Suzuki recently
previewed the upcoming Swift hatchback at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The hatch
will go on sale in UK in June 2017 and is expected to be launched in the Indian
market late in 2017 or early 2018. Maruti will launch the 2017 Swift Dzire compact
sedan before the hatch back in mid 2017.
The new Swift is
said to 10pc lighter and 8pc more fuel efficient than the outgoing model. It
will carry forward the same 1.2L petrol and 1.3L diesel mill options. At
present it is too early to tell if Maruti will launch an RS version of the
Swift which will be powered by the same 1.0L, 3 cylinder, petrol Boosterjet
engine which recently made its debut in India on the Baleno RS. However this
engine option will be available in the UK and returns almost 26.1kmpl with a
power output of 109.4bhp.
The Boosterjet
engine will also be available with Maruti's mild hybrid SHVS setup. Suzuki is
also offering a higher variant of the new Swift on their 'HEARTECT' lightweight
platform, giving the hatch a kerb weight of just 890kgs, an overhaul of the
underbody's structure and component layout has helped in adopting a highly
rigid frame which also enhances the vehicles collision safety. The new platform
has resulted in a reduction of 30kgs from the underbody and an overall weight
reduction of 120kgs.
An 'Allgrip' 4WD system will also be on offer
in UK, but that in all probability will not make it to the Indian market. The
new Swift is also 10mm shorter than the outgoing model with its wheelbase
increasing by 20mm and the hatch getting 25pc more boot space which now stands
at 254 litres. The European spec Swift is also 15mm lower and 40mm wider than
the Japanese spec version. The headlamps will also feature projector lights and
an LED setup.
Suzuki has also
lowered the seating position, thus ensuring sufficient headroom and by adding
23mm of lateral and vertical space for the rear seating positions. The front
seats have been moved forward by 10mm in the Europe spec version. The centre
console as well is more biased toward the driver and has been turned by 5
degrees. Higher variants of the Swift may also get an LED backlit auto air
conditioning unit.
The new Suzuki
Swift India spec version may feature six airbags, leather upholstery, LED DRLs,
15 inch alloys, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and other connectivity options along
with keyless entry and push button start/ stop.