Suzuki has started the year on an edgy note with its new, sportier, Swift, complete with a refreshed interior and exterior. Let's look at what’s new.
1. The design stays fresh
The new model maintains the overarching design of the original Swift while adding some embellishment to distinguish it from its previous counterparts. The curvy shape of the car remains intact, but with distinctly new headlights, tail-lights and a fresh nose.
2. Engines will remain unchanged
Though the India-spec car will continue to use the same 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel units as the current models, it is believed that the diesel engine will make more power. The new Swift will also be offered with automatic options on both petrol and diesel cars. Suzuki is also evaluating other engine options such as the new 1.5-litre diesel engine, an SHVS variant and the three-cylinder 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine.
3. A much lighter and stiffer chassis
Since the new car is built on the same platform as the Baleno, it will be at least 10-15 percent lighter. The new chassis is also 10 percent more rigid. These variations may give the car an advantage over its competition as far as performance and fuel efficiency are concerned.
4. Dapper new interiors
With a minimalistic dashboard, an upmarket steering wheel and a sporty two-pod instrument cluster, the new Swift is much sportier than the current version. The India-spec car will come with a few additional features such as a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink capability and paddle-shifters.
5. The car will launch in India in mid-2017
You might not have to wait very long to get your hands on one of these. The new Swift is expected to compete directly with the likes of the Ford Figo and the Hyundai Grand i10.