Maruti Swift ZXi Plus AMT

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You think about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, what it will cost to maintain every month, all the latest features, and of course, the reliability of the company's service network. Well, if you're looking for a car that promises to tick most of these boxes, then you've probably heard the buzz about the new Maruti Swift. Today, we're diving deep into the top-spec Maruti Swift ZXi Plus AMT, a car that aims to be the perfect blend of style, convenience, and value for the modern Indian car buyer. Let's find out if it lives up to the hype.

Main Highlights:

Engine Specifications:

The new Maruti Swift comes with a brand-new Z-series engine.

• Engine Type: 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine (Z12E)
• Power Output: 82 PS (80.4 bhp)
• Torque Output: 112 Nm
• Gearbox: 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)

Design Overview:

• Exterior: The 2024 Swift keeps its iconic silhouette but gets a fresh, more aggressive look. You'll notice the sleeker headlights, a redesigned front grille with piano black finish, and updated LED DRLs. The alloy wheels are new and give it a sportier stance. At the rear, the C-pillar mounted door handle is gone, replaced by a conventional one, and the tail lights are also new, giving it a modern and premium feel. It's still undeniably a Swift, but a much sharper one.
• Interior: Step inside, and the cabin feels more upmarket than before. The dashboard design is clean and modern, with a new floating infotainment screen taking centre stage. Quality of materials has improved, and the dual-tone theme (black and white or black and grey, depending on variant) makes it feel airy. The steering wheel is flat-bottomed and feels good to hold, and overall ergonomics are well thought out for daily use.

Key Features:

The ZXi Plus AMT variant is loaded with tech and comfort.

• 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Arkamys Surround Sense premium sound system
• Wireless phone charging
• Rear AC vents
• Automatic climate control
• Push Start/Stop button
• Keyless entry
• Electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs
• LED projector headlamps
• LED front fog lamps
• Cruise control
• Steering-mounted controls
• Rear wiper and washer

What is the Ground Clearance of:

The Maruti Swift offers a practical ground clearance of 163 mm, which is suitable for Indian road conditions.

What is the Boot Space of:

The boot space is a respectable 265 litres, enough for your weekly groceries or a couple of suitcases for a weekend trip.

What is the Dimensions of:

• Length: 3860 mm
• Width: 1735 mm
• Height: 1500 mm
• Wheelbase: 2450 mm

Powertrain Options:

The new Swift is available with the new 1.2-litre Z12E petrol engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). Our focus today, the ZXi Plus, comes with the AMT for convenient city driving.

Safety Features:

Maruti Suzuki has significantly upped the safety game with the new Swift.

• 6 Airbags (Standard across all variants)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Hill Hold Assist
• Rear parking sensors
• 3-point seatbelts for all five passengers
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Reverse parking camera (360-degree camera for ZXi Plus variant)

NCAP Rating Table:

Rivals of Maruti Swift ZXi Plus AMT:

The Maruti Swift competes in a very crowded and competitive segment. Its main rivals include:

• Hyundai i20
• Tata Punch (while a micro-SUV, it's a strong competitor for similar buyer profiles)
• Maruti Baleno (from its own stable)
• Citroen C3
• Renault Kwid

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons):

Pros:

• Fuel Efficiency: The new 3-cylinder engine is designed for excellent mileage, a huge plus for Indian buyers.
• Convenience of AMT: The AMT makes city driving effortless, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
• Feature-Loaded: The ZXi Plus variant offers premium features like wireless charging, 9-inch touchscreen, and 360-degree camera.
• Improved Safety: Standard 6 airbags and ESP across all variants provide much-needed peace of mind.
• Fresh Design: The updated exterior and interior look modern and appealing.
• Maruti's Network: Extensive service network and affordable spare parts are a big advantage.
• Peppy Performance: The new engine offers decent performance for city commutes and occasional highway runs.

Cons:

• AMT Jerkiness: While improved, AMTs can still exhibit some jerkiness at lower speeds compared to a conventional automatic.
• No Sunroof: Many rivals now offer a sunroof, which the Swift misses out on, even in the top variant.
• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, it's not the most spacious in its class, especially for three adults in the back.
• NVH Levels: Being a 3-cylinder engine, some vibrations and engine noise might be noticeable at higher RPMs.
• NCAP Rating Pending: While safety features are improved, an official NCAP rating is still awaited, which some buyers might find concerning.

Conclusion:

The new Maruti Swift ZXi Plus AMT presents a very compelling package for prospective car buyers. It addresses many of the concerns that Indian customers have, from its significantly enhanced safety features and modern design to its loaded tech cabin and the undeniable convenience of an AMT. While it has a couple of minor shortcomings, its strengths in fuel efficiency, ease of driving, and Maruti Suzuki's strong reputation for reliability and service make it a formidable contender. If you're in the market for a stylish, feature-rich, and practical hatchback that's a joy to drive in the city, the new Swift ZXi Plus AMT should definitely be on your test drive list. It's a clear step up for the iconic hatchback, ready to continue its legacy on Indian roads.