Maruti Suzuki Swift 2025: When the first Maruti Suzuki Swift rolled into India back in 2005, I remember the excitement it generated among my car-enthusiast friends. Fast forward twenty years, and I’ve owned two different Swift generations myself—testament to how this peppy hatchback has become a familiar fixture on Indian roads. Having just spent a week test driving the all-new 2025 Swift, I can confidently say this latest iteration doesn’t just build on its legacy; it substantially reimagines it while keeping the Swift’s playful spirit intact.
The 2025 Swift represents the most significant redesign in the model’s history, and after putting it through its paces on city streets, highways, and even some winding ghat roads during my recent trip to Lonavala, I’m ready to share my complete impressions of this eagerly anticipated hatchback.
Design Evolution: Familiar Yet Forward-Looking
The moment I laid eyes on the 2025 Swift in the showroom, I was struck by how Maruti Suzuki has managed to retain the car’s distinctive silhouette while giving it a thoroughly modern makeover. The front fascia now features a wider, more aggressive grille with a honeycomb pattern that gives the car a sportier stance. LED projector headlamps with distinctive L-shaped DRLs flank the grille, creating a sharp, contemporary look that turned heads during my evening drives through Mumbai.
What particularly impressed me was the new floating roof design with blacked-out A and B-pillars, creating a continuous glass area that not only looks premium but actually improves visibility while driving. The rear end maintains the Swift’s characteristic rounded haunches but now incorporates sleeker, wraparound LED taillights that extend into the quarter panels.
The 2025 Swift comes in seven color options, including the new Aurora Blue (my test car’s color) and Velocity Copper, both of which showcase the car’s redesigned body lines particularly well. During a coffee stop in Bandra, I noticed several passersby admiringly checking out the Swift’s refreshed aesthetics—a testament to how successfully this redesign walks the line between familiar and fresh.
Performance: New Heart, Same Soul
Under the hood, the 2025 Swift houses the new Z12E 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that replaces the outgoing K-series motor. Having driven previous Swift generations extensively, I was initially skeptical about this change, but my concerns quickly evaporated once I got behind the wheel.
The new powerplant generates 82PS of power and 112Nm of torque—figures that might seem modest on paper but translate to spirited performance in real-world driving. During my highway runs on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the car felt remarkably responsive, with the turbocharger kicking in smoothly around 1,800rpm to provide a satisfying surge of acceleration for overtaking maneuvers.
Maruti offers two transmission options: a 5-speed manual and the improved AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) that they’ve branded ‘Auto Gear Shift’. I spent most of my test week with the manual variant and found the gearbox to be typically Swift—precise and slick with short throws that make city driving a joy rather than a chore. The clutch is light enough that my left leg didn’t complain even after being stuck in Mumbai’s notorious traffic for over an hour.
Fuel efficiency has always been a Swift strong point, and the 2025 model continues this tradition with an ARAI-certified figure of 25.1 km/l for the manual variant and 24.5 km/l for the AMT. During my mixed driving cycle that included city crawls, highway cruising, and some enthusiastic hill driving, I consistently achieved 21.3 km/l—impressive considering my rather heavy right foot.
Interior: A Digital Leap Forward
Stepping inside the 2025 Swift reveals perhaps the most dramatic upgrades. The cabin has been completely redesigned with a focus on digital integration and improved materials. The centerpiece is a new 9-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system that’s leagues ahead of previous Swift iterations in terms of responsiveness and visual clarity.
What I particularly appreciated during my week with the car was the thoughtfully designed interface that puts frequently used functions within easy reach. The wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity worked flawlessly during my test—a welcome improvement over the sometimes finicky wired connections in older models.
The driver now faces a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that can be customized to display different information layouts. While navigating through unfamiliar parts of Pune, I found the turn-by-turn navigation display in the instrument panel particularly useful as it kept my eyes closer to the road.
Seat comfort has seen noticeable improvement, with better bolstering that I appreciated during spirited driving on twisty roads. The new fabric upholstery in my ZXi+ test vehicle featured an attractive geometric pattern that adds visual interest without looking busy. During a four-hour drive, I emerged without the lower back fatigue I’d sometimes experience in the previous generation—a welcome improvement for someone who regularly takes longer road trips.
Rear seat space, traditionally a Swift weakness, has been marginally improved. At 5’10″, I could sit behind my own driving position with adequate knee room, though three adults in the back would still be a squeeze for anything beyond short trips. The boot capacity has increased slightly to 268 liters, which comfortably swallowed two medium-sized suitcases and a backpack during my weekend getaway.
Technology and Features: No Longer Just the Basics
The 2025 Swift marks Maruti’s recognition that modern buyers expect advanced technology even in compact hatchbacks. The top-spec ZXi+ variant I tested came equipped with features that would have been unimaginable in a Swift just a few years ago.
The new SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system now includes built-in voice commands that actually work consistently—unlike some competing systems that struggle with Indian accents. During my test week, I regularly used voice commands to set destinations, change music, and even adjust the climate control without taking my hands off the wheel.
