Maruti Suzuki at the Auto Expo 2020 showcased the Japan-spec Swift Hybrid at their pavilion with a total of 17 models from the brand’s line-up as well. Maruti Suzuki in India already has the mild-hybrid technology, but the Swift Hybrid is more advanced than SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki).
Under the hood of the Japanese-spec Swift Hybrid showcased at the Auto Expo is a 1,242cc 4-cylinder petrol engine that makes 92 HP of power and 118 Nm of torque paired to a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) with paddle shift. But there is another source that powers the front wheels of the car. The Swift Hybrid also has a 10kW (13.4 HP / 30 Nm) electric motor which not only provides torque-assist to the petrol motor but can also fully power the car at slow speeds over short distances. Together, the petrol engine and the electric motor can return a fuel economy of 32 kmpl according to the Japanese test cycle (JC08).
The Swift Hybrid SL looks exactly like the latest generation Swift except for a ‘Hybrid’ badge. On the exterior, the current generation swift features a large grille, LED projector headlamps with black inserts, LED daytime running lamps, rounded fog lights integrated into the bumper, turn indicators on the ORVM, LED combination tail lamp, high mounted LED stop light, machine-finished alloy wheels etc.
On the inside, it gets remote keyless entry system, engine push Start-Stop button with smart key, leather-wrapped steering wheel, SmartPlay infotainment system with navigation, voice command and integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, steering mounted controls, automatic headlamps etc.
In terms of safety, the Swift comes with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, pedestrian protection compliance, seatbelt reminder and buzzer on both driver and co-driver, ISOFIX with child seat anchorage system, reverse parking sensors, Overspeed warning etc.
At present Maruti Suzuki is gauging customer feedback for the Swift Hybrid but we think for the growing metropolitan traffic it could be the ideal candidate for India but the Swift Hybrid is currently not on the books for our country.
