Agencies Aug 17, 2011, 01.30pm IST
NEW DELHI: The country's largest car-maker Maruti Suzuki Indiaon Wednesday launched the new version of its premium hatchback 'Swift' at an introductory price ranging from Rs 4.22 lakh to Rs 6.38 lakh.
The new Swift
Built on an all-new platform, the company and its suppliers have invested over Rs 500 crore on the new car.
"We have launched the new Swift at a time when there was a significant demand for the outgoing model. I am confident that the new Swift will create new benchmarks with its improved fuel efficiency, stylish and sportier looks and high performance," Maruti Suzuki India Managing Director and CEO Shinzo Nakanishi told reporters here.
Launched six years back, the Swift has been a runaway success for the company, with over six lakh units sold so far. MSI is hoping that the new version will further strengthen its position.
The company is likely to launch the DZiRE on the new Swift's platform in the next 6-8 months.The new Swift retains the round look; however elements like the headlights and tail lights have a stretched look.
The only department where the difference isn't drastic between the older model and the new Swift lies under the hood. The engines from the outgoing Swift have been carried over to the new car, essentially the K-Series 1.2-litre petrol and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engines.
The 1197cc petrol engine generates 87PS @ 6000rpm and a torque of 114Nm at 4000rpm whereas the 1248cc DDiS diesel engine remains the same and offers 75PS @ 4000rpm and a torque of 190Nm @ 2000rpm.
Both versions are mated to 5-speed gearboxes that are different from the outgoing version's transmission. The new Swift boasts of ABS, dual SRS airbags, braking with a Boost Assist System (BAS) and increased torsional rigidity.
Maruti Suzuki launched the Swift in 2005. Despite being more than six years old, the model has consistently maintained its waiting list period of three-four months. The DZiRE on the other hand commands a 4-5 month wait. Maruti sells about 12,000 units of the Swift and 10,000 units of stablemate DZiRE every month. The third generation Suzuki Swift was formally unveiled in Hungary last year.
By: ET ZigwheelsThe new Swift
The new Swift is an attempt at both product and brand refurbishment with a strong focus on keeping the original 'swift genes' intact. Making the best better is a tremendous undertaking for any company, even MSIL, and the task is more difficult when you have to deal with a cult brand such as the Swift. Zigwheels gets under the sheet metal to see if MSIL has managed to successfully carry out the intended task.
Probably the first questions running through your head when you see images of the 'all-new Swift' are going to be "What's different?", "What's changed?" A similar set of questions went through my mind as well. However the changes become apparent when you see the car in the flesh.
Probably the first questions running through your head when you see images of the 'all-new Swift' are going to be "What's different?", "What's changed?" A similar set of questions went through my mind as well. However the changes become apparent when you see the car in the flesh.
Yes, there is no doubting the fact that it retains the same silhouette and overall shape, but what needs to be understood is that this new car is an evolution in design of a cult brand. Enough has been changed to make it a new car, yet signature traits have been incorporated to ensure that the link to its predecessor remains intact.
What's new about it?
Despite an increase in size, the new Swift is 30 kilogrammes (petrol version) lighter than its predecessor and the diesel manages to be 15 kilogrammes lighter. With such an engaging drive it's comforting to know that MSIL has also enhanced the safety features on the car. The new Swift boasts of ABS, dual SRS airbags, braking with a Boost Assist System (BAS) and increased torsional rigidity, making it a rather safe hatch to be in.
Another way to look at this is to just think about all the elements of the Swift you liked, and I assure you will find them in this car as well. Now think of all the elements you would like to enhance and you will find that most of these major elements have also been incorporated. Built on an all-new platform, the new Swift is longer than its predecessor by 50mm and the result is a visible size difference that actually makes the car look more complete than the outgoing model.
The new Swift retains the quintessential round look; however elements like the headlights and tail lights boast of a stretched look, the wheel arches are more pronounced, the shoulder line as well as the rear have more of a curve to them and all of these elements come together to give the car a sportier, more crisp look that is undoubtedly going to be an immediate hit with Swift fans. Completing the exterior package are the large 185/65 R15 tyres with alloys on the high end versions.
The new Swift retains the quintessential round look; however elements like the headlights and tail lights boast of a stretched look, the wheel arches are more pronounced, the shoulder line as well as the rear have more of a curve to them and all of these elements come together to give the car a sportier, more crisp look that is undoubtedly going to be an immediate hit with Swift fans. Completing the exterior package are the large 185/65 R15 tyres with alloys on the high end versions.
The car's interiors
The interiors have received a higher level of treatment than the exteriors and you will be hard pressed to find any similarities between latest model and its predecessor. The first thing that strikes you about the interiors is the amount of space. Thanks to the increase in length, the new Swift is now at par with its direct competition when it comes to interior space.
The quality of the materials used has also improved radically and you can't find any of that cheap quality plastic around, which is possibly the best thing that MSIL could have done with this new car. Further to this, the new Swift boasts of a fresh contoured dashboard and central console.
The inspiration is definitely from the larger Kizashi and has been executed to give the entire cabin a more up market feel. Probably the only department where the difference isn't drastic between the older model and the new Swift lies under the hood. The engines from the outgoing Swift have been carried over to the new car, so you essentially have the K-Series 1.2-litre petrol and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel mills to choose from.
The quality of the materials used has also improved radically and you can't find any of that cheap quality plastic around, which is possibly the best thing that MSIL could have done with this new car. Further to this, the new Swift boasts of a fresh contoured dashboard and central console.
The inspiration is definitely from the larger Kizashi and has been executed to give the entire cabin a more up market feel. Probably the only department where the difference isn't drastic between the older model and the new Swift lies under the hood. The engines from the outgoing Swift have been carried over to the new car, so you essentially have the K-Series 1.2-litre petrol and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel mills to choose from.
Fuel efficient
Now, I did say that there is a small change in this department and that is the inclusion of a Variable Valve Timing system which helps the engine breathe better, offer optimum performance, enhance fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions. The 1197cc petrol engine now generates 87PS @ 6000rpm and a decent torque of 114Nm at 4000rpm.
The earlier K-Series made 82PS so there is a slight increase in power that translates to a smoother drive. The 1248cc DDiS diesel mill remains the same and offers a stellar 75PS @ 4000rpm and a more than decent torque of 190Nm @ 2000rpm. Both versions are mated to 5-speed gearboxes that incidentally are different from the outgoing version's transmission and these new boxes offer smoother gear transitions.
The earlier K-Series made 82PS so there is a slight increase in power that translates to a smoother drive. The 1248cc DDiS diesel mill remains the same and offers a stellar 75PS @ 4000rpm and a more than decent torque of 190Nm @ 2000rpm. Both versions are mated to 5-speed gearboxes that incidentally are different from the outgoing version's transmission and these new boxes offer smoother gear transitions.
Drive Dynamics
Another aspect that hasn't changed, and for a good reason too, is the drive dynamics. Push the car around a tight corner and she holds her line extremely well. No doubt the larger tyres have a role to play here, but there is more to the story than meets the eye.
Takes the experience to a new level
Overall the new Swift takes the evolution of the Swift brand to a new level. Everything about the car is more crisp and essentially you get a feeling of being offered a lot more car than before and that is a boon considering the changing market dynamics. In 2005 when MSIL rolled out the Swift it set a benchmark for the premium hatchback segment. Now with competition having grown so much, the Swift was definitely getting old in the tooth, but it possessed immense brand value and had a strong fan following.
The new Swift retains those values yet manages to take the game more than just a notch higher. From the looks of it, the new Swift is here to reset the benchmark and the competition might as well start planning their arsenal. With the ability to rule the roost, the only factor that will seal the new Swift's fate as kingpin of the premium hatchback segment is its pricing. Maruti has been known to price its small cars extremely aggressively and we hope to see that with this car as well.
The new Swift retains those values yet manages to take the game more than just a notch higher. From the looks of it, the new Swift is here to reset the benchmark and the competition might as well start planning their arsenal. With the ability to rule the roost, the only factor that will seal the new Swift's fate as kingpin of the premium hatchback segment is its pricing. Maruti has been known to price its small cars extremely aggressively and we hope to see that with this car as well.
Specifications
SWIFT 1.3 DIESEL
Engine: 1248cc, 4-cylinder , turbocharged diesel
Power: 75PS @ 4000rpm
Torque: 190Nm @ 2000rpm
Kerb weight: 1060kg (approx)
Fuel efficiency (claimed): 22.9kmpl
SWIFT 1.2 VVT PETROL
Engine: 1197cc, 4-cylinder , Variable Valve Timing, petrol
Power: 87PS @ 6000rpm
Torque: 114Nm @ 4000rpm
Kerb weight: 990kg (approx)
Fuel efficiency (claimed): 18.6kmpl
Engine: 1248cc, 4-cylinder , turbocharged diesel
Power: 75PS @ 4000rpm
Torque: 190Nm @ 2000rpm
Kerb weight: 1060kg (approx)
Fuel efficiency (claimed): 22.9kmpl
SWIFT 1.2 VVT PETROL
Engine: 1197cc, 4-cylinder , Variable Valve Timing, petrol
Power: 87PS @ 6000rpm
Torque: 114Nm @ 4000rpm
Kerb weight: 990kg (approx)
Fuel efficiency (claimed): 18.6kmpl
Images: www.zigwheels.com
No comments:
Post a Comment