The Swift is definitely the top model on the B-segment ramp, with its stunning looks and solid physique. In fact, we feel, it will overtake and outlast all its rivals. The exterior of the Swift impresses you with its stunning visual effects and really makes its presence felt on the road. Maruti generously offers its customers a car packed with the best design, technology and interior layout, at the best price possible.
Design -
At first glance, the car reminded me of the Mini, the popular Italian motorcar of yesteryear, yet it is a concept car from Suzuki, so far only showcased at the Expos to inspire auto designers. The Swift is decidedly sporty, with its facia incorporating extremely stylish, clear head lamps while a wide bumper flows round the ends. The car’s nose has the Suzuki logo - the familiar ’5’ - on it.
Wrap-around glass houses the upper body of the car, with the ’A’ and ’B’ pillars touched a matte black to further emphasise the sporty feel. This is perfectly complemented by the rest of the body, with the smooth shoulder lines flowing towards the rear end, and the wheel arches lifting one’s senses.
Glide into the car, and the cabin seems airy and really roomy for a compact car; an impression perhaps enhanced by the wrap-around window glass. Unlike the other hatchbacks on the road, this one also boasts an Automatic Climate Control System. Once in, you just set the specific temperature you want, and leave the rest to the system. The onboard computer controls act and ensure results.with vertical gear knob, central console and dashboard jazz up the sporty, hatchback feel.
Engineering
The dashboard houses the instrument cluster, the glove box and central console, with slots for the music system, aircon controls, and so on. The centrally-located instrumentation display includes a tachometer, speedometer and digital odometer, as well as a clearly visible digital clock. The climate control system has an easily-operable large circular dial. The material and textures used for the dashboard and car interior are of good quality and make the ride feel opulent. The door trims and other consoles, too, are nicely designed. The driving posture is excellent as the driver’s seat has a height adjuster and a slide range that ensures driving comfort. Leg room is sufficient at the back too. Relax in the back seat: the bench-like seat allows three passengers to sit together comfortably. Or else, it can be folded down to create additional boot space (total luggage storage capacity: 368 hires). Shifting gears is quite quick in the Swift, due to Maruti’s newly-designed short stroke shift linkage.
Ride and Handling
Its engineers have also duly worked on the chassis system, and the newly-developed chassis has a longer wheelbase for superior road holding. A torsion beam suspension suspends the rear ends, resulting in berrer ride comfort and handling. The 165/80R14 tyres complement the ride.
Performance
The Swift lives up to its name, and is a promising performer. On the highway, it sailed down the lane with a top speed of 159kph. The acceleration figure I got from dead halt to 20kph, was 1.51 seconds! From 0 tol00kph, we calculated 10.61 seconds...
The Swift is really peppy in city traffic/conditions. The refinement of the engine holds good even if you tend to rev at higher rpms. The torque comes into action in truly linear motion.
Fuel efficiency
All Maruti vehicles are economicallypriced vehicles that are certainly fuel efficient, and the Swift is no exception. After clocking almost 500km through both highway and inner city traffic, we figured 11.3kpl in start-stop city traffic, and 13.4kpl on the expressway. In mixed conditions, we logged 12.4. Not bad for a car this swift!.
Braking
The chassis dynamics, the suspension technology, the wheels and tyres, all contribute to the effective braking of a vehicle, and the Swift’s specially designed brake callipers ensure better braking power while its ABS system ensures the brakes never jam. In fact, a mere push on the pedal, and the vehicle comes to a swift stop, from 80kph in 2.16 seconds!
Advanced technologies like the Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are suitably adapted in the Swift.
Safety
High-quality steel and blanks are used in the car’s body shell to ensure its lightness and strength. The full option Swift (ZXI) we road test include safety features like airbags, a collapsible steering column and seat belt pre-tensioners.
VERDICT
A stylish compact yet spacious and performance -packed car, the fully loaded Swift ZXI costs 4.95 lakh rupees on Delhi road. Ride and handling are really awesome with the newly - developed chassis dynamics and longer wheelbase. No body roll is noticed, and the stage is set for the Swift to reach record sales and success.