The Maruti Suzuki Swift, one of the most eagerly awaited vehicles of 2024, has recently been launched in India. This sporty hatchback comes with a price range starting from Rs 6.49 lakh to Rs 9.50 lakh, ex-showroom in Delhi. During an event, Partho Banerjee, the head of marketing and sales, confirmed to Autocar India that the Swift would not feature any additional power plant options such as the 1-litre Turbo Boosterjet petrol engine found in the Fronx.
Maruti Suzuki Swift turbo: Chance gone begging?
The Swift is an iconic nameplate in India and with its sporty DNA, the rumour mills were working overtime reporting that the natural transition would be for it to be powered by the 1-litre turbo petrol. However, in an interview with Autocar India, Banerjee dismissed these speculations, confirming that the Swift will only be equipped with the new Z Series 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine.
This engine delivers 81 bhp and 111.7 Nm of torque, which is down by of 8 bhp and 1 Nm. The locally produced 1-litre turbo petrol engine, offering 99 bhp and 147.6 Nm of torque, could have positioned the Swift as the most powerful hatchback in its category. Moreover, it would have been the only model in its segment with a turbo petrol engine, distinguishing it from competitors like the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and the Tata Tiago, which both feature 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engines.
Currently, Fronx is the only vehicle in the Maruti Suzuki portfolio to get the 1-litre turbo, which is mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. According to ARAI figures, the MT returns 21.5 kmpl and 20.02 kmpl for the AT.
Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG: Coming soon
Sticking to its tried-and-tested formula, Maruti Suzuki will introduce the CNG version of the Swift like all the other vehicles in its Arena portfolio. As expected, the Swift CNG will produce less horsepower and torque as compared to its naturally aspirated version. The Swift’s competition, the Grand i10 Nios and the Tiago are also available with CNG options. The Tiago is the only CNG hatchback in India that comes with an option for a 5-speed AMT, delivering 72 bhp and 95 Nm of torque, while the Grand i10 Nios offers 68 bhp and 95.2 Nm.
Source: Autocar India
