Auto Expo 2018: Maruti Suzuki launches Swift’s new variant

New Delhi: Passenger car market leader Maruti Suzuki India Ltd on Thursday launched the third-generation variant of its best-selling Swift hatchback at the Delhi Auto Expo.

Launched in India in 2005, the Swift has been one of the top-selling models in the country, clocking a cumulative 1.8 million units in sales, but has been sidelined in the past two to three years by Maruti’s own Baleno and Hyundai Motor India Ltd’s i10 Grand and i20 Elite.

“The third generation of the Swift will drive us in the coming years,” said Kenichi Ayukawa, managing director and chief executive at Maruti Suzuki, at the launch.

The model is equipped with Maruti’s auto gear shift technology, which would enhance fuel efficiency and convenience, according to Ayukawa.

With over 50% of Swift buyers purchasing their first car, the Swift is aimed at the young urban car buyer.

“With its sporty stance, bold attitude and exciting performance, we are confident the Swift will be much appreciated,” Ayukawa said.

With a base price of Rs4,99,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi), the Swift is one of the most competitively priced hatchbacks in the country.

The refreshed Swift is built on a modified version of the fifth-generation Heartect platform shared by the Baleno and Swift Dzire. While the engine options are unchanged from the earlier variant, the platform makes the car lighter, stronger and more peppy to drive, said R.S. Kalsi, senior executive director, marketing and sales.

The car also complies with the comprehensive safety norms set to kick in this year and is available in petrol and diesel variants with the company’s auto gear shift technology.

The model is the first to be launched under Maruti’s Arena network, described as “more inclusive and digital” by Kalsi.

Kalsi is confident of meeting demand with the Hansalpur plant in Gujarat set to produce 150,000 units this year and 250,000 units by the next, he told Mint during an interaction in January.