The Swift Hybrid SL version
Another interesting version of the new Swift that I drove was the Hybrid SL with the European version of the 1.2-litre engine combined with a 10kW electric motor to give a system output of 91bhp. The engine and the motor transfer their power onto the tarmac through a 5-speed automated manual gearbox (AGS), much like the ones Maruti uses in India. This, of course is not a mild hybrid like the ones Maruti was doing with the diesels and giving them SHVS badges. This one is a proper hybrid with a claimed fuel efficiency of 32kmpl. To drive, the best part is that it can be driven in pure EV mode and when the battery is running out of power or there is a need for sudden acceleration or even a slight more demand from the throttle pedal, the engine starts off and the transition is seamless. The AGS unit on this car can be controlled through paddle-shifters as well and is perhaps the best rendition of an automated manual gearbox that I have seen on any small cars in India. Not only are gearshifts quick but the gearbox always seems to know the car’s mind and not hunt for gears. As far as the looks of the car are concerned it looks exactly like a standard Swift albeit with a hybrid badging at the rear. The interiors are also similar but the instrument panel is quite crowded having to dish out much more information than a conventional IP.
Maruti can easily sell the Hybrid at a substantial premium over the normal car but it will have to incorporate some design elements that make the car stand out from a distance and look exclusive. Besides the thrust of the marketing can be towards the incredible fuel efficiency and the 32kmpl figure will definitely appeal to a wider audience than the benefits of a cleaner environment.
gearbox could have had shorter throws. Slot it in to first and ease off on the clutch and the car surges forward as maximum torque is already being fed to the wheels at 2,500rpm.A redone sports suspension featuring Monroe shock absorbers gives the car a sense of purpose and the steering feel is also the best I have felt in a Suzuki for some time now. The ride quality suffers but not drastically and the crisp handling of the car makes up for the ride. In fact even the steering feel is much improved on the Swift Sport and is perhaps the best one has felt on a Suzuki in recent years. The car loves to be revved hard and by the time one gets up to 6th gear we are already well into the illegal side of things and decide to let go. This is a real and true hot hatch and both looks and drives like one.
On the car that we tested, ESP came in as standard as did a number of advanced safety features like lanedeparture assist and radar brake support in addition to six airbags. It is doubtful if Maruti will equip the Indian Swift Sport with all these features but the company has always been able to surprise. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.
IF EVER THERE WAS A CAR BEGGING TO BE LAUNCHED IN INDIA THEN IT IS THE SWIFT SPORT AND IT WILL GIVE IT THE COUNTRY’S FIRST MASS MARKET HOT HATCH