The facelift model of Maruti Suzuki Swift, which is likely to get its market notes next year, has been spotted testing overseas. In the international market, the model is sold under the name Suzuki Swift and its heavily camouflaged test mule was spotted testing alongside its current-generation on foreign roads recently.
Not much was evident in terms of the overall changes as the test mule was completely disguised and heavily wrapped to not let out any important details on new design and list of equipment. However, one thing that was very apparent is the new position of rear door handles on test mule. Rather than being mounted on the C-pillar (as is the case with the current-generation Swift), the facelifted version seems to have these handles coming back to their original positions, i.e., below the window lines.
It is definitely a welcome change as pillars-mounted door handles not only eat into the luxury aspect of the car but also feel very flimsy and unconvincing to use. It is a good move on the part of the company to bring them back to their original position in the interest of both luxury and practicality. In addition, expect the new version to come with a new set of headlamps and tail lamps along with revised bumpers and perhaps a set of new alloys.
The changes on the equipment list are also likely to manifest in the new version. The company will equip the facelift version more thoroughly in order to compete effectively against its challengers who continue to boast about the long list of features and equipment they have added to their cars. However, there won’t be any change in the 1.2-litre K12C Dualjet petrol engine which has won many accolades for delivering the optimum combination of power, performance, and fuel efficiency. The company is likely to carry it forward although the possibility of some minor tweaks to further elevate its appeal can’t be dismissed completely. Capable of putting out 90PS and 113 Nm, the engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and automatic gearboxes.
It is not clear whether the new generation Swift will come to Indian shores in 2023 though speculations are rife that our market will get a slice of facelifted Swift in the next year itself when it will make its global debut.
