Urban Driving Experience
It would be misleading to claim that electric vehicles (EVs) are not well-suited for city driving, where I find myself doing most of my commute. They offer a quiet ride, quick acceleration, and a smooth driving experience free from gear changes. Plus, the convenience of recharging while at my desk makes them immensely practical. However, I also recognize that EVs can feel uninspiring and lacking in character, which is an important aspect of driving enjoyment, even during my daily travels.
Thus, when the Maruti Suzuki Swift entered my life following an extended period spent behind the wheel of various EVs, it was a refreshing change that injected some much-needed excitement into my otherwise mundane morning drives. With its petrol engine, manual transmission, and stylish hatchback design, this car makes me ponder how we, as consumers, have veered away from the thrill of traditional engines.
Performance Insights
I launched from a standstill with a fun burst of wheel spin, simply because it’s part of the experience, albeit I held back from an excessive maneuver as I merged into traffic. That’s the charm of driving the Swift; after months of operating one-dimensional EVs and large SUVs, this compact car feels agile, spirited, and eagerly responsive. Though the steering has dulled slightly over time (which is beneficial in heavy traffic), the overall chassis remains impressively tight.
The new Z12 three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine has drawn criticism from many online commenters, but I found it to be much better than its reputation suggests. While it may feel a bit sluggish at lower speeds—an experience I had to endure during my frequent office commutes—you quickly adapt. This performance probably stems from a conservative fuel mapping at low revs that maximizes fuel economy, and it does excel in that regard, consistently delivering near 13 kilometers per liter in stop-and-go conditions.
Driving Experience
Allow the engine to rev, and you’ll find it quite lively. While it may lack some of the smoothness of the previous K12 four-cylinder engine, it compensates with enhanced mid-range power. After a long absence, it’s refreshing to experience the straightforward joy of a reliable petrol engine once again.
Cost-Cutting Drawbacks
However, one area where the Swift is let down is Maruti’s persistent cost-cutting measures, which have detracted from the fun, premium feel intended for this hatchback. While the price tag has certainly risen, some decisions, like opting for a budget automatic transmission, could have been avoided. Minor irritations, like the absence of an auto-dimming rearview mirror, inferior fabric for the roof lining, and just a single faint cabin light in the front, emphasize the low-cost choices that were made, especially noticeable when you consider the lack of backlighting for the switches and USB ports.
Navigation Features
On another note, while the inclusion of turn-by-turn navigation from Google Maps displayed on the Multi-Information Display (MID) is a commendable effort, it completely dominates the screen, preventing visibility of other useful metrics, including the impressive fuel consumption metrics. Unfortunately, it can only be disabled by stopping the navigation entirely.
Final Thoughts
Unlike other vehicles I tend to keep for extended periods, I recognize that my time with the Swift will likely be short-lived. It has become a favorite amongst my colleagues due to its compact size and low maintenance requirements, and it often doubles as a camera car during shoots—a testament to its practicality and charm. Although driving the Swift has been a delightful experience, I will soon be returning to the silence of electric vehicles.
