Perhaps the most anticipated car ever? A car that has been the subject of speculation for over a year. A car that has clocked nearly 50K pre-launch bookings. Does this car need an introduction?

Experts are of the opinion that you need to stare for a while to be sure that this is indeed the new Swift. I wouldn’t really agree. The new Swift is perkier from every angle, inside out. No two ways about it. Suzuki has done a commendable job of not tampering with the Swift persona while giving it a head-to-toe facelift.

What’s new in the New Swift

Digest this: Every body-panel of the new Swift is spanking new. The car has an energetic and vibrant front fascia thanks to the swept-back, rather large headlamps, completely reworked grille and a smiling central air intake. This signature ‘U-line’ theme, as Maruti calls it, is carried all the way to the rear and strengthened by strong fender flares. The rear has got a complete makeover with bigger bumper and futuristic tail lamps that reflect the same aura of the headlamps. Further, the antenna has been moved to the rear. Sporty.

If you said the Swift is identical to its predecessor, eat your words. Step inside the cabin. Apart from the gear knob and power window switches, everything has been given a chic makeover. The dashboard sports the Kizashi family look with the ‘waterfall’ central console that houses a six-speaker music system with USB support and climate control on the top variants. Unfortunately, Bluetooth connectivity is not available even as an option. The overall plastic quality has been improved considerably and there’s a trendy push type cup-holder strategically placed on the dashboard. The steering wheel looks great and provides better grip. Moreover, it can be tilted on all variants.

The new Swift is powered by the same 1.2 litre K-series petrol engine, further tweaked with the VVT (Variable Valve Timing) technology. The result: Increased power delivery of 87ps @ 6000rpm and torque of 114Nm @ 4000 rpm. The 1.3 litre DDiS diesel motor is already a champ, and so remains unchanged. However, the overall weight of the car has been reduced by 15 kg and 30 kg respectively on the Petrol and Diesel variants, boosting overall performance and fuel efficiency. Both engines are mated to a fine-tuned transmission that ensures slicker gearshifts.

Swift also boasts best-in-class acceleration – 0-100kmph in 12.6 seconds on Petrol and 14.8 seconds on Diesel. Interestingly, fuel efficiency has been improved by 4% and 6%, so if you are feather-footed you could extract 18.6 kmpl on Petrol and 22.9 on Diesel. On the diesel variant, a little turbo lag is still evident at take-off and that could be frustrating, especially in the city traffic. However, reduced turning radius and a new variable-gear ratio have enhanced maneuverability in city.

The new car is 90mm longer, with a 40mm longer wheelbase. Those who quibbled about lack of ample rear legroom can now rejoice.On the safety front, the ZXi znd ZDi variants come with driverand passenger air bags and ABS with EBD. The new Swift is being introduced to a very safety conscious society and Maruti should have considered more safety features on the lover variants. However, the revamped overall stance has improved handling, the ride has become firmer, and body-roll is better controlled when cornering. The new generation RBSS (Rally-based Suspension System) does its job smartly. Although the carmaker hasn’t done anything specific to refine the power steering, it feels lighter than the old Swift. Overall, you feel very confident behind the wheel.

Despite the car’s added heft, boot space is still cramped. Considering the amount of attention Suzuki paid to every minute detail to embellish the new model, it looks like the company has completely forgotten about the very existence of the boot. Big reason to worry!

Available in three new colours – Blazing Red, Torque Blue and Glistening Grey – the new Swift is priced between Rs 4.22 lakh for the LXi and 6.38 lakh for the ZDi. With over 140 new features, it’s a value for money hatch. However, the prices are introductory and let’s hope Maruti won’t increase it soon.

The new Swift doesn’t launch a new era for the hatchback segment. It’s just going to continue the momentum its forerunner has built and, of course, in a terrific way.

This comprehensive equipment list gives you an idea of what are the new features available on different variants.