Geneva Motor Show 2017: New Gen Suzuki Swift Showcased - India Launch In Early 2018

Do Not Miss It!: Our comprehensive First Drive Review of the 2018 Maruti Swift

UPDATE: Everything you need to know about the 2018 Maruti Swift

After the premiere in Japan, Suzuki has debuted the all-new Swift at the Geneva Motor Show 2017. The car will go on sale in Europe from April this year and will most likely make its India debut at the 2018 Auto Expo. The launch though could be shortly after. 

The new Swift is now in its fourth generation internationally and in its third generation in India. The car is based on Suzuki’s new HEARTECT platform which claims to be light yet rigid. The new platform has enabled Suzuki to restrict the weight of the body to just 840kg (depending on the configuration). This not only makes for a better power to weight ratio but for a more efficient car as well. In addition, the new platform encompasses the entire underbody making it a single unit rather than a culmination of parts which, according to Suzuki, contributes to a stiffer chassis and also helps in reducing noise and vibrations.

Aesthetically, it looks similar to the Japanese version with its hexagonal grille, wraparound headlamps with DRLs and edgier tail lamps. The new Swift is 10mm shorter than the current Swift, with a 20mm longer wheelbase, which should free up more space in the cabin especially at the rear. It also stands 15mm lower and 40mm wider which makes it look like a hot hatchback especially thanks to the C-pillar-mounted rear door handles. (We really do hope it retains that for India).

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The Swift will only be available with petrol engines in Europe. It will be powered by a choice of two engines, a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder Boosterjet, the same one that powers the Baleno RS in India and a 1.2-litre Dualjet engine which features compact cylinders with higher compression ratio, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and dual injection. This helps improve the fuel efficiency by 5 per cent. In addition, mild hybrid SHVS equipped powertrains will also be on offer. 

The interior is all black and the combination of a flat bottom steering wheel and red surrounds on clocks (from the Baleno) coupled with the purposeful looking centre dash give the car a sporty appeal. The large climate control dials look retro and stylish and even the aircon vents have been replaced. The infotainment system is similar to the one we’re used to seeing on the top of the line variants of Maruti Suzuki cars and should offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well.

In terms of safety, apart from the usual kit like ABS and airbags, the Euro-spec also boasts of an advanced forward detection system which employs a monocular camera to help identify mid to long range obstacles on the road. This feature is unlikely to make its way on the Indian spec car. 

As for the India-spec Swift, it should be almost identical in dimensions and should have a similar interior as well complete with the funky dials, the touchscreen infotainment system and hopefully, the flat-bottom steering wheel (fingers crossed). It will be powered by the same 1.2-litre K-series petrol engine and the tried and tested 1.3-litre turbo diesel motor. The engines will be paired to 5-speed manual transmissions though an AMT or even a CVT might be considered. Also, expect the car to come with ABS, EBD, dual front airbags and ISOFIX rear child seat mounts as standard. Also, if Maruti Suzuki’s claims at the Baleno RS launch are anything to go by, we might even see an RS version powered by the Boosterjet engine as well but that will take some time to come, possibly even 2019 depending on when the standard model is launched. 

In conclusion, by the looks of it, whenever launched, the new Swift could upset the balance of power in the hatchback segment like it did back in 2005. All we have to do now is wait and watch

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