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With customer preferences inclining towards safety features in new cars, Maruti Suzuki has made safety-related updates on two of its models. Sources suggest that the Swift will now come with a driver-side airbag as standard on all trim levels. Meanwhile, the S-Cross lineup will get standard ISOFIX mounts on all variants. The official websites of both these models have not yet been updated with the aforementioned feature additions.

Prior to the said update, the Swift was available with driver and passenger airbags on the top-end ZXi/ZDi variants, while the lower trims got them as options. However, the hatchback will now be available with a driver side airbag as standard, even on the entry-level LXi/LDi variants. 

Maruti Suzuki has been stressing on safety features across all its models since last year. The company had earlier added ISOFIX mounts as standard features on all variants of the Baleno and the Ciaz. The S-Cross is the third model to receive the ISOFIX update. Moreover, since the recently launched Ignis already comes with standard ISOFIX mounts, all models being sold through the Nexa dealership network are now equipped with ISOFIX for safely attaching child seats.

Suzuki has revealed the 2017 Swift hatchback in Japan. The car is expected to be launched in India later next year.

The new Swift appears to be an evolution of the design of its predecessor. However, Suzuki has tweaked the car's design to make it look more contemporary. The front fascia gets a broader grille with chrome surround, new swept back headlamps with projectors & DRLs and a protruding nose. The front bumper has been designed to include large fog lamp housings that connect with each other via a slim air dam below the grille.

The side profile features a sloping roof line and blacked out A and B pillars, which make it look similar to the model it replaces. On the new Swift, the C pillar also gets a blacked out insert that provides a floating roof effect to the car's silhouette. The rear features wraparound taillights, a sharper tailgate design and roof mounted spoiler.

On the inside, the new Swift gets an all-black dashboard with silver inserts. Other design elements include a new steering wheel, a twin-pod instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink connectivity.

In Japan, the new Swift will be offered with a 1.2-litre DUALJET petrol engine which can be opted with the SHVS mild-hybrid technology, while the sportier RS model will get a 1.0-litre BOOSTERJET engine. On the safety front, the new Swift in Japan gets 6 airbags, ABS + EBD, rear parking camera and sensors and ESP.

The Japan-spec model also gets an optional 'Safety Package' that includes Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS), which is a collision mitigation system that works using inputs from a monocular camera and laser sensor. It also gets high beam assist which automatically switches between high and low beam depending on the vehicle's surroundings and the oncoming traffic. The Safety Package also includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

A single image showcasing the front fascia of the 2017 Suzuki Swift has surfaced on the Internet. This is the first undisguised spy shot of the new-gen Swift, which is expected to make its world debut in the first quarter of next year.

The 2017 Swift gets a comprehensively redesigned front fascia, though it manages to look like an evolution of its predecessor. The spy shot reveals a prominent snout and a low-slung appearance. It gets a wide hexagonal chrome-lined front grille, a new pair of headlamps, large fog lamp housings that are joined together through a blacked-out area on the bumper and diamond cut alloy wheels. The headlights are expected to get projectors and LED DRLs. The A and B pillars are blacked out, while a small portion of the C-pillar also appears to get the black treatment, thus providing a floating roof effect. The rear door handle is placed in the window line, similar to the arrangement found on the Chevrolet Beat.

Previous spy shots have showcased that the next-gen Swift will likely get an all-black dashboard, a new flat-bottom steering wheel and circular AC vents. Suzuki appears to have borrowed various interior elements from other cars in its portfolio, as the spotted model's infotainment system looked similar to the unit found on the lower variants (Delta and Zeta) of the Maruti Baleno, while the gear lever is also identical to that of the Baleno and the Vitara Brezza.

The new Swift will be based on the Baleno's lightweight platform. It is expected to weigh less than the Baleno, owing to its smaller size. In the Indian market, the 2017 Swift is expected to carry on with the existing 1.2-litre K-Series petrol and 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engines.

Source: Ferd - Facebook Page

Maruti Suzuki has launched yet another limited edition of the Swift hatchback. Named the Swift Deca, the new edition is based on the V trim level of both petrol and diesel models i.e., VXi and VDi. The Deca is offered only with two colour options: Bright Red and Pearl White.