Other notable tech additions include:
- Wireless smartphone charging pad (which didn’t overheat my phone even during GPS navigation)
- 360-degree camera system that proved invaluable when parking in tight Mumbai spots
- Connected car technology with over 40 features accessible via smartphone app
- Automatic climate control with rear AC vents (a first for Swift)
I particularly appreciated the new over-the-air update capability for the infotainment system. During my test week, the system actually received an update that added new functionality to the voice command system—a reassuring indication that the car will continue to improve even after purchase.
Safety: Finally a Priority
Safety has historically been a concern with Indian-market hatchbacks, so I’m pleased to report that the 2025 Swift makes significant strides in this department. The car is built on Maruti’s HEARTECT platform with increased use of high-tensile steel that should improve crash protection.
Standard safety features across all variants now include:
- Six airbags (a welcome standardization ahead of upcoming regulations)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Hill Hold Assist
- ABS with EBD
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
Higher variants add features like:
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Vehicle Stability Control
- Driver Attention Monitoring
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
During an emergency braking situation when a motorcycle suddenly cut across my path near Dadar, I found the brakes to be reassuringly responsive with good pedal feel. The standard ESP also kept things composed during some spirited driving in the rain-slicked roads near Khandala—conditions that might have induced some nervousness in previous Swift generations.
Driving Dynamics: The Swift DNA Preserved
The Swift has always been one of the most enjoyable hatchbacks to drive, and I’m happy to report that the 2025 model maintains this character while adding refinement. The steering is electrically assisted but offers progressive weighting that gives you a good sense of what the front wheels are doing.
Body roll is well-controlled when pushing through corners, and the suspension strikes a well-judged balance between comfort and handling. During my drive through the pothole-ridden streets of suburban Mumbai, the Swift absorbed imperfections without the crashiness that sometimes plagued earlier models.
Highway stability has noticeably improved, with the car feeling planted at speeds well above the legal limit (tested briefly on a closed section, of course). Wind and road noise are better suppressed than before, though not quite at the level of some European competitors—a fair trade-off considering the price point.
Variants and Pricing (August 2025)
The 2025 Swift is available in four primary variants:
- LXi: ₹6.49 lakh
- VXi: ₹7.30 lakh
- ZXi: ₹8.15 lakh
- ZXi+: ₹9.25 lakh
- Luxury z-black look fight with verna
AMT transmission commands a ₹50,000 premium across all variants except the base LXi, which comes only with a manual gearbox.
Having experienced both the ZXi and ZXi+ variants, I’d recommend the ZXi for most buyers as it offers the best balance of features and value. The additional features in the ZXi+ (mainly the 360-degree camera, wireless charger, and leather-wrapped steering wheel) are nice to have but not essential to the Swift experience.
Current Discount Offers (August 2025)
Maruti dealers are currently offering several attractive promotions on the 2025 Swift:
Cash Discounts:
- Up to ₹25,000 on select variants (highest on ZXi manual)
- Additional ₹10,000 for corporate customers
Exchange Bonuses:
- ₹20,000 exchange bonus when trading in any old car
- Extra ₹15,000 loyalty bonus for existing Maruti customers
Financing Deals:
- 7.25% interest rate through Maruti Suzuki Financial Services
- No-cost EMI options for 3 months on select bank credit cards
- Zero down payment schemes at participating dealers
Special Edition Package:
- “Swift Glam” special edition package with exterior styling elements and interior enhancements available at ₹25,000 over standard variants
During my showroom visit in Worli, I found the sales executives particularly willing to negotiate on the mid-spec variants, with potential for discounts beyond the advertised offers—especially if you’re trading in an older Maruti vehicle.
How Does It Compare?
The 2025 Swift faces competition from several quarters, including the Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS, Tata Altroz, and even Maruti’s own Baleno. Having driven all these competitors recently, here’s how the Swift stacks up:
Against the Grand i10 NIOS, the Swift offers more engaging driving dynamics and better fuel efficiency, though the Hyundai still has a slight edge in interior premium feel.
The Tata Altroz boasts a 5-star safety rating and more substantial road presence, but can’t match the Swift’s performance or fuel economy.
Compared to its sibling, the Baleno, the Swift is more fun to drive and now matches it for features, though the Baleno still offers more rear seat and boot space.
For my money, the Swift remains the driver’s choice in the segment, now with fewer compromises on features and comfort than ever before.
Final Thoughts: The Swift Legacy Continues
After a week and over 500 kilometers with the 2025 Swift, I’m convinced that Maruti Suzuki has successfully evolved their bestseller for a new generation while preserving the essential character that has made it so popular. The improvements in technology, safety, and refinement address most of the criticisms leveled at previous models, while the driving experience remains enjoyably Swift-like.
Is it perfect? No. The rear seat space is still tight for taller passengers, and some interior plastics in lower areas don’t match the quality found elsewhere in the cabin. Road noise at highway speeds could be better suppressed, and the AMT, while improved, still doesn’t shift as smoothly as conventional automatics or DCTs found in some competitors.
But these minor quibbles fade into insignificance when you consider the complete package and its value proposition. For those seeking a compact hatchback that delivers driving enjoyment, modern features, and the peace of mind that comes with Maruti’s widespread service network, the 2025 Swift makes a compelling case.
Having owned two previous Swifts myself, I’d happily add this new generation to my driveway—perhaps the highest praise I can offer as both a critic and a longtime enthusiast of the model. The 2025 Swift doesn’t just continue its legacy; it elevates it to new heights.