What makes the Maruti Suzuki Swift an award-winning design

The Maruti Suzuki Swift has undergone a major overhaul in terms of design, and the outcome is stunning. And we aren't the only ones impressed with its design language. The third-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift was awarded the Good Design Award 2017 by the Japanese Institute of Design Promotion, Japan. We take a closer look at what makes the Swift an award-winning design. Testimony to its popularity is the fact that it is the only Indian car to win the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) thrice. All three generations of the Swift, 2005, 2011 and 2018, have won the prestigious ICOTY award.

Sporty and bold exteriors

The biggest difference upfront is the muscular stance and aggressive grille, which now also incorporates the number plate in its centre. The lower lip under the grille lends the grille a sleek protrusion. A slat under this connects the fog lamps on either front corner. The new headlamp design with integrated LED DRLs and projector lamps is very striking and the overall look of the front with the mean headlamps is more aggressive than ever. The contours on the hood are more pronounced as well.

From the sides, the signature Swift silhouette stands out. The rear door handles neatly integrated in the rear quarter-glass before the C-pillar give the Swift the look of a two-door hot hatchback. The black surround of the rear door handles opens out to the rear windscreen, giving the roof a floating look. The Swift has shorter overhangs thanks to the width being increased by 40mm, while the wheelbase has been increased by 20mm.

New 10-spoke precision-cut alloy wheels complete the look. A sharp body line flows from the rear doors to the new all-LED taillamps, which now lend the rear a modern look. The sharp design lines also give the rear a more evolved profile.

Overall, the Swift is visually squarer looking adding to the mean stance, thanks to increased width. And even with all these changes, it still retains the characteristic floating roof and sporty stance, which are synonymous with the Swift name.

Interiors with updated technology

The Swift has all-black interiors loaded with features. The interior is driver-focused with user-friendly controls which are now oriented 5 degrees more towards the driver. The best part has to be the bolstered seats that hold you in a welcoming manner and offer a high level of seating comfort, both, while driving in the city as well as on long drives. The sporty and flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel offers better grip while manoeuvering.

The instrument cluster is dominated by a sporty looking tachometer and speedometer, which have a coordinated urbane satin chrome finishing with the interiors. Though the Swift continues with the cockpit-style cabin, the view from the rear windows is better, resulting in a well-lit cabin.

The new Swift comes packed with a host of safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist as well as pedestrian protection compliance, while the all-new Heartect Platform uses High Tensile Steel for body rigidity and good NVH performance, making it safer and stronger.

The all-new Swift is loaded with convenience features including automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start-stop, auto headlamps, power & tilt steering etc. It also has an integrated SmartPlay Infotainment System that supports Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto and MirrorLink. This system also has in-built navigation as well as Aux-in, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and rear parking camera with sensors and alerts.

Supreme ride and handling

The biggest update is the Swift receives is it is now based on Maruti Suzuki's latest Heartect platform. The new platform enables dispersion of forces with its smooth structure, effective absorption and dispersion of crash energy, and leads to improvement in crash, rigidity, strength, and NVH performance.

While the new platform and dimensions mean that the Swift is strong and safe overall, on the inside, there is more knee room as well as shoulder room for the rear seat passengers.

Add to this, proper tuning of the suspension - we have a ride that is fun to drive and peppy. Fortunately, this comfort is not at the cost of handling and the new Swift continues to be agile. At 4.8 metres, the turning radius is impressive too.

Maruti Suzuki has re-calibrated engines from the previous generation, making the car peppier with enhanced ride and handling, and great on efficiency. The new Swift continues to be powered by the familiar and proven 1.2-litre, 4 cylinder petrol engine and 1.3-litre, 4 cylinder diesel engine. The petrol engine delivers 82PS and 113Nm while the diesel engine makes 75PS and 190Nm.

AGS

The new addition in terms of transmission is the option of the Automatic Gear Shift (AGS) transmission, popularly known as AMT. While the AGS transmission is certainly the better option for our crowded city conditions, the enthusiasts aren't left behind with 5-speed manual gearbox. The advanced AGS technology is available for both petrol and diesel variants. It lets you switch between automatic and manual modes. Since there is no requirement of a clutch pedal, AGS offers ease and comfort of driving without compromising on fuel efficiency.