Maruti Suzuki Swift

Suzuki's position as the world leader in manufacturing compact cars is well known. With this popularity, the company put together great brains from India ? 21 engineers and designers to create a unique model. With cutting edge technological features, 'Swift' was created with Japanese technology and European styling -- the result was an innovative, sporty and elegant design.

Keeping in mind the Indian roads, the suspension was modified and good ground clearance was provided. The new chassis was developed and put to rigorous track tests. Finally, an all-new car came into the market. A 2005 debutante, the Maruti Suzuki Swift has won many awards including 'the car of the year,' from various motoring associations like Overdrive, CNBC Autocar and BBC-Top Gear, for its comfort, safety features and concept car like styling. A roaring success from the get-go, the Swift is available in five versions: LXi, VXi, ZXi (petrol), and LDi and VDi (diesel). These models are differentiated by their levels of safety and comfort.

Competitive pricing, a sporty engine and unique design have made it a very tempting option in the compact/hatchback segment. Swift has a good number of competitors namely TATA Indica, Hyundai Getz, and Chevy SRV and U-VA.

Peppy in traffic and smooth on the highway, the Swift with its 5-speed manual transmission offers a comfortable ride. Powering the Swift is the 1.3L engine that generates 87 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm, contributing to a smooth ride. It is really 'swift' in performance; it sprints from 0-100 kmph in just 10 seconds and clocks a maximum speed of 160 kmph. Swift returns 11 kmpl in city conditions and 13 km on highway.

The all-new diesel comes with the latest CRDi fuel injection system. The turbo-charged 1.3L makes 75 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. The low revving engine needs fewer downshifts in city conditions as there is ample power at low rpm. There are six computers on board for engine management system, electronic power steering, automatic climate control, anti-lock braking system, central locking and airbag deployment.

The Swift is a sporty car; with its short wheelbase, wide, lower-profile tyres (on the ZXi) and stiff springs, it feels tauter. It is easy for cornering because of its considerable grip. The stiff suspension gives it good body control. Suspension for the Indian Swift has been developed especially to tackle speed breakers, and has a raised look.

The concept car like styling of the Swift makes it standout spectacularly in traffic, while its compact dimensions allow it to squeeze into crowded parking lots. The interiors are well-appointed, simple to use, classy and surprisingly roomy for a compact car.

Swift comes in striking colours such as Solid Bright Red, Metallic Garnet Orange, Pearl Metallic Arctic White, Metallic Ozone Blue, Metallic Silky Silver, Metallic Iridium Gold, Metallic Azure Grey and Metallic Midnight Black.

As for the comfort, the Swift is fitted with front and rear electric windows. Central door locking facility is available only for the VXi and ZXi variants. All the three trims come equipped with 3-spoke urethane steering wheel. For all those who need reminders, the Maruti Suzuki Swift provides light off/key reminder. There is a driver's seatbelt warning lamp and door ajar warning lamp too.

The high-end Swift comes fully loaded with added safety features and accessories including automatic climate control, driver seat height adjuster, 12V accessory socket in the luggage area, electromagnetic type tailgate opener, rear window wiper and de-mister, dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), keyless entry and seatbelt pre-tensioners (In the event of a crash, a pre-tensioner will tighten the belt at once, thereby preventing the occupant from a sudden jerk). Standard features on the base model include power steering, air-conditioning, brake assist, seat-belts for all seating positions, child lock on rear doors and side impact beams.