The 2011 Swift looks nearly identical to the car it replaces. In fact, save for the trained eye, the masses won’t be able to tell the new from the old. Your unassuming neighbour won’t ever know you got the latest model home, the cars look that similar. On the flip side, there isn’t a doubt that the 2nd generation Swift looks fresh and still has the spunk. Make no mistake, it’s based on an all-new platform that is 90 mm longer now, with an additional 40 mm of wheelbase length thrown in. Personally, I love the looks and find it fascinating how the same design ideology that was revealed a decade back(Suzuki Concept "S") can still be tweaked to look modern enough. The increased length is obvious when viewed from the side; this along with the wider stance makes the new Swift look more substantial. The large headlamps are stretched out, while the ORVMs get integrated blinkers. If there’s one area I find fault with, it’s the ungainly rear end design. The bumper has become too big, and the actual hatch(lid) too small. ½ the vertical area appears to be taken up by the massive bumper itself! The new Swift is bigger, yet lighter thanks to several weight saving measures such as a plastic fuel tank(instead of metal), super-thin window glasses(more on that later) and the overall use of lighter metals. The petrol tips the scale at up to 30 kilos lesser, and the diesel by 15 kg(variant to variant). Panel gaps pass the test for the most part, though there are some areas where the clearances are unduly large(like where the hatch meets the C Pillar, for example). Build quality is par for the course; no, there’s no European solidity or even the “thud”, but its good enough for the price point at which the Swift starts. The use of lighter weight metal is seemingly obvious; the rear “spoiler” feels as thin as a tin can when you tap on it, while the rear hatch is also extremely light.
What you’ll like:
• Snazzy styling packs appeal. Interiors are well-designed too
• Competent engine range. Very refined motors
• Balanced ride and handling. Superbly tuned suspension
• Terrific fuel efficiency, especially from the diesel
• Effortless to drive in the city; lots of fun on the highway
• Maruti’s excellent after-sales service & wide dealer network
What you won’t:
• Small, impractical boot. Luggage capacity is severely restricted
• Mediocre brakes(LXi / LDi & VXi / VDi). Inadequate for emergency braking conditions
• Looks nearly identical to the outgoing generation car
• Rear seat space, though improved, still isn’t "spacious"
• Pricey ZXi / ZDi variants
• Long waiting period for delivery. Runs over 6 months in some cities