Suzuki Swift Sport: Is India Ready?

With the new Suzuki Swift all set to take the Indian market by storm next year, is India finally ready for the sportier Swift Sport?

By Cyrus Dhabhar

1 mins read

Published on August 25, 2016

Highlights

Maruti Suzuki Swift is one of the most popular cars in India
Maruti never considered bringing in the powerful Swift Sport to India
The Swift Sport will get the 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine with over 140bhp

The Maruti Suzuki Swift is one of the most popular cars in India and for good reasons. In just over a decade of its presence here, Maruti has sold lakhs of the dependable and relatively stylish family hatchback in both petrol and diesel guise. The Swift though not only appeals to the sensible buyer but also to the younger individual who wants something slightly sporty. With its popularity, the Swift has become one of the most favoured 'tuner' cars in India with thousands of modification options available for both mechanical and visual upgrades. Sadly, despite there being a niche audience, Maruti Suzuki has never considered bringing in the faster and more powerful Swift Sport to India. Suzuki Swift Sport Front That said, Indian customers, especially those living in metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, etc have definitely matured to the level of accepting a slightly more expensive product if it offers something unique. Currently, we do get cars like the Abarth Punto Evo which is essentially the faster version of the Fiat Punto Evo making a staggering 145bhp of peak power. Sadly, it hasn't really seen any decent sales as Fiat's dealer and service network isn't as widespread. On the other hand, cars like the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI has done well despite its high cost as it offers a lot more power than the standard car and more importantly, the DSG automatic transmission. Suzuki Swift Sport Side Profile Maruti could easily tap into this market with the Swift Sport. Although personally, we would prefer the two-door version, the four-door would be the more practical and sensible choice to bring to India. The Swift Sport will also benefit immensely from Maruti's widespread dealer network and service support for a hassle free ownership experience would be an important motivator for quite a few prospective owners. Suzuki Swift Sport Rear The next generation Swift is expected to continue to get the 1.2-litre petrol and the 1.3-litre diesel engines. The Swift Sport, on the other hand, has been recently spied undergoing testing internationally and is all set to get the 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine with over 140bhp. India could possibly end up with the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine that is about to be launched in the Baleno. That said, considering the fact that Maruti Suzuki did take a bold move and launch the 1.6-lire diesel engine in the S-Cross, the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol can't be ruled out either as it will also do duty in the larger Grand Vitara when launched. If the Swift Sport does make it to India, expect prices to be about Rs. 10-11 lakh price point. Of course, it will have additional features like sportier bumpers, a louder exhaust and a set of large 16-inch wheels to distinguish it from the standard car. We most certainly think India is ready for the Swift Sport. Leave your comments down below if you agree or disagree. Image Source: Motor1