The Maruti Suzuki Swift has been one of the most popular hatchbacks in Nepal. Even today, it's the Swift which outsells its competitors by quite a margin. The third-generation of the car is all set to make its way into Nepal. The new Swift was recently launched in India and the car comes in whooping 12 variants. In Nepal, however, we can expect 6 of the petrol variants to be in offer. So, how's the all-new Suzuki Swift 2018? Let's find out!
The interiors and the exteriors of the 3rd gen Swift is where you will find the most changes. In fact, the car is based on the new fifth-generation Heartect platform used on the new Dzire and the Baleno. Thanks to the new chassis, the car is 40kg lighter than its predecessor yet stronger. What's unchanged is what lies under the hood. The new Swift gets the same old 1.2L K12 petrol engine and the same old 1.3L Fiat sourced Multi-Jet diesel engine powering more than 5 cars in the Suzuki lineup.
The Swift is available in 4 variants and there's something for everyone. Here's a quick look at the specs of the 3rd Generation Suzuki Swift:
| Features | Suzuki Swift LXI | Suzuki Swift VXI | Suzuki Swift ZXI | Suzuki Swift ZXI+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 1197 CC | 1197 CC | 1197 CC | 1197 CC |
| Option of Automatic Gearbox | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Reverse Camera and Sensor | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags | 2 Airbag with ABS+EBD | 2 Airbag with ABS+EBD | 2 Airbag with ABS+EBD | 2 Airbag with ABS+EBD |
| Wheel | 14-inch Steel Wheels | 14-inch Steel Wheels | 15-inch Alloy Wheels | 15-inch Diaond-cut Alloy Wheels |
| Infotainment System | Basic | With Bluetooth Controls | With Bluetooth Controls | 7-inch Touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and Navigation |
| Automatic Climate Control | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Projector Headlamps | No | No | No | Yes |
| Keyless Entry | No | No | No | Yes |
| Price | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
In Nepal, like it has been with the first and second generation of Swift, the petrol variant of the car is what is going to be the best seller. And it's understandable why. The petrol variant of the car will be a lot cheaper and paying a premium for the diesel engine doesn't make much sense in Nepal.
The mileage of the new Swift is yet to be known but we can definitely expect more kilometer to the liter. The car is lighter and more aerodynamic. The company hasn't given exact numbers but confirms that the Swift will have the best mileage in its class.
The Swift is powered by a 1.2L K12 Petrol engine that develops 82 bhp power and 113Nm of torque. And since the car is lighter than before, the 0-100km/h time is certainly going to be better. Swift has always been a driver's car thanks to the excellent handling and excellent steering and the new car is no different. If anything, the new Swift will be agiler and performs better around the corner. Sadly though, the ground clearance of the car has been reduced from 170mm of the second generation to 163mm on the third generation.
The new Swift will be positioned in between the Ignis and the Baleno and will be priced accordingly. We can expect the Swift to hit the Nepalese roads in a months time or so. You can follow Suzuki Nepal Facebook page for more info about the car.