here. Maruti Suzuki dealerships have also begun accepting pre-bookings on the 2018 Swift for a booking amount of Rs 11,000. There are various changes that the latest generation Maruti Suzuki Swift has undergone compared to the previous version. However, we would like to talk about some of the highlights of this third generation Maruti Suzuki Swift today. These include the design which we have already talked about in detail here, its features including the modern CarPlay integration, as well other advantages that the 2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift gets from its new Heartect platform.
So, while we wait for its launch at the 2018 Auto Expo, here are the top five things you should know about the new Maruti Suzuki Swift:

1. Platform

The 2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift is based on Suzuki's latest Heartect platform. Dimensionally, it's wheelbase is 20mm longer than the previous generation Swift, while also being 40mm wider. However, it is 10mm shorter in overall length. These new dimensions mean that from the outside it is a more compact and squarer package. More importantly, on the inside this frees up more knee room as well as shoulder room for the rear seat passengers, as well as adds 58kg more boot space. The new platform also reduces between 75kg and 85kg from the diesel and petrol variants, respectively. This will greatly help the handling, performance, and efficiency aspects as we will find out below.

2. Design

Bringing a new Swift to a market where all the competitors have undergone refreshes means that the design had to truly stand out. After all, it was the first-gen Swift that won hearts with its styling. The 2018 Swift does not fall short, offering a more muscular look with a larger front hexagonal grille, with projector headlamps and LED DRLs as well as LED fog lamps. The sides get sharper character lines that add to the modern look, and the lines continue on to more squarish LED tail lamps. The signature silhouette of the original Swift is not lost and we like that. The 2018 Swift also looks more coupe-like thanks to the rear door handles being integrated into the where the quarter glass was housed earlier.

3. Features

Along with a new all-black interior, the focus now shift mor towards the driver. Some of the smaller elements including the indicator and wiper stalks seem to the same as its predecessor, but they function just as well here too. The seats are nicely bolstered and hold you well, for a high level of comfort. The multifunction steering wheel is also sportier and chunky, with a flat bottom. The tacho and speedometer are now housed in a twin-pod cluster with the multi-information display between them. The 2018 Swift also features dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, climate control, keyless entry with push-button start stop, etc. It also has an integrated SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto and Mirror Link. This system also has in built navigation with Aux-in, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and rear parking camera.

4. Fuel efficiency and performance

As mentioned above, the 2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift gets the latest Heartect platform from Suzuki. This leaves the diesel and petrol variants lighter by 75 and 85 kgs respectively. Add to this proper tuning of the suspension, and we have a ride which is more comfortable and compliant now. The hard edge has gone and the suspension works in a far quieter method too. Fortunately, this is not at the cost of handling and the new Swift continues to be agile and light on its feet. At 4.8 metres, the turning radius is impressive too. The weight loss has also significantly helped the Maruti Suzuki Swift, improve its fuel efficiency and as per the ARAI test cycle, the petrol version now delivers 22kpl (improvement of 7%) and the diesel 28.4 kpl (12% better). Maruti Suzuki has retained the engines from the previous generation.

5. AGS

The 2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift comes equipped with the Automatic Gear Shift (AGS) transmission, otherwise known as AMT. During our first drive, we found that while the AGS transmission is certainly the better option for our crowded city conditions, enthusiasts will prefer the 5-speed manual. The shifter is light and precise and finding the required slots is easy and fun too. But on long drives on the highway, you do feel the need for a 6th gear.

Here's our video of the first drive: