Maruti Swift Review: Latest Price, Mileage, Engine Performance, Safety Rating, Features & Complete Specifications

Few cars hold the cultural significance in India that the Maruti Suzuki Swift does. Since its debut, the Swift has defined the sporty, fun-to-drive, yet affordable hatchback segment. Now, in its 4th generation (launched in 2024/2025), the Swift faces its toughest competition yet, particularly from feature-rich rivals and increasing demand for higher safety standards.

Maruti Suzuki has responded to these challenges not just with a facelift, but with a ground-up rework that targets the two core pillars of the Indian car buyer: fuel efficiency and safety. The new Swift is not merely an evolution; it’s a strategic reinvention featuring a completely new engine—the highly anticipated 1.2-litre Z-Series (Z12E) petrol motor—and a significant uplift in standard safety equipment, including 6 airbags across all variants.

This comprehensive 2025 review dives deep into how these changes translate to real-world performance. We’ll cover the latest pricing structure, analyze the revolutionary mileage claims, test the dynamics of the new 3-cylinder engine, assess its controversial safety rating, and detail every feature that makes the new Swift a compelling—and essential—choice for the modern Indian family.

Latest Price in India & Variant Strategy

Maruti Suzuki has slightly repositioned the new Swift with an expected price hike over the outgoing K-Series model, reflecting the added safety features (6 airbags) and the introduction of the new Z-Series engine. The pricing remains competitive and strategically placed to dominate the A2 segment.

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The most significant takeaway is the inclusion of 6 Airbags as standard starting from the base LXi model, justifying the higher entry price compared to previous generations. The AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) variant, offered from the VXi trim onwards, remains a crucial and popular choice for city commuters.

Mileage and Fuel Efficiency: The Z-Series Revolution

The biggest technical change in the 2025 Maruti Swift is the adoption of the new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Z-Series (Z12E) petrol engine. This move from the four-cylinder K-Series has been made entirely in the pursuit of thermal efficiency and lower running costs.

The Numbers Game

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• Why the 3-Cylinder? The 3-cylinder configuration, combined with advanced thermal management and the Idle Start/Stop (ISS) feature, significantly reduces frictional losses and improves efficiency, especially in heavy start-stop city traffic. The resulting 25.75 kmpl (AMT) figure cements the Swift as a segment leader in fuel efficiency.
• The CNG Advantage: The factory-fitted S-CNG option, which offers over 32 km/kg, provides the lowest running cost of any car in the segment, catering directly to high-mileage users and fleet operators.

Engine Performance: Refinement Over Raw Power

The new Z12E engine generates slightly different figures compared to its K-Series predecessor, prioritizing drivability and efficiency.

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Driving Dynamics Analysis

1. City Drivability: This is where the new engine shines. The torque delivery is smooth and linear, making the Swift feel peppy and highly manageable in low-speed city crawling. The power loss from the 4-cylinder to the 3-cylinder layout is barely noticeable in everyday driving, thanks to excellent tuning.
2. Highway Performance: On the highway, the Z12E is adequately powered for cruising, but the typical 3-cylinder thrum becomes noticeable at high RPMs. Overtakes require more planning and dropping a gear or two in the manual version. The overall drive remains stable, with the lightweight HEARTECT platform providing agile handling that the Swift is famous for.
3. AMT Performance: The 5-speed AMT (Auto Gear Shift) is significantly improved. While the head-nod associated with AMTs is still present under hard acceleration, the gear shifts are much smoother and faster than before, making it an ideal, clutch-free solution for the city driver.

Read more : Maruti Fronx 

Safety Rating and Features: Addressing the Criticism

Safety has historically been a point of contention for Maruti Suzuki cars in the Indian market. With the 4th generation Swift, the company has made a bold statement by standardizing crucial passive safety features.

The Safety Package

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The Global NCAP Verdict

While the new-generation Swift has been structurally updated, its safety rating has been subject to debate. The earlier Swift platform received a poor rating. The newer model, if tested under the stricter Global NCAP (GNCAP) or Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) protocols (especially with the new 6-airbag setup), is expected to perform significantly better than its predecessors.

• Note: At the time of this review, while the new 2025 Swift has significantly upgraded safety hardware, an official BNCAP or updated GNCAP rating for the India-spec 6-airbag model is highly anticipated but not yet universally confirmed to be 4 or 5 Stars. Buyers should verify the final rating, but the standard 6 airbags offer a massive step-up in passive safety compared to its 2-airbag rivals.

Features and Cabin Comfort: Tech-Upgraded Interior

The interior of the new Swift sees a substantial upgrade, borrowing features from premium Maruti models like the Baleno and Fronx.

Key Feature Highlights (ZXi and ZXi+ Variants)

• Infotainment: 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen system with Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. The screen is crisp, responsive, and includes ARKAMYS Tuned Speakers for a better audio experience.
• Connectivity: Suzuki Connect telematics suite for remote lock/unlock, vehicle tracking, and alerts.
• Convenience: Automatic Climate Control, Cruise Control (ZXi+ only), Push-Button Start/Stop, Tilt Steering adjustment, and electrically adjustable/foldable ORVMs.
• Interior Design: The dual-tone soft-touch dashboard and new instrument cluster design give the cabin a much-needed premium feel, despite some reliance on hard plastics.

Space and Practicality

The Swift is still a compact hatchback, and space, particularly in the rear, is adequate but not class-leading.

• Boot Space: The 265 Litres of boot space is decent for city use and weekend luggage.
• Seating Comfort: The front seats are supportive. Rear-seat comfort is acceptable for two adults, but three passengers will find it a squeeze. The 3860 mm length and 2450 mm wheelbase keep it agile for city traffic and parking.

Complete Technical Specifications

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Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

The Swift’s Strengths (Pros)

• Segment-Best Mileage: The 25.75 kmpl ARAI figure is unmatched, offering industry-leading fuel efficiency.
• Standard Safety: 6 Airbags across all variants is a landmark move and a major selling point.
• Agile Handling: The lightweight platform and excellent suspension tuning retain the Swift’s ‘fun-to-drive’ character.
• Reliability & Network: Unbeatable resale value, low maintenance costs, and Maruti’s extensive service network.
• Feature Loaded Top-End: The ZXi+ variant is competitive with the best-in-class features like the 9-inch screen and Cruise Control.

Areas for Improvement (Cons)

• 3-Cylinder Thrum: Noise and vibration at higher RPMs are noticeable compared to the older 4-cylinder K-Series motor.
• AMT vs. CVT: While improved, the AMT still provides a jerky experience compared to a proper CVT or Torque Converter in some rivals.
• Rear Space: Rear seat shoulder room and under-thigh support can be limiting for taller passengers.
• Safety Perception: Despite the 6 airbags, the lack of an officially high BNCAP/GNCAP score (at the time of review) for the new model may still be a psychological deterrent for some buyers.

Final Verdict: The Undisputed City Car King

The Maruti Suzuki Swift 2025 succeeds because it addresses its most glaring issues while amplifying its biggest strengths. It maintains its iconic sporty appeal but packages it with revolutionary fuel efficiency and a non-negotiable step-up in safety hardware.

By standardizing 6 airbags and introducing the hyper-efficient Z-Series engine, the Swift has future-proofed itself against both regulatory changes and market demands for lower running costs. It is the ideal choice for:

1. The City Commuter: Who needs the best automatic mileage and excellent compact handling.
2. The First-Time Buyer: Who prioritizes low maintenance and guaranteed resale value.
3. The Safety-Conscious: Who can now buy a Swift knowing it has 6 passive restraint systems as standard.

The new Swift is not just a car; it’s a statement that the king of the Indian hatchback segment has returned, more frugal, safer, and still as much fun to drive as ever

Would you like to see a head-to-head comparison table between the Maruti Swift ZXi+ and its main rival, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Asta, focusing on engine specs and key features?