When you’re looking for a compact car that doesn’t compromise on fun while keeping your wallet happy at fuel stations, the Maruti Suzuki Swift has always been a reliable choice. The 2024 model brings some significant changes under the hood, and we spent considerable time with it to see if these updates translate to real-world benefits for everyday drivers.
What’s Actually New Under the Hood
The most significant change in the 2024 Swift is the introduction of the Z-Series 1.2-liter petrol engine, replacing the older K-Series motor that served the Swift for years. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick – there are genuine improvements that you’ll notice from the moment you start driving.
The new engine produces 90 PS of power and 112 Nm of torque, which might not sound groundbreaking on paper. However, the real magic happens in how this power is delivered. The improved low-end torque means you can accelerate from 20-50 km/h without constantly reaching for the gear lever, making city driving significantly more relaxed.
What really stands out is the refinement. The new engine operates with noticeably less vibration and noise, creating a more pleasant cabin environment whether you’re stuck in traffic or cruising on the highway.
Real-World Fuel Economy That Actually Matters
Let’s talk about what really matters to most Swift buyers – fuel efficiency. In mixed driving conditions that include both city traffic and highway stretches, the 2024 Swift consistently delivers around 24-25 km/l. This isn’t the theoretical ARAI figure that manufacturers love to quote – this is what you can realistically expect.
Highway driving is where the Swift truly shines. With a steady driving style and moderate throttle inputs, achieving 26 km/l or even slightly better isn’t unusual. City driving, predictably, brings the numbers down to around 18-20 km/l, but that’s still impressive for a petrol engine in stop-and-go traffic.
The 37-liter fuel tank means you’re looking at a practical range of approximately 800 kilometers on a full tank during mixed driving. For most people, this translates to filling up perhaps twice a month, depending on their daily commute.
Driving Experience: Still Fun, Now More Refined
The Swift has always been known for being enjoyable to drive, and the 2024 model maintains this character while adding a layer of sophistication. The steering remains light and responsive, making parking in tight spots and navigating through crowded streets effortless.
The suspension setup continues to strike a good balance between comfort and handling. City potholes are absorbed without jarring passengers, while the car remains stable and predictable on winding roads. The updated steering calibration provides better feedback, making the overall driving experience more engaging.
What impressed us most was how the new engine’s characteristics complement the Swift’s nimble nature. The smoother power delivery and reduced NVH levels mean you can enjoy the car’s agility without the harshness that sometimes accompanied the older engine.
Interior Updates That Make Sense
The 2024 Swift’s cabin feels more contemporary thanks to a dual-tone dashboard design and improved material quality. The standout feature is the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – a convenience that eliminates cable clutter and makes connecting your phone genuinely effortless.
Practical features like push-button start, cruise control, and voice commands are now available, bringing the Swift up to current expectations. Safety hasn’t been overlooked either, with dual airbags standard across all variants, along with ABS with EBD and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
While you won’t find premium features like a sunroof or panoramic camera system, the overall package feels well-considered for its price segment.
Value Proposition: Still Strong
Positioned in the 6-9 lakh rupee price range, the Swift continues to offer compelling value. The improvements in refinement, fuel efficiency, and features justify the investment, especially if you’re coming from an older generation Swift or considering alternatives in this segment.
The new Z-Series engine addresses the main areas where the previous Swift could have been better – noise, vibration, and fuel efficiency – without compromising the fun-to-drive character that made it popular in the first place.
Who Should Consider the 2024 Swift
This updated Swift makes most sense for buyers who prioritize daily usability over outright performance. If your driving mostly involves city commutes with occasional highway trips, and you value fuel efficiency without wanting to sacrifice driving enjoyment, the Swift ticks all the right boxes.
First-time car buyers will appreciate the light controls and easy maneuverability, while experienced drivers will enjoy the refined driving experience and improved NVH levels.
The Bottom Line
The 2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift represents a thoughtful evolution rather than a revolutionary change. The Z-Series engine upgrade brings genuine improvements in areas that matter most to everyday drivers – fuel efficiency, refinement, and drivability.
While it may not set your pulse racing with raw power, it delivers exactly what most compact car buyers are looking for: a reliable, efficient, and enjoyable daily driver that won’t break the bank either at purchase or at the fuel pump.
For anyone in the market for a compact car that balances practicality with a hint of driving pleasure, the 2024 Swift deserves serious consideration. The improvements are real, meaningful, and make an already good car noticeably better.
