Maruti Suzuki Swift Hybrid Spotted Testing Completely Undisguised: Coming Soon?
The country’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, launched the fourth-generation Swift earlier in May of this year. At the time, it was believed that the company could bring the same hybrid version being sold in the international markets. However, as always, Maruti Suzuki disappointed everyone and introduced the naturally aspirated Swift without any hybrid assist. Now, as a surprise to everyone, the company has recently been testing the internationally sold hybrid Swift in India, and a test mule was seen on the road for the first time.
Maruti Suzuki Swift Hybrid Test Mule Spotted
A fully uncovered Maruti Suzuki Swift hybrid was recently spotted testing in Bangalore, Karnataka. It was noted that the company has not even attempted to disguise it as the standard model by removing the hybrid badge on the tailgate. Now you may be wondering why the company is testing this model on Indian roads.
Well, speculations are that Maruti Suzuki is planning to add the Swift hybrid to its lineup in India. It is also believed that the company is using this vehicle to further fine-tune its ADAS system, which it will be offering on its top-of-the-line upcoming electric SUV, the e-Vitara.
For those who may not be aware, the Swift hybrid sold in international markets like Japan and Europe is offered with ADAS. It comes with features such as adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlight control, lane keep assist, and road sign recognition.
Other features of the Swift hybrid include a blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, start notification sound, 360-degree camera system, and functions that reduce engine output while starting the vehicle to prevent collisions caused by gear shift errors.
How is the International Swift Hybrid Different from the Indian Swift?
If Maruti does actually decide to launch the Swift hybrid in India, it will be very exciting for Indian buyers who already love the Swift. This is because, apart from ADAS, the Swift hybrid also has a number of other differences. The main highlight is the hybrid powertrain.
The Swift sold in Japan and Europe comes equipped with a 1.2-litre Z12E three-cylinder petrol engine, which also gets a 12V mild hybrid system. When compared to the Indian version, the Swift hybrid makes 2 bhp more. The Indian Swift makes 80 bhp of power and 112 Nm of torque.
Apart from this, the international hybrid model also comes equipped with a CVT gearbox. On the other hand, the Indian model comes equipped with a 5-speed AMT gearbox. Both models share the 5-speed manual gearbox. Additionally, the Swift hybrid also comes with an AllGrip AWD system.
Does it Make Sense to Bring the Swift Hybrid to India?
Presently, the Swift is one of Maruti Suzuki’s best-selling hatchbacks, and the new Swift hybrid will help the company boost its sales in India. What will also help the Swift hybrid make a better case for itself in India is that it offers a mileage of 24.5 km/l, which is more than the 23.4 km/l offered by the standard model.
The only thing that Maruti Suzuki will need to take care of is pricing. Presently, the Swift in India starts at Rs 6.49 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 9.59 lakh. If the Swift hybrid is launched in India, we can expect it to get a slight price bump.