Rumour: Maruti mulling over Swift Sport for India

If recent media reports are to be believed, Maruti Suzuki is planning to introduce the next-gen Swift Sport in the Indian market. The Swift is about to get a major update globally, which will likely be launched here later next year. With the new Swift, Suzuki will also be unveiling a new-gen model of its performance-oriented sibling - the Swift Sport. This is the vehicle which is currently under consideration for the Indian market.

The Swift has been an important product for Maruti Suzuki, ever since its launch in 2005. However, the automaker never brought the Swift Sport to India, as it didn't see a potential customer base for it in the country. But with the hot hatchback segment now intensifying with launches like the Abarth Punto and the upcoming Polo GTI, Maruti Suzuki too appears to be interested in putting its contender in the market.

Another important reason behind the rumoured Swift Sport launch can be attributed to the growing competition for the Swift brand in India. Having a 'true' sporty version of the hatchback in the market might also enhance the 'Swift' moniker's brand image, thus in turn giving a push to the regular hatchback's sales.

The new-gen Swift Sport is expected to get a retuned version of Suzuki's 1.4-litre BoosterJet engine. It will also be equipped with a stiffened chassis, a sportier suspension setup, and slightly improved braking. The car will also be getting various cosmetic additions like a sportier front bumper, larger alloys, twin exhaust pipes, and a blacked-out rear diffuser.

Source: Autocar India