New Swift sports plenty of features for the tech-savvy

The new Swift has been built on the fifth-generation HEARTECT platform, which improves the hatchback’s strength and rigidity while also benefitting its power to weight ratio.

The third-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift, launched at the Auto Expo 2018 in Greater Noida, has a curvy and saucy design.

Its façade features a bold bumper with a distinct single-aperture grille that houses horizontal slats.

The front features angular headlamps with LED DRLs and projector headlamps with a follow-me-home feature (only available with the top models).

The side gets a floating roof design and a curvy belt line with a flowing architecture. The rear gets contemporary looking tail lamps.

The new Swift has been built on the fifth-generation HEARTECT platform, which improves the hatchback’s strength and rigidity while also benefitting its power to weight ratio.

There is a marginal increase in wheelbase, width and cargo space, all of which has resulted in more legroom, more front and back shoulder room and cargo space, respectively.

The cabin has been inspired by the design of a cockpit and is quite modish.

The inner door panels can now accommodate large bottles. The tilt-adjustable steering wheel with a flat bottom looks very sporty.

There are plenty of features for the tech-savvy, such as the SmartPlay infotainment setup, which comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation and voice command. Electrically adjustable and retractable ORVMs, keyless entry and push button start/stop, electromagnetic back door opener, height-adjustable driver seatbelt, gear shift indicator, 60:40 split rear seat, luggage room lamp, multi-information display, automatic climate control and automatic headlamps are some of the other features.

The car also gets a reverse parking camera and parking sensors. Dual front airbags with ABS and EBD with Brake Assist are standard features across models.

The two powertrain options, a 1197cc, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol and the 1248cc Fiat sourced, 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, are the same as offered in the Dzire.

Maruti is also offering the Swift with the option of a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Gear Shift (AGS) technology.

The manual torque savvy diesel mill is a lot sportier than the petrol one.

The automatic transmissions, however, take the fun out of driving with a very slow gear change reflecting a lag in power.

Photographs: Kind courtesy, IndianAutosBlog