2021 Maruti Suzuki Swift: Which variant to buy?

The Maruti Suzuki Swift was given quite a significant upgrade at the end of February, which increased prices by up to Rs 24,000, depending on the variant. A new nose and chin are the prominent changes outside, along with dual-tone colour options for the top-spec trim. There are some new features inside too. However, the highlight of the Swift facelift is the new 90hp, 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine, which is about 2kpl more frugal than the outgoing 83hp unit. As before, three of the seven variants get an AMT automatic gearbox. From the total of nine versions, here’s which one you should buy.

• Maruti Suzuki Swift priced between Rs 5.73-8.41 lakh
• AMT option worth the extra Rs 50,000 for urban commutes
• Mid-spec Swift VXI budget pick of the range
• Buy the higher-spec Swift ZXI for the best value

2021 Maruti Swift: AMT or manual?

Priced Rs 50,000 higher than their manual counterparts, the Swift AMTs are worth the premium for the convenience they add in the city. The 5-speed AMT unit is one of the smoother of its kind and comes with a manual mode and creep function too.

2021 Maruti Swift LXI: Gets the basics

The entry point to the Swift range, the LXI (Rs 5.73 lakh), comes with a manual gearbox only and basic safety kit, though there are barely any creature comforts or tech. Standard kit includes dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, 14-inch steel wheels, a manual AC, tilt-adjustable steering, manually adjustable wing mirrors, a digital MID and a front 12V charging socket. However, a point to note is that from among the Swift and its rivals (the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Ford Figo), the Maruti is the only hatchback that comes with ISOFIX child seat mounts.

2021 Maruti Swift VXI: The budget pick

The Swift VXI (Rs 6.36 lakh) costs about Rs 63,000 more than the LXI, but looks better thanks to the full wheel covers and ORVM-mounted indicators and gets much more in terms of features. Remote central locking, speed sensing door locks, day-night inside rear-view mirror, sun visors, a tachometer, a rear parcel shelf, power windows with driver side auto down, power adjustable wing mirrors, adjustable front headrests and driver seat height adjust are the additional features on offer for the premium. With this facelift, Maruti has also updated the audio system – which comes with USB, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity and four speakers – on the Swift VXI. You do really get your money’s worth with this variant.

The VXI gets an AMT gearbox option (Rs 6.86 lakh) which adds safety kit such as ESP and hill-start assist.

2021 Maruti Swift ZXI: Most value for your money

With features such as fog lamps, a rear defogger and wiper, 15-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering, keyless entry and go, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, auto climate control, power folding ORVMs and 60:40 split folding rear seats, the Swift ZXI (Rs 6.99-7.49 lakh) costs just Rs 63,000 more than the VXI, regardless of the gearbox option picked. This makes it excellent value for money.

2021 Maruti Swift ZXI+: Expensive for what’s on offer

The top-spec Swift ZXI+ (Rs 7.77-8.27 lakh) adds features such as a rear camera, LED DRLs, auto LED headlamps, auto folding wing mirrors, a colour multi-info display and cruise control. These upgrades make the ZXI+ Rs 78,000 dearer than the ZXI, and the dual-tone colour options for the exterior add another Rs 14,000.

Therefore, if price is no object, the Maruti Swift ZXI is our pick of the range as it offers more for the money than the top-spec ZXI+ trim.

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