The Maruti Suzuki Swift has long held its place as the darling of Indian car buyers, and with the 2024 iteration, it seems the hatchback is keen on keeping that crown. To get an honest pulse of the market, we spoke to real owners of the Swift 2024 to understand how it delivers on the promises of design, performance, comfort, and value. Here’s what they had to say.
A Stylish Evolution
The Swift 2024 has undergone a thoughtful facelift while holding on to its sporty DNA. The bold front grille, sleek LED headlamps, and dynamic lines have turned heads, especially in urban spaces. Owners love how the car stands out in tight parking spots and crowded streets.
Rohan, a 27-year-old professional from Pune, shared:
“The new Swift looks sharper and more aggressive. It feels premium for its price.”
However, not everyone is on the same page. Rajesh, a long-time Swift loyalist, felt the design was a bit polarizing:
“It’s sporty, but I think the older Swift had a cleaner design. Some people might find the new styling a bit too loud.”
Upgraded Interiors: Hits and Misses
Step inside the Swift, and you’re greeted by a modernized cabin that feels inspired by the Baleno. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a clear hit among owners. Many praised the tech integration, calling it a game-changer for connectivity.
Ankita, a tech-savvy driver from Delhi, appreciated the upgrades:
“I love the touchscreen and smartphone connectivity. It’s quick, intuitive, and works flawlessly.”
But rear-seat comfort remains a weak spot. Amit, who frequently uses his Swift for family trips, pointed out:
“The front seats are great, but the rear seat gets uncomfortable on long journeys. Legroom is fine, but cushioning could be better.”
Similarly, some owners were divided on the cabin quality. While most found the materials satisfactory for the price, a few felt Maruti could have done more to enhance the premium feel.
Performance: Lively for the City, Adequate for the Highway
Under the hood, the new 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine delivers 82 PS and 112 Nm of torque. This engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or AMT, is tuned for urban drives.
Owners were particularly happy with the manual transmission, calling it smooth and fun.
Shivam, a 30-year-old Swift owner in Mumbai, highlighted the car’s practicality:
“For city driving, the Swift is unbeatable. The engine is responsive, and the manual gearbox is a joy. I’m getting great mileage too.”
However, some enthusiasts who expected a more thrilling experience were slightly underwhelmed. Shankar from Bengaluru said:
“It’s good for daily use, but I miss the punch of the older four-cylinder engine. It feels a bit toned down.”
On highways, owners reported that while the car is stable and nimble, high-speed overtakes require a little planning.
Ride, Handling, and Space: Balance with Trade-offs
One of the strongest points of the Swift has always been its sharp handling, and the 2024 model doesn’t disappoint. Owners were quick to praise its agility, making it perfect for urban chaos.
Simran, a Swift owner from Jaipur, shared:
“The steering feels precise, and the car is super nimble. It’s a joy to drive in traffic.”
The ride quality, however, remains a mixed bag. While front-seat passengers enjoy decent comfort, rear-seat occupants felt the jolts over rough roads more prominently.
Regarding space, the 265-liter boot is adequate for short trips, though some owners struggled with larger luggage.
“The boot is fine for daily errands, but on long trips, I wish it was a bit bigger,” said Arun from Chennai.
Fuel Efficiency: The Real Winner
One of the standout features of the Swift remains its fuel efficiency. The claimed figures of 24.8 km/l for manual variants and up to 25.75 km/l for AMT have been validated by many owners.
Priya, a daily commuter in Ahmedabad, noted:
“I’m easily getting around 23-24 km/l in real-world driving. It’s light on the pocket and perfect for my daily commute.”
Owners of the CNG variant also praised its efficiency (up to 32.85 km/kg), calling it a boon for budget-conscious buyers.
Value for Money: Expectations vs Reality
Priced between ₹6.49 lakh and ₹9.59 lakh (ex-showroom), the Swift remains a compelling choice in its segment. Many owners believe the price-to-feature ratio hits the sweet spot, especially when compared to rivals like the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Tata Tiago.
That said, there were some gaps between expectations and reality:
• Performance: Enthusiasts hoped for a more powerful engine.
• Interior Quality: A few felt the cabin materials could have been more premium.
• Rear Comfort: Long drives highlighted the lack of rear-seat cushioning.
Despite these minor complaints, owners largely agree that the Swift continues to deliver where it matters most—fuel efficiency, design, and practicality.
Final Word: The Swift Charm Lives On
The Maruti Suzuki Swift 2024 retains its title as the go-to hatchback for Indian buyers. With its sporty design, improved tech features, and unbeatable fuel economy, the Swift ticks most boxes for urban families and young drivers alike.
While there are areas where Maruti could push the envelope further—such as rear-seat comfort and engine punch—the overall owner sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. The Swift 2024 proves that sometimes, evolution is better than revolution.
As Priya summed it up perfectly: “It’s stylish, efficient, and practical. That’s all I need from my car.”