On the outside, the limited edition gets additional skirting, a roof spoiler, and various body decals including the number 10 on both the front doors. The ORVMs are painted in a contrasting colour, while the wheels have been blacked out.

On the inside, the car gets a new Sony multimedia touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth and external mic, which is connected to Sony 6" speakers placed on the doors. The limited edition also comes with dual tone (black and red) seat covers, while the steering wheel cover too has been given a similar treatment. Other features include ambient lighting, front arm rest, and floor mats.

There are not mechanical changes made to the Swift Deca. It is offered with the same engine options as the regular Swift - a 1.2-litre K-Series petrol and a 1.3-litre DDiS diesel. Both engines are mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Prices of the Maruti Swift Deca limited edition are:
• Swift Deca VXi - Rs. 5,94,445
• Swift Deca VDi - Rs. 6,86,983

The Maruti Suzuki Swift has received yet another special edition variant, called the Swift DLX. This new edition Swift is targeted at customers who want more features for their money, and are tight on budget. As a result, the Swift DLX will be available only in the base variants, but will offer additional features. The DLX variant comes at a premium of around Rs. 20,000 on the LXI and LDI variants.

Additional features added to the Swift DLX variant include a 2-DIN Sony music system, two front speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, power windows for all four doors, and central locking. Cosmetic changes on the outside include fog lamps, blacked out B-pillar, and body coloured door handles and ORVMs.

There aren’t any mechanical changes in the Swift DLX. As a result, it will continue to be offered with two engine options: a 1.2-litre K-Series petrol which makes 86 BHP and 115 Nm of torque and a 1.3-litre DDiS diesel which churns out 76 BHP and 190 Nm on tap. The transmission duties of both these engines are taken care of by a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Once Maruti's leading brand, the Swift is currently nearing the end of its lifespan. An ageing design, depleting novelty, and fresh stable companions like the Maruti Baleno have resulted in cannibalism of the Swift. With the next-gen Swift still a year away, Maruti appears to be trying to give the Swift's sales a much needed push by introducing such limited editions.

Source: Autocar India

In March 2016, images of the next-generation Suzuki Swift surfaced on the internet and later in the month, a test mule of the car was spotted in Europe. Now the car has been spotted once again - this time in France. According to media reports, the car is expected to be revealed at the Paris Motor Show, which is scheduled to be held in October.

The new Swift will use a new platform and is expected to be around 70 kg lighter than the current model. While the heavy camouflage on the test mule does not allow us to draw many conclusions regarding the design, the leaked images of the car show that new Swift gets a redesigned front end. Changes include a new grille, bumper, bonnet and headlamps. On the sides, the vehicle gets black A and B-pillars, partially blackened C-pillars with the rear door handles mounted on them, ORVMs with integrated turn indicators and redesigned alloy wheels. The rear of the car sees a new pair of tail lamp clusters, a tail gate with and integrated roof spoiler and a redesigned bumper.

On the inside, the Swift is expected to get a new dashboard, a 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a reworked instrument cluster, restyled air-conditioner vents, a touchscreen infotainment system and redesigned switches for the climate control system.

The Swift is expected to be produced at Suzuki's upcoming plant in Gujarat, which is likely to start rolling out vehicles in 2017.

The Maruti Suzuki Swift has reached a cumulative worldwide sales figure of 5 million (50 lakh) units. The car has achieved this milestone in April 2016; 11 years and 5 months since the start of sales in 2004. India accounts for 54% of the 50 lakh units with 27 lakh units of the Swift and Swift Dzire sold so far. Europe and Japan account for 17% and 10% respectively.

Launched in November 2004, the Swift has been produced in various countries including Japan, Hungary, India, China, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam. It is sold in more than 140 countries and regions across the world including emerging as well as developed markets.

In India, the Swift was launched in 2005. It accounts for approximately thirty percent (approximately 4,30,000 units) of Maruti Suzuki's annual sales units in the country. The company has added diesel variants and sedan variants of the car to keep its appeal strong.

Milestones:

• November 2004 - First-generation Swift released and launched in Japan
• February 2005 - Production begins in Hungary
• May 2005 - Production begins in India
• June 2005 - Production begins in China
• May 2007 - Production begins in Malaysia
• June 2008 - Cumulative worldwide production reaches one million units
• November 2009 - Production begins in Pakistan
• September 2010 - Second-generation Swift launched in Japan
• January 2011 - Cumulative worldwide sales reach two million units
• March 2012 - Production begins in Thailand
• January 2013 - Cumulative worldwide sales reach three million units
• January 2014 - Production begins in Vietnam
• August 2014 - Cumulative worldwide sales reach four million units
• April 2016 - Cumulative worldwide sales reach five million units

Earlier this month, images of the new Suzuki Swift were leaked (click here to read report). Now a test mule of the car has been spotted. While the heavy camouflage masks most of design changes on the car, the overall design appears similar to the car in the leaked images.

The pictures had revealed that the new Swift features a redesigned front end with a new grille, bumper, bonnet and headlamps. Viewed from the side, it is apparent that the design elements from the outgoing car have been carried over. The car has a black A-pillar and a partially blackened C-pillar with the rear door handles located on it. At the rear, the car gets new tail lamps, a roof spoiler and a restyled bumper. Other features include ORVMs with integrated turn indicators and redesigned alloy wheels. The test mule however, is seen running on steel wheels.

The interior of the Swift features a new dashboard, 3-spoke steering wheel with thumb contours, a restyled instrument cluster, redesigned AC vents, a touchscreen infotainment system and new switches for the climate control system.

Engine details have not been revealed. It is rumoured that the Swift will get the 1.0-litre turbocharged (Boosterjet) petrol engine that was showcased in the Baleno RS at the 2016 Auto Expo.

Source: Car Scoops

The next-generation Suzuki Swift is on its way. The car will be based on the same platform as the current Baleno and it looks like its images have been leaked from a dealer conference, courtesy Auto Express.

The new car looks rather evolutionary and design elements of the current Swift can be seen in its silhouette. The car's fascia looks like it has taken a feather out of the Jaguar F-Type's hat and features low slung bonnet and a large mesh grille that seems to blend the front grille and air dam together, while the front bumper has been more aggressively styled.

The black A-pillar and partially blackened C-pillar work well to impart the floating roof look, while the rear door handles have been moved near the C-pillar to make the design more seamless. The rear end sports new wraparound tail lights, while the Swift Sport gets a roof spoiler, a sportier wheel design and an aggressively styled bumper.

On the inside, the car features an all-new dashboard, a new 3-spoke steering wheel with thumb contours, new AC vents and a new two-pod instrument cluster. Contrast coloured accents on the dashboard, door panels and centre console can be seen as well. The car also gets a touchscreen infotainment display and new climate control dials.

The next-gen Swift is expected to make its debut in 2017 and Maruti Suzuki will waste no time in getting it to India, which accounts for a lion's share of the Swift's global sales. Engine options remain to be seen, but the 1.0-litre Boosterjet is likely to be the petrol powerplant. The diesel could either be the familiar 1.3-litre, Fiat sourced DDiS 200 or a new engine that Suzuki homogeneously develops, like the DDiS 125 in the Celerio diesel, but in a 4-cylinder layout.

Maruti has announced a price hike across its entire range of cars in India with effect from January 16, 2016. At present, the company has sixteen products on sale in the country, two of which are sold through the NEXA dealership network.

All the cars sold through the Maruti Suzuki showrooms get dearer by Rs. 1,000 - Rs. 4,000. The newest entrant - the Baleno, gets dearer by Rs. 5,000 across all its variants except the Sigma petrol variant, which is now pricier by Rs. 12,000.

Recently, the company corrected the bizarre pricing of the S-Cross. The price of the DDiS 320 was slashed by Rs. 2,05,000 across all trim levels, while that of the DDiS 200 was reduced by 40,000 - Rs. 66,000 depending upon the variant (link to news article).