New Maruti Swift: 5 big changes

Maruti is set to launch the new Swift in India on May 9, which is a generational update the hatchback is receiving after six years. With bookings already open, here is a list of the top five things that make the new Swift better than the outgoing model.

New exterior design, dimensions

Despite no change in the overall design philosophy, the styling of the next-gen Swift is sharper than before. At the front is a new bumper, a redesigned radiator grille with the Suzuki emblem now placed on top of the front bumper instead of between the grille, and new headlamps and fog lamps.

Moving to the sides, the new Swift gets a prominent shoulder line, the rear door handles are now placed more conventionally as opposed to on the C-pillars of the outgoing model and the alloy wheel design is also new. At the rear, the hatch gets new tail-lamps with a C-shape pattern, a tailgate-mounted rear camera and a revised rear bumper.

The new Swift is 15mm longer, 40mm narrower and 30mm taller than the previous-gen model, but the wheelbase remains the same at 2,450mm. 

New interior 

Recent spy shots confirm that the new Swift will get a revised cabin similar to the Fronx, Brezza and Baleno. The new interior boasts a free-standing infotainment unit, restyled central air-con vents positioned under the infotainment screen, new HVAC switchgear replacing the circular knobs and a slightly updated instrument cluster. Apart from the revised dashboard design, the new Swift will also get new upholstery.

More equipment 

New features on offer will likely include a wireless phone charger, rear AC vents, LED fog lamps as well as a new 9-inch touchscreen with connected tech. Equipment like cruise control, auto climate control, push button start/stop, steering-mounted controls, and electrically adjustable and retractable wing mirrors will all be carried over.

Better safety and tech 

On the safety front, the next-gen Maruti Swift will be equipped with six airbags as standard across the range, along with ESC and hill start assist. The outgoing model was only offered with dual airbags, even on the higher variants.

New engine, fuel efficiency

As we had exclusively reported back in October last year, the