Maruti Suzuki Swift Crosses 3 Million Sales Mark: What Makes It So Popular?

Maruti Suzuki Swift is one of the most popular hatchbacks in its segment. It has been in the market since 2005, and since then, we have seen four generations of the Swift. India’s favorite premium hatchback has now achieved an extraordinary milestone of 3 million sales in India.

Commenting on the momentous occasion, Mr. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “The Swift has been more than just a car to the millions who have owned it – it has been a symbol of fun, freedom, and exhilaration. With each new generation, the Swift has continued to raise the bar, offering cutting-edge technology, contemporary style, and that unmistakable ‘Swift DNA,’ which continues to captivate customers. This accomplishment fills us with immense gratitude, and we are thankful to all Swift owners across the country.”

The Maruti Suzuki Swift got a design inspired by the legendary Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle. It was ahead of its time when it initially launched in 2005. When the first generation launched, it disrupted the market with its looks and features. Maruti managed to achieve the 1 million sales milestone in 2013. After this, the 2 million sales mark came in 2018, and finally, with the launch of the current generation Swift, Maruti achieved the 3 million sales mark in June.

First-Gen Swift

The first-gen Swift was launched in 2005. It was a fun-to-drive hatchback that did not compromise fuel efficiency and comfort. The first-gen Swift was available with both petrol and diesel engine options. There was a 1.2-liter petrol engine, a 1.3-liter G13BB petrol engine, and a 1.3-liter diesel engine on offer. It was available with a manual transmission only in India.

Second-Gen Swift

The second-generation Swift was an evolution from the first one, with a more modern look, a spacious cabin, and additional features. It came powered by a 1.2-liter VVT petrol engine (K12B) developing 91 bhp of power. Just like the first generation, the Swift was available with both petrol and diesel engine options and came with a manual gearbox only.

Third-Gen Swift

With this generation, we saw a complete change in terms of design. It was built on the HEARTECT platform and offered more space than the previous generation. It was initially offered with both 1.2-liter petrol and 1.3-liter diesel engine options. However, due to BS6 norms, Maruti discontinued the diesel engine with this hatchback. The 1.2-liter engine was BS6 compliant, and toward the end of its life cycle, Maruti even introduced the K12N DualJet petrol engine with the hatchback. The Swift was available with 5-speed manual and AMT gearbox options in India.

Fourth-Gen Swift

The current generation Swift once again gets a design that is an evolution from the last-gen. It is only available with a petrol engine. Maruti is offering a brand new 1.2-liter (Z12 E), three-cylinder engine that generates 82 PS and 112 Nm of peak torque. The hatchback gets premium looks and features and is available with a manual and AMT gearbox option.

Why is Swift so Popular?

Styling: When it was launched in the market, it came with a never-seen-before design. It attracted many young buyers because of its design. The design itself made the car extremely popular. It also comes with a decent list of features and a fairly spacious cabin.

Modification potential & Fun to Drive: It was a hatchback suitable for Indian conditions. It was easy to drive through busy roads and park on congested streets. From a performance perspective, the previous generation Swift hatchbacks were fun to drive. There are several tastefully modified Maruti Swift hatchbacks too.

Fuel Efficient: One thing that made the Swift popular among family buyers is its fuel efficiency. It was not only a fun-to-drive car but also fuel-efficient. Both petrol and diesel engines offered with the Swift were known for their fuel efficiency. These engines were extremely refined to offer a better driving experience. Even a CNG fuel option is available with the Swift.

Refined & Reliable: Maruti Suzuki Swift comes with a refined petrol engine. These cars are extremely reliable (be it petrol or diesel). We have seen several Swift hatchbacks that have done over a lakh km without any major issue.

Resale Value: Being a Maruti, the Swift holds its value well and fetches the customer a good price when they are in the market to sell it.

Maruti’s Service Network: Maruti’s wide service and dealership network also helped ensure that the Swift reaches customers even in the most remote parts of the country.

Featured Image : Cyrus Dhabar