Swift VXi Opt CNG

Are you in the market for a new car in India? If so, you're likely juggling a few key questions: How much will it cost to buy? Is it safe for my family? What about monthly running costs and maintenance? Does it come with the latest features? And, of course, how reliable is the company's service network? These are crucial considerations for every smart Indian car buyer. Well, what if there was a car that aimed to tick most of these boxes, especially for those looking for a perfect balance of economy and daily usability? Enter the new Maruti Suzuki Swift VXi Opt CNG – a car that's creating quite a buzz. Let's dive deep into what makes this particular variant of India's favourite hatchback a compelling choice.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The new Swift comes with Maruti Suzuki's brand-new Z12E, a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. The VXi Opt CNG variant specifically offers dual-fuel capability:

• In Petrol Mode: It produces a peppy 82 PS (60 kW) of power and 112 Nm of torque.
• In CNG Mode: To enhance fuel efficiency, the engine delivers 71.6 PS (52.7 kW) of power and 95 Nm of torque.
• Transmission: The CNG variant is exclusively paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
• Fuel Efficiency: Maruti Suzuki claims an impressive mileage of 30.90 km/kg for the CNG variant, making it incredibly light on your wallet for daily commutes.

Design Overview

The new Swift has received a significant design refresh, making it look even more modern and sportier than before.

• Exterior: The VXi Opt variant features a revised front grille, sleek headlamps (halogen with integrated turn indicators), and a sculpted bonnet. The side profile retains the Swift's signature floating roof design, while the rear gets new C-shaped LED tail lamps and a redesigned bumper. While it might not get alloy wheels in this trim, the overall stance is confident and appealing, perfectly suiting urban environments.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a refreshed dual-tone cabin with a more horizontally laid-out dashboard. The instrument cluster is clean and easy to read. The seats are comfortable and offer decent support for city drives and short highway trips. The quality of materials feels a notch up, making the cabin a pleasant place to be.

Key Features of Swift VXi Opt CNG

While the VXi Opt is an mid-range variant, it comes equipped with essential features for a comfortable and convenient drive:

• Basic audio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity
• Steering-mounted audio and calling controls
• Manual air conditioning
• All four power windows
• Electrically adjustable Outside Rear-view Mirrors (ORVMs)
• Central locking and keyless entry
• Rear parking sensors
• Dual-tone interior scheme

Please note that features like a larger infotainment screen, automatic climate control, a sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging are typically reserved for higher-end ZXi and ZXi+ variants.

Ground Clearance of Maruti Suzuki Swift

The new Swift offers a ground clearance of approximately 163 mm. This is adequate for tackling most Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and minor undulations, without too much worry.

Boot Space of Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG

The petrol variant of the new Swift offers a decent boot space of 265 litres. However, in the CNG variant, the space is significantly reduced due to the placement of the CNG cylinder. You can expect around 100-150 litres of usable boot space, which might be sufficient for a couple of soft bags or smaller luggage items. This is a common trade-off for the lower running costs of a CNG car.

Dimensions of Maruti Suzuki Swift

• Length: Approximately 3860 mm
• Width: Approximately 1735 mm

Height: Approximately 1520 mmWheelbase: Approximately 2450 mm

Powertrain Options

The 2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift is available with the new Z12E engine offering two powertrain choices:

• 1.2L Z12E Petrol: Available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).

1.2L Z12E CNG: Available exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki has significantly upped its safety game with the new Swift. The VXi Opt CNG, like all other variants, comes with a commendable list of standard safety features:

• 6 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, Side and Curtain) - Standard across all variants
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) - Standard across all variants
• Hill Hold Assist (HHA) - Standard across all variants
• Rear parking sensors
• Seatbelt reminders for all occupants

NCAP Rating Table

When it comes to safety ratings, it's important to differentiate between generations.

The *previous generation* Maruti Suzuki Swift (sold in India) received a 1-star rating for adult occupant protection in Global NCAP crash tests.

However, the *new 2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift* has not yet been crash-tested by either Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP. It's crucial to note that the new Swift comes with significantly enhanced standard safety features, including 6 airbags and ESP across all variants. These additions are expected to contribute to a much better safety rating once it undergoes testing. We eagerly await its official crash test results.

Rivals of Swift VXi Opt CNG

The Maruti Suzuki Swift VXi Opt CNG competes in a highly competitive segment. Its primary rivals include:

• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG
• Tata Tiago CNG
• Maruti Suzuki WagonR CNG (internal competition, but a strong alternative)
• Maruti Suzuki Celerio CNG (another internal rival)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Exceptional Fuel Efficiency: The 30.90 km/kg mileage makes it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class, leading to substantial savings.

Lower Running Costs: CNG is significantly cheaper than petrol, resulting in very low daily running expenses for urban commuters.Maruti's Reliable Service Network: With the widest service network across India, maintenance is convenient, affordable, and trustworthy.Improved Safety Features: Standard 6 airbags, ESP, and Hill Hold Assist are massive upgrades, enhancing passenger safety significantly.Refined Z12E Engine: The new engine feels smoother and more responsive, offering a pleasant driving experience in both city and highway conditions.Spacious Cabin: Despite its compact exterior, the Swift offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for four adults, making it comfortable for daily use.Excellent Resale Value: Maruti Suzuki cars consistently command strong resale values, and the Swift is no exception, assuring good returns on your investment.

Cons

• Reduced Boot Space in CNG Variant: The CNG cylinder significantly eats into the boot space, limiting luggage carrying capacity.

Limited Features in VXi Opt Trim: While practical, it misses out on some premium features like a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, or a reverse camera which are available in higher variants.Performance Drop in CNG Mode: While adequate for city driving, you will notice a slight dip in power and torque when running on CNG compared to petrol.Price Premium for CNG: CNG variants typically come with a higher ex-showroom price compared to their petrol counterparts.Waiting for New NCAP Rating: While safety features are improved, the absence of an official NCAP rating for the new model might keep some buyers waiting.

Conclusion

The new Maruti Suzuki Swift VXi Opt CNG emerges as a highly compelling package for prospective car buyers in India, especially those prioritising economical running costs without compromising on essential safety. With its fresh design, a refined new engine, and a significantly boosted standard safety kit (6 airbags, ESP), the Swift VXi Opt CNG addresses many of the modern buyer's concerns. While the boot space reduction and the absence of some premium features in this trim are considerations, its unparalleled fuel efficiency, Maruti's trusted service, and strong resale value make it an incredibly sensible and value-for-money choice. If you're a daily commuter, a first-time car buyer, or someone looking to keep their monthly fuel bills in check, the Swift VXi Opt CNG deserves a serious look. It's a car that truly understands the pulse of the Indian automotive market.