2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift review, road test

The Swift has long been India’s most-loved hatchback. Does the bond deepen with the new third-generation model?

Published on Mar 29, 2018 06:00:00 AM

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2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift review, road test

Grip and body control are great but the lifeless steering is a killjoy.

Just like its predecessors, the latest Swift has a youthful air about it.

Despite its light weight, the Swift feels confident at high speeds and stability is good.

Swift is attractive but top-spec versions' jazzier wheels and LED headlights make a big difference.

Make : Maruti Suzuki

Model : Swift

We Like

Spacious for a Swift
Peppy petrol engine
Excellent efficiency

We Don't Like

Lifeless steering
Slow gearshifts (diesel-AMT)
Top versions are pricey

Replacing a bestseller is always a tough balancing act for a carmaker. Radical changes don’t always sit well with a loyal fan following, but, at the same time, sticking closely to a formula, generation after generation, can take the sheen away from an established nameplate. On the face of things, Maruti Suzuki seems to have got it just right with the third-generation Swift. The car is new, yet undoubtedly Swift in its look, and – as your friendly Maruti Arena sales rep will tell you – also more efficient, more spacious, more practical and better equipped than the model it replaces. There’s more. Maruti has also finally addressed the long-standing demand for an automatic Swift, with options on both petrol and diesel versions. All engines, gearboxes, and trim levels accounted for, there are a total of 12 versions of the Swift on sale, with prices ranging from Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base petrol-manual to Rs 8.29 lakh for the fully loaded diesel-manual car.

We’ve brought together all four engine-gearbox options and put them through our rigorous road test regimen to determine if the new Swift is all that it’s made out to be.