Ever since Maruti Suzuki launched the Swift in 2005, it broke the hatchback segment’s utilitarian image and added a sporty flair that this class seriously lacked. Since then, Swift has managed to rule the roost being a driver-oriented car that boasts a youthful design. Not sitting on its past laurels, India’s most successful automobile manufacturer has given the third-generation Swift a minor facelift. Is the 2021 Swift all about a nip-and-tuck job or is there a lot more to it than that? Let’s find out.

Engine:

We will get into the design and cabin tweaks a bit later as the biggest update Swift has received is a new, more powerful petrol engine. In terms of capacity, the new powertrain remains 1.2-litre, but the new Dualjet motor gets two injectors in each cylinder instead of one. Due to this, the new 1.2-litre engine churns out 89 bhp roughly 6 bhp more than the older one. This is the same engine that also powers the Dzire. On paper, the torque output remains the same at 113 Nm but it’s much better distributed, resulting in an improved and balanced response.

Step on the pedal, and it accelerates smoothly. Two things that you’ll notice is the lack of mechanical vibrations from the engine and, more importantly, Maruti has negated the turbo lag, ensuring that the power delivery is effortless. This makes the driving experience enjoyable. The Swift doesn’t fire up the afterburners from the word go, but the low-end torque offers a linear hassle-free pickup. Things start getting more interesting in the mid-range power band, where the power surge can be felt from around 4,000 rpm and easily goes beyond the 6,000 rpm mark. In terms of refinement, even when the powertrain is pushed, it remains and feels stress-free.

Another new addition to the Swift is the start/stop system, which shuts off the engine if it’s idling for a long span. This helps in improving the fuel economy and Maruti Suzuki claims that the Swift manual returns a mileage of 23.30 kmpl while 23.76 kmpl in the AMT (automatic) trim, increasing the figures by 2 kmpl.

Driving experience:

The Swift continues to be mated with a 5-speed manual transmission and 5-speed AMT. We drove the former trim and the gear stick slots in easily. The steering wheel, on the other hand, feels a bit too light and lacks the feedback one would have liked. Practically speaking, the featherweight steering does make it easy to drive in the city or park the car in tight spots, but it doesn’t compliment Swift’s handling prowess. The hatchback tames sharp corners like a hot knife through butter while remaining planted to the tarmac. The Heartect platform makes the hatch light and agile and continues to offer a go-kart-like experience.

The ride quality is slightly on the firm side though it manages to insulate the bumps and undulations on the road. But it’s best to slow down once it encounters potholes.

Exterior and cabin tweaks:

From the outside, the Swift remains more or less the same apart from the new honeycomb or mesh front grille with a smart looking chrome strip running across it and sporting the Suzuki logo. Apart from that, the 2021 Swift now gets three dual-tone colour options — white with black roof, red with black roof and blue with white roof.

The cabin, on the other hand, does come with some new upgrades and the first thing that will catch your attention is the new 7-inch touchscreen, or as Maruti calls it,

SmartPlay Studio. With colours like orange, blue, green and yellow on the display, it’s brighter than the previous version and easier to read. The touchscreen is responsive and it supports Apple CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto. Moving on to the instrument cluster, Swift gets a new colour multi-information display (MID) placed between the speedometer and the rev meter. The MID was initially launched in Maruti’s Nexa range. Then there’s great news for those who drive long distance, especially on highways regularly. Keeping convenience in mind, the Swift now comes with Cruise Control and also gets automatic folding outside rearview mirrors.

The Swift isn’t the biggest hatchback in its segment; therefore, this translates into limited space for the rear passengers. Compared to its competition, Swift’s cabin plastic quality is fairly average and it lacks some features like a wireless phone charger, rear AC vents or connected technology. Even though it may be showing its age, the car is fully loaded with safety features like twin airbags, reverse parking sensors, Anti-Lock Braking System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution with brake assist and Electronic Stability Program with Hill Hold Assist, which is standard in AGS or AMT variants.

