Maruti Suzuki upgrades Swift DLX; plans 7 new models by 2019

Maruti Suzuki Ltd has launched an upgraded version of its high selling Swift DLX, with airbag, priced at Rs4.8 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The upgraded Maruti Suzuki Swift DLX edition comes fitted with a driver's airbag.

The Swift will continue to carry other features that were available on the previous DLX edition. The features include a music system with Bluetooth, USB and speakers, power windows for all doors, central locking, and blacked-out pillars.

The Maruti Swift DLX is powered by the 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It produces 84.3 PS and 114 Nm of torque. Maruti claims the car can average a fuel economy of 20.4 km/L.

Preparations are on for the introduction of more special editions of Swift twins this year as Maruti prepares to bring in the next generation Swift Dzire and Swift.

Maruti Suzuki also plans to upgrade its entire level cars. Over the next two years, it will introduce new models or upgrade the current lot of vehicles.

The next generation Maruti Suzuki Alto is expected to arrive in 2018 and is expected to be a major update as the model, which will be almost 20 years old. The Alto range (both 800 and K10) will move to the Ignis platform but retain the same core values that have defined the model range since it was introduced to India in 1983.

It is also likely that Maruti Suzuki introduces a vehicle with the crossover design features across all parts of the market where it has a presence. This vehicle could be the Alto Cross and with sport design traits similar to the Renault Kwid. This includes tall wheels, high ground clearance and crossover design. Expect engines and features from the next generation Alto.

The Swift will undergo a generational change and so will its compact sedan sibling the Dzire. It will sport the new Swift's design philosophy, engines, underpinnings and even the feature list. However, given the premium that sedans hold over hatchbacks, it is likely that it gets a few more features at the back like the rear AC vents, adjustable head rests and an arm rest with cup holders.

Maruti Suzuki's Wagon R too underwent a generational change in Japan. There is a revised design, features, safety options for this sixth-generation tallboy but it retains the familiar shape that has defined the range since 1993. India will get the revised design and feature list but retain the same engine and underpinnings as the current car.

The Ciaz, the first major success that Maruti Suzuki has made in the C-segment, will also see some mid-life update. This, most importantly, will fit the car with the 1.6-litre DDiS 320 engine from the S-Cross and most probably with an updated feature list.

The flagship crossover S-Cross after stumbling for more than a year has finally selling over 1,000 units a month. By the middle of next year, Maruti Susuki is likely to introduce the facelifted S-Cross that was shown for the European market in 2016. It is possible that this model will also be offered with a petrol engine which in this case will be a slightly more powerful version of the 1.4-litre K-Series engine found in the Ertiga and Ciaz.