Swift is the coolest car to hit Indian roads ever. The new car has given a facelift to Maruti’s image as a car maker which also cares about style and looks. Maruti Udyog Ltd (MUL), the largest car company in the country, is on an overdrive to change its image. For years it was known as a manufacturer of reliable, value for money, low cost cars, now it is adding a new dimension to its image: it can also manufacture cars which are stylish, have contemporary look and cater to the aspirations of consumers. “Swift”, Maruti’s new car to hit the Indian roads end of this month, is the beginning to this new makeover.
If you want a fun and funky new supermini, then it might be time to nip out for a suzuki Swift., buyers have a choice of two petrol engines: a
1. 90bhp 1.3-litre and
2. 100bhp 1.5-litre
with variable valve timing. Diesel powerplants has also joined the line-up this year, while all models come in five-door bodystyles.
Although the larger petrol engine's output hardly qualifies the Swift for hot hatch status, its punchy, willing performance combines with the slick-shifting five-speed manual gearbox to make the new model both engaging and enthusiastic.The steering deserves particular praise. It's direct and offers a decent amount of feel, allowing the Suzuki to be placed accurately in corners - ideal for both city and country roads. At urban speeds, the Swift's ride is quiet and easy-going.
Inside, the cabin is attractive and well built, and the high roof means there's plenty of headroom. Although the front seats are supportive and generously padded, drivers are forced to adopt an overly upright stance - blame the lack of reach adjustment on the steering wheel for that. Nor will rear passengers enjoy long trips; while there's decent room for two, the backrest is simply too soft.Luggage space in the new Swift is tight.
The flat-floored boot will swallow a decent-sized suitcase and the hold will be fine for most shopping trips, but at least one section of the 60:40 split rear bench needs folding forwards to carry anything large.Competing with the other cars of Maruti, Maruti Swift is gradually making its position in the world of mid-sized family car. Maruti Swift has come up with the special technical specifications of 16 valve 4-cylinder, 1300 cc engine generating power of solid 87bhp @ 6000 rpm.
There are four variants in this car :
Swift LXi3:
assist grips, 3 spoke urethane steering wheel, antenna, cabin light (3 position), console box (lower), cup holders (front 2, rear1), front door trim pockets, green tinted glass window, halogen headlamps, headlamp leveling device, heater and manual Air conditioning, OVRM (internally adjusted), rear fog lamps, wind screen wiper 2 speed plus 1 speed intermittent, tailgate opener key type, trip meter (digital display), sun visors (both sides), brake assist , child lock (rear door), high mounted stop lamp, power steering, rear seat belts etc. are the features available in this model.
Swift VXi:
Apart from the features found in other model, striking features of this model are black colored A & B pillars, 12v accessory socket in center console, day and night rear view mirror, door ajar warming lamp, driver's seatbelt warning lamp, tachometer, driver's seat belt warning lamp, vanity mirrors (sun visor co-driver side), rear seat head restraints, fabric accented door trims, central door locking (4 door), front and rear electronic windows, front fog lamps, light off/ key reminder, manual air-conditioning, key not removed warning buzzer, etc.
Swift ZXi:
Special features that have made this model more market friendly are rear window demister, rear parcel shelf, rear window wiper, room lamp and luggage room, keyless entry,dual front airbags, colored outside door mirror cowls, colored outside door handles, 12v accessory socket in luggage room, driver seat height adjuster, central door locking (5 doors), seat belts 3-point ELR with shoulder adjusters, seat belts front 3-point ELR with pretensioning,tailgate opener electromagnetic type etc.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF MARUTI SWIFT
Body Type
Body Type: Hatchback
Number of doors:5
Seating capacity:5
Engine Capacity :1298cc
Number of cylinders:4
Number of valves:16
Bore x Stroke:74.0 x 75.5 mm
Compression ratio:9.0:1
Maximum power:87bhp @ 6000rpm
Maximum torque:113Nm @ 4500rpm
Fuel distribution:Multipoint injection
Transmission Type:Five-speed manual, with synchromesh in all gears,one reverse
Gear ratios
:1st3.545
4th 0.966
2nd1.904
5th 0.757
3rd 1.280
reverse 3.272
Dimensions;
Overall length: 3695mm
Overall width: 1690mm
Overall height :1530mm
Wheelbase :2390mm
Track Front :1470mm
Rear: 1480mm
Ground clearance :170mm
Minimum turning radius :4.7 metres
Luggage capacity :232 litres (with seatback raised)368 litres (with seatback folded)
Chassis
Steering :Rack & pinion, power assisted
Brakes
Front :Ventilated Discs
Rear: DrumsSuspension
Front :MacPherson strut and coil spring
Rear:torsion beam and coil spring
Tyres :165/80 R14 / 185/70 R14 (tubeless)
Weights Kerb weight
:980 kgs. [LXi] / 1000 kgs. [VXi] / 1010 kgs. [ZXi]
Gross vehicle weight :1415kgs
Maximum speed :60kmph
Fuel tank capacity :43 litres
Features
