Introduction

The Maruti Suzuki Swift stands as an unquestionable performer in the Indian hatchback market. Its reputation has been built upon its lively performance, captivating design, and impressive fuel efficiency. Over the years, it has undergone four significant updates to maintain its contemporary appeal. In its most recent iteration, the Swift has received a comprehensive update encompassing both cosmetic enhancements and a substantial mechanical revision. Let’s delve into the details of this latest transformation.

Exterior

The 2021 Swift retains a resemblance to its 2018 predecessor in terms of exterior design. The car’s front facade exudes a distinctly aggressive and sporty aura. Notably, a new chrome strip has been introduced beneath the Suzuki logo, augmenting the overall visual allure. The side profile of the Maruti Swift remains unchanged from its 2018 counterpart, maintaining the familiar silhouette. An intriguing feature is the c-pillar mounted door handle, reminiscent of the Chevrolet Beat. Diverging from the European-spec Swift, the Indian variant boasts 15-inch alloys that lend a respectable appearance. The rear end draws parallels to the Mini Cooper, particularly in the design of the taillights. On the whole, the Maruti Swift continues to exude an appealing charm and has gracefully stood the test of time.

Interior

The interior of the 2021 Maruti Suzuki Swift remains unchanged from its 2018 counterpart, featuring consistent textures, materials, and quality throughout the cabin. The interior design showcases a sporty aesthetic, characterized by an all-black theme and highlighted by the flat-bottom steering wheel that adds to the overall appeal. Regrettably, the materials used in the cabin impart a sense of poor quality and a lack of refinement. Even the switchgear, including controls for power windows and steering-mounted functions, leaves a mediocre impression. An unexpected concern is the tendency for the door pads to rattle significantly when driving at higher speeds on uneven roads, a departure from the standard expected of India’s largest carmaker. Traditionally, the Swift has excelled in providing ample space, and the 2021 model is no exception. The rear cabin space is satisfactory, offering generous headroom, knee room, and legroom. Moreover, commendable under-thigh support enhances the comfort of passengers during journeys. Notably, both the front and rear seats boast superior cushioning, with a firmer composition that enhances long-distance travel comfort. However, a drawback in the rear seating area is the door handle, discreetly integrated into the C-pillar, which contributes to a slightly confined feel within the cabin. This impression is further intensified by the all-black interior, resulting in a spacious yet not particularly airy ambiance.

Features
In the year 2021, the expectation for advanced features in automobiles is high, yet Maruti Suzuki seems to be lacking the initiative to incorporate these advancements into their vehicles. This is particularly evident when compared to the innovative offerings from other car manufacturers that are introducing cutting-edge technologies and gadgets. The Swift, while equipped with components suitable for the 2018 standard, falls short of meeting the elevated expectations of 2021. Notably, it features a compact 7-inch touchscreen with limited functionalities like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Similarly, a colored Multi-Information Display (MID), a feature present in other Maruti models, is present but doesn’t align with the latest technological standards. Additionally, amenities like auto climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, and the recent inclusion of cruise control are part of the package. Swift’s notable features include LED headlamps and taillamps, enhancing its visual appeal. However, the department of safety features falls behind, encompassing dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and a reverse parking camera with sensors. Interestingly, the AMT variant offers a slightly extended list of features, such as hill start-stop and traction control. It’s important to highlight that this car’s global NCAP safety rating stands at a modest 2 stars, attracting significant criticism for its perceived subpar build quality—a sentiment that holds true.

Performance/Ride and Quality

The 2021 Maruti Suzuki Swift is powered by the same 1.2 liter k-series VVT engine that produces an improved 90 horsepower and 130 Newton-metre torque. There is no diesel engine option available. Now, this is the major change in 2021 swift as this engine has been revised. They have changed the fuel injection technology by installing 2 injectors per cylinder as compared to the earlier one which had only one injector per cylinder. By this, the fueling or the fuel injection has been improved which has to lead to better performance and mileage and Maruti has got the right balance of both. As far as real-life performance is concerned, it has improved because the power delivery on road is better than the earlier one, and the new swift feels peppier and smoother to drive. Even the initial performance has been improved than before, as it felt a bit weaker. The torque curve i.e. the torque delivery has also been better which means that the new Swift is easier to drive in the city and you want to change gears frequently. The ride quality of the 2021 swift is good and the suspension is tuned for comfort rather than better handling. On the flip side, it isn’t a good handler which is extremely shocking because Maruti claims that the Swift is a sporty hatchback. It feels quite unnerving around the corners and doesn’t inspire confidence at all.

NVH and steering

The 2021 Swift demonstrates enhanced NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels attributed to the updated engine; however, there remains a noticeable presence of tire and wind noise, particularly pronounced when driving within the range of 100-110 kph. Maruti Suzuki asserts improvements in steering performance, effectively addressing the concern of non-returning steering experienced in previous iterations. In practice, the steering experience has indeed improved, markedly eliminating the lifelessness that characterized the 2018 model. Additionally, the issue of steering non-return has been substantially mitigated, leading to an overall more refined driving experience.