autoX Awards 2024: The ever-growing craze for SUVs in India is undeniable, as recent launches from automakers have shown — nearly every other new car over the past year has been an SUV. Yet, a glance at the sales charts reveals that hatchbacks are still the country’s favourite. Leading the charge for the segment is the new Maruti Suzuki Swift. One of the reasons for its enduring success lies in something many newer cars struggle to achieve – a distinctive personality.
The Swift has never been merely a utilitarian vehicle but a hatchback that’s fun to drive. People love it for its character, for the way it brings a smile when you throw it into a corner and feel the thrill of driving. With the introduction of the new generation Swift, however, there was a bit of apprehension. Equipped with a new Z-Series 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, does it still retain the charm it’s known for? Well, there was no better way to find out than to take it for a spin on the track, and the answer is a resounding yes.
The new-gen Swift simply nails the driving aspect, offering so much feedback to the driver that you’re always aware of exactly what the car is doing. This level of driver engagement is the magic ingredient that makes it all come together. The refined drivetrain is a joy to push to its limits, and amidst all that thrill, you hardly notice the reduced cylinder count. What truly enhances the whole experience, though, is the Swift’s superbly tuned suspension and chassis. The car feels so effortless and so engaging, that it practically encourages you to go faster and make that handbrake turn for no reason but fun. I love it!
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But its brilliance isn’t confined to high-speed drives. The Swift adapts seamlessly to urban environments, offering impressive fuel efficiency that further sweetens the deal. After spending time with it as my long-term test unit, I can vouch for it. I also like the fact it’s just the perfect size for tackling everyday traffic. It’s easy to park, has just the right amount of space for rear passengers, and the boot, and – at least to my eye – it’s a striking car, especially in a bright colour.
Even if you look past the driving experience, the new Maruti Suzuki Swift covers pretty much all other needs leaving no scope for complaints. Starting with mileage in every day driving conditions, you can easily clock around 20km/l and that’s extremely impressive in any modern car that must comply with today’s strict norms. Then, there’s the large feature list as well. You get goodies like projector headlamps with boomerang-shaped DRLs, handsome alloy wheels, wireless charging, cruise control, a rear AC vent and on the safety front – 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control and Hill Hold Assist as standard. And let’s not forget, the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system also supports Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto!
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It was one of those cars that everyone on the jury couldn’t resist taking for lap after lap – a testament to its brilliance, considering the impressive line-up of cars we had on the track. The new Swift embodies everything we know and love about it, and then some. It’s no surprise, then, that it earned the title of ‘Best of 2024.’
- Maruti Suzuki Swift (Lap Time: 1.03.06)
| PARAMETERS | POINTS | SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| QUALITY | 5 | 2.5 |
| COMFORT / SPACE | 5 | 3 |
| REFINEMENT | 5 | 4 |
| DESIGN | 5 | 3.5 |
| DRIVETRAIN | 5 | 4 |
| RIDE & HANDLING | 5 | 4 |
| PRACTICALITY | 5 | 3.5 |
| X FACTOR | 20 | 11 |
| LAP TIME | 15 | 6.5 |
| VALUE FOR MONEY | 30 | 21 |
| TOTAL | 100 | 63 |
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