Untouchable

It's Seen and Done It All, and Now It's Back for More. Move Aside for the New Maruti Suzuki Swift

- Raunak Ajinkya

It’s so rare to have a car that does extremely well in a market in almost every sense. That’s been the story of the Maruti Suzuki Swift in India. It’s now in generation three, and while the jump from the first generation to the second was mild, this new one, to be launched at the Auto Expo this month, is a much bigger jump. A revolution? Not really, but it comes pretty close, I’d say.

Does it still manage that crucial balance of being very good at almost everything? Well, yes and no. One thing at a time: I love the way it looks. You can make your mind up about it, but the stand-out bits, for me, are as follows: the front is a bit familiar now thanks to the amount the Dzire sells, so that’s probably not the best thing about it, but it’s still one heck of a looker, so it’s a highlight. The alloys are re-done and get some lovely detailing, and I think that’s a big plus. They’re 15-inchers and look great, but 16s and a wider profile would have done it wonders. The tail-lamps are works of art, but only in the day. At night it looks like any old lamp cluster. Still, though. Lovely work. What I didn’t appreciate is how the rear door handles have been moved to the C-pillar. It looks great on the move, but it takes time getting used to, and it feels pretty awkward while getting in.