Maruti Swift Review: The Mileage King Returns, But at What Cost?

Let’s be honest—if you live in India, you have either owned a Swift, learned to drive in a Swift, or sat in a friend’s Swift. It is not just a hatchback; it is an emotion. For 20 years, the Swift stood for one thing: Fun.

But with the new 4th Generation Maruti Swift, the company has done something bold (and controversial). They ditched the legendary 4-cylinder K-Series engine for a new 3-cylinder Z-Series engine.

Why? One word: Mileage.

With a starting price of ₹6.49 Lakh (Ex-Showroom), the new Swift promises to be the most fuel-efficient petrol hatchback in the country. But as a purist who loved the old peppy engine, I have to ask: Has the Swift lost its soul to save you money on petrol?

I drove the top-spec ZXi+ variant for 500 kms—from the choked traffic of Bangalore to the open highways of Mysore—to find out.

Quick Specs: The Paper Numbers

Read more: Toyota Camry (2026)

Before we hit the road, let’s look at what has changed under the hood.

Specification	Maruti Swift (4th Gen) Details
Engine	1.2L Z-Series, 3-Cylinder Petrol
Power	80 BHP @ 5,700 RPM
Torque	112 Nm @ 4,300 RPM
Transmission	5-Speed MT / 5-Speed AMT
Boot Space	265 Litres
Ground Clearance	163 mm (Unladen)
Fuel Tank	37 Litres
Safety	6 Airbags Standard across all variants

Exterior Design: Evolution, Not Revolution

Maruti played it safe here. At first glance, it still looks like a Swift. But look closer, and the changes are obvious.

• The Face: The bonnet is now “clamshell” style, meaning it sits on top of the fenders. It gives the car a slightly more premium, Mini Cooper-ish vibe.
• The Grille: The new honeycomb grille is finished in gloss black. It looks aggressive, but the number plate holder is smack in the middle, which clutters the look.
• The Side Profile: The rear door handles are back to their normal position (on the door), not on the C-pillar. Honestly? Thank you, Maruti. The old ones were a pain for kids and elderly parents to reach.

Does it turn heads? Not really. It blends in. If you want attention, the Hyundai i20 N-Line is still the looker in this segment.

Interior, Comfort & Features: A “Baleno-fied” Cabin

Step inside, and you will get a sense of déjà vu. The dashboard is lifted straight from the Baleno and Fronx.

• Quality: The plastics are hard. Everywhere. While the texturing is nice, it doesn’t feel as premium as the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios. The Nios feels rich; the Swift feels… durable.
• The Touchscreen: The top model gets the 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+. It is fantastic—crisp, lag-free, and supports Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.
• Rear Seat Comfort: This is a mixed bag. The legroom is decent for two adults, but shoulder room is tight for three.
  • The Good: We finally get Rear AC Vents and Type-A/Type-C charging ports.
  • The Bad: The rear windows are small, making the back seat feel a bit claustrophobic compared to the airy Tata Tiago.

Engine Performance & Driving Dynamics

This is the part you were waiting for. The 3-Cylinder Z12E Engine.

City Drive: The Low-End Surprise

Here is the shocker—it is better than the old Swift in the city.

The new engine focuses heavily on low-end torque. You can potter around in 3rd gear at 20 kmph, and the car pulls cleanly without shuddering. The clutch is feather-light, and the steering is effortless. For bumper-to-bumper traffic, this car is a gem.

Highway Drive: The Breathless Moment

However, once you cross 100 kmph, you miss the old 4-cylinder K-Series.

• Vibrations: Being a 3-cylinder, there is a distinct thrum/vibration at idle and when you rev hard. It’s not terrible, but it’s noticeable.
• Overtaking: You have to plan your overtakes. The punch is missing. You drop a gear, mash the throttle, and the engine makes more noise than speed. It’s a cruiser, not a sprinter.

Suspension & Handling

Maruti has softened the suspension. The old “stiff” ride is gone.

• Potholes: It absorbs bad roads much better now. You don’t feel the sharp thuds in your spine.
• Cornering: It still handles well, but the body roll has increased slightly due to the softer setup.

Safety: A Massive Jump (Finally!)

For years, we bullied Maruti about safety. They listened.

• Standard Safety: The new Swift comes with 6 Airbags, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and Hill Hold Assist as Standard across ALL variants. Yes, even the base LXi.
• Build Quality: The doors feel slightly heavier than before, but we are still waiting for the Bharat NCAP crash test rating. The Euro NCAP version got 3 stars, but the Indian spec might differ.

Real World Mileage: The Truth

This is why you buy a Maruti. And the Swift delivers insane numbers.

Condition	ARAI Claimed	Real World (Tested)
City (Traffic)	24.8 kmpl	16.5 – 18.0 kmpl
Highway (Cruising)	25.75 kmpl	22.0 – 24.5 kmpl

I managed to get 21 kmpl on a mixed drive without even trying to drive efficiently. If you drive with a light foot, this car sips fuel like a miser. It is practically a hybrid without the battery.

The Competition: Swift vs Nios vs Tiago

We auto-detected the strongest rivals: Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Tata Tiago.

Feature	Maruti Swift	Hyundai Grand i10 Nios	Tata Tiago
Price (Ex-Showroom)	₹6.49 – ₹9.64 L	₹5.92 – ₹8.56 L	₹5.65 – ₹8.90 L
Engine	1.2L (3-Cyl)	1.2L (4-Cyl)	1.2L (3-Cyl)
Power	80 BHP	82 BHP	85 BHP
Interior Quality	Decent	Premium (Best)	Average
Safety	6 Airbags (Std)	6 Airbags (Std)	4 Stars (GNCAP)
Real Mileage	Winner (22+ kmpl)	~18 kmpl	~17 kmpl
VFM Verdict	Mileage King	Luxury King	Value King

• Vs Hyundai Nios: The Nios feels more expensive inside and the 4-cylinder engine is smoother. If you want luxury, buy the Nios.
• Vs Tata Tiago: The Tiago feels sturdier and is cheaper. But its engine is noisy and unrefined compared to even the new Swift.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The 2026 Maruti Swift has grown up. It traded its “Boy Racer” cap for a “Calculated Family Man” tie. It’s no longer the enthusiast’s default choice—that torch has passed to the i20 N-Line or the used car market.

But for 90% of Indian buyers, this is a better car. It is safer, more comfortable, and delivers mileage figures that will make EV owners jealous.

Buy it if:

• Running Cost is Priority: You want a petrol car that gives diesel-like mileage.
• You drive mostly in the city: The low-end torque makes traffic driving effortless.
• Resale Value Matters: It’s a Maruti. You can sell it in 5 years for a great price.

Skip it if:

• You are an Enthusiast: The engine lacks the high-revving punch of the old K-Series.
• You want Premium Interiors: The plastic quality is still strictly average.
• Rear Seat Space is Vital: 3 adults at the back will be a tight squeeze.

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