Maruti Suzuki Swift completes 20 years in India

The Maruti Suzuki Swift, which first debuted in India in May 2005, has completed 20 years of being on sale in the country. Upon its arrival, the Swift was a game-changer, giving consumers a fun-to-drive hatchback that was both peppy and practical. Attaining a cult-like following almost immediately, the Swift quickly established itself as a favourite among India’s young and spirited drivers.

The Maruti Suzuki Swift was a game-changer when it first debuted in India in May 2005

Maruti Suzuki Swift generations

The first-gen Maruti Suzuki Swift introduced in 2005 was powered by the 1.3-litre petrol engine from the Maruti Suzuki Esteem. This engine was loved to rev and enthusiasts loved its eager and peppy nature. It was mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox with short throws and that made driving the Swift a joy. The robust and reliable nature of that 1.3-litre petrol engine also made it perfect for tuners to slab turbos on it. This 1.3-litre engine was replaced by the 1.2-litre K-Series engine in 2010, when the stricter BS IV emission norms kicked in. You did get a turbocharged Swift from the factory though – the Swift diesel, which got a 1.3-litre diesel engine that was sourced from Fiat. The Swift diesel was available from 2007 onwards and it was a huge hit with customers seeking fuel economy without compromising on the fun to drive experience.

The second-gen Swift (on the left) was introduced in 2011 with updated styling that was an evolution of the original Swift (on the right)

The second-gen Swift was introduced in 2011 with updated styling that was an evolution of the original Swift. It continued to get both the 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engines. The petrol engine also got variable valve timing with the second generation of the Swift, and the interiors received a significant upgrade, with styling cues from the Maruti Suzuki Kizashi, and a lot more equipment such as sound system with Bluetooth and a start/stop button.

The third generation Swift was based on the HEARTECT platform

In 2018, the third-gen Swift was introduced and it received a more comprehensive styling update on the outside as well as the inside. This is also the generation where the Swift moved to the HEARTECT platform and this platform was lighter. The Swift continued to be offered with the choice of a 1.2-litre petrol or a 1.3-litre diesel engine, with both engines being offered with the option of an AMT. In our review of the third-gen Swift, we said that apart from the Ford Figo S (now discontinued), the Swift continued to be the hatchback that was the nicest to drive at the time.

The current-gen Swift is powered by the 1.2-litre Z-Series, 3-cylinder petrol engine

The fourth and current-gen Swift was launched in 2024, sporting updated styling and a new 1.2-litre Z-Series, 3-cylinder petrol engine (as opposed to the earlier 4-cylinder engines) that produces 82bhp of power and 112Nm of torque. The 1.3-litre diesel engine was discontinued with this generation. With each passing generation of the Swift, the hatchback has continued to maintain its fun-to-drive dynamics, while offering more space and equipment. As for the current Swift, it continues to enjoy its status as one of the best-selling hatchbacks in the country.

Commenting on the occasion, Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer, marketing and sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “The Swift is an icon in its own right. Celebrated by over 3 million customers in India alone, the Swift is an expression of fun and freedom. The Swift has set new benchmarks over the years with every new model, improving on the inherent ‘fun-to-drive’ DNA.” He added that, “This ever so special nature of the Swift has ensured that nearly one out of every four Swift owners come back to buy another Swift. Today, it enjoys an admirable 31% market share in its segment, contributing to over 10% of MSIL sales. On this special 20-year anniversary, we would like to thank all our customers for their unwavering love for brand Swift.”