MS Swift
Model ZDi+
Test Started May, 2018/2,060km Current odo reading 6,988km Mileage this month 666km Efficiency this month 19.7kmpl
The Swift has had a rather short stint in the our long term fleet. About five months and 5,000km on the odo, I’d had just started to enjoy this lovely little hatchback and it’s already time to bid adieu. In this short time, the new generation Swift didn’t take much time to become one of my personal favourites from the MarutiSuzuki stable. Joining the likes of the Gypsy, Esteem and Baleno sedan, I have always admired these humble road cars which have graduated to being successful race cars on the track. The racing lineage clearly shows through in the dynamic abilities of the new Swift. The direct steering, seamless power delivery from both the petrol and diesel motors and the taut suspension setup, all scream sporty in every sense of the word. Be it through tight corners or fast, flowing ones, never has the chassis and suspension felt lacking in any way. Spirited driving aside, regular commuting in traffic and on bad roads, the ride quality has remained just as it was on day one. The ride is slight- ly on the stiffer side and the chassis does communicate of the road conditions well but passengers have never complained of a harsh, uncomfortable ride. The clutch still feels light and the shifts haven’t lost their precision. Moreover, the fuel efficiency has almost always remained upwards of 19kmpl which is praiseworthy considering the traffic conditions that the car has been driven in. This little hatchback however, also has the task of being part of individuals and families’ daily drive, most of whom are using it
THIS IS ONE CAR THAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST TO SAY GOODBYE TO. THE SWIFT IS A CAR I’D PUT MY MONEY DOWN ON OVER THE BALENO AND THE IGNIS
as their primary vehicle. As our long term test car, it served the same purpose for me. I always mention that the look of a car is mostly subjective but what matters is the feel of the interiors as that’s where one spends most of their time in. The Swift shines in this department with a funky layout that’s brimming with quality components and features. Maruti-Suzuki’s touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use, offers quick connectivity and is loaded with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. I’ve always preferred Bluetooth connectivity and that, the system handles brilliantly with its quickness and great playback through its stock speakers. This is one car that has been the hardest to say goodbye to. The Swift is definitely a car that I’d put my money down on over the Baleno and surely over the Ignis. I haven’t been able to fault the car in any way as it is genuinely that good. They’ve even got the light spread and throw spot-on from the projected LED headlamps. And, thank heavens for no chrome, anywhere! If I had to change something, I’d go for 17-inch wheels, wider tyres, lowered suspension and a usable sun visor. Now that would be a near perfect daily driver for me.