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Maruthi-Swift

Rs.1.00 was Rs.2.00

Launched in 2011, the new Swift carries on the same DNA while taking it to a new higher level. There are changes no doubt to all angles of the car but first look at the new Swift, and you can easily pass it on as the previous one. However the long list of changes includes the new bold and stylish design form. The new Swift is 90mm longer and 5mm wider than the older version. From the front, the new Swift gets bigger headlamps that stretch backwards into the body. The bumpers have been redesigned as well and the top end Swift gets tasty 15-inch alloy wheels along with indicators integrated into the outside rear view mirrors. It is the interiors that see huge changes. An increase in wheelbase means that for starters, the cabin of the new Swift is more spacious. The rear seat offers you more knee room, something that was missing in the older version. The design of the fascia and console is all-new and immediately strikes you hard.The central console looks fantastic and houses in integrated audio system (with 6 speakers and USB compatible) and the air-con controls. The overall design, quality, feel and comfort of the new Swift has gone up by a few notches. The new Swift continues to come with the same engines though with a few small changes. The petrol one is the same KB12 unit that displaces 1197cc and now gets Maruti’s famed variable valve timing. The result is a slight bump in maximum power to 87PS. On the torque front, the Swift petrol does pretty good at 114Nm. It also has an ARAI certified fuel economy of 18.6kmpl – brilliant to say the least. The petrol unit is refined, silent and quite peppy, responding to driver’s inputs very well. The diesel engine is the same FIAT derived unit that pumps out a maximum power of 75PS along with 190Nm of torque. Maruti has done changes to the engine to increase its ARAI rated fuel economy to 22.9kmpl now. It is brilliant but still not good enough to match the likes of the Nissan Micra or the new Toyota Liva diesel. The turbo lag remains and below 2000rpm, the Swift diesel does feel lethargic to drive in city conditions. Both the engines come with a 5-speed manual gearbox that is brilliant to use with positive and slick gearshifts.