Verdict:

The 2021 Swift, no doubt, remains very popular among young buyers and continues to offer a fun driving experience. It comes with basic features, but the ace in the pack for the Swift is its new 1.2-litre engine, which offers more power and better fuel economy. But priced from INR 573,000 to INR 841,000, ex-showroom Delhi, the Swift is expensive when compared to its competition, especially when others are offering top-end diesel trims at the same price. Of course, one can’t deny that it’s still backed by the country’s most comprehensive service network. The Swift remains a force to reckon with. (MT)

State Bank of India (SBI) has entered into a strategic partnership with Uber to offer low-cost, tailored financing solutions as well as hassle-free loan disbursement to Uber’s fleet partners.

Both new and current Uber fleet partners will benefit from the partnership, which will enable them to easily grow their businesses and support the continued expansion of the ride-hailing sector in India. Easy loan disbursement will be made possible by the integration, assisting fleets in maintaining peak performance. The partnership guarantees that fleet partners can effectively manage their money and grow their businesses more quickly by utilising SBI's vast financial services network and Uber's technologies.

Vinay M Tonse, MD (Retail Business & Operations), SBI, said, “At SBI, we are committed to offering innovative financial products that support businesses across India. Our partnership with Uber highlights our focus on providing tailored solutions to a diverse set of customers. By offering affordable financing solutions to Uber fleet partners, we are helping to fuel the growth of the ridesharing sector while also ensuring that fleet owners have access to the capital they need to succeed.”

Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India & South Asia, said, “This partnership reinforces Uber’s commitment to its fleet partners and aligns with our vision of fostering growth in India’s ride sharing ecosystem. By providing affordable loans through SBI’s customised offerings, we aim to create an enabling environment that provides fleet partners with the tools they need to scale effectively and contribute to the overall development of the industry.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has attained a new wholesales milestone for its Innoa HyCross SUV.

Launched in November 2022, the Innova HyCross has crossed 100,000 unit sales milestone in India. The Innova HyCross is powered by the 5^th Generation self-charging strong hybrid electric system and comes with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and an e-drive sequential shift delivering 137 kW (186 PS) of power.

The hybrid system the company claims enables the Innova HyCross to operate 60 percent of the time in electric (EV) mode. The 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with a direct shift CVT in select variants, delivers 129 kW (174 PS) of power.

Sabari Manohar, Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We are thrilled to share that the Innova HyCross has achieved milestone of 100,000 units. Heartfelt thanks to our customers for their trust and support as we continue to drive unparalleled mobility experiences. The hybrid technology option in the Innova HyCross continues to impress customers with its exceptional performance and remarkable mileage. Beyond efficiency, the HyCross strikes an ideal balance of space and luxury, making it a practical choice tailored to a family’s diverse needs. Its superior handling, unparalleled comfort, and top-notch safety features further amplify its appeal. Combined with Toyota’s trusted service standards, the Innova HyCross delivers a holistic ownership experience that resonates deeply with its growing base of satisfied customers.”

AstaGuru will showcase some of the world’s most coveted vintage and classic cars at its upcoming ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction, which will take place from 20 to 22 November 2024.

The auction will offer an exclusive collection of rare and meticulously curated vintage cars, providing a unique opportunity for collectors and automotive enthusiasts to acquire iconic pieces of automotive history.

The auction will feature an impressive lineup of vehicles, including a 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Limousine, a 1946 Singer Nine Roadster, a 1946 Bentley Mark VI, a 1947 Lincoln Continental V12 Convertible and a 1948 Jaguar Mark IV, among others. These stunning machines, each a testament to the engineering marvels of their era, promise to transport bidders back in time, celebrating the golden age of motoring.

A Growing Market in India

AstaGuru’s Vintage and Classic Car Specialist, Muzammil Kazi, shared his insights on the evolution of the vintage car market in India. “We did our first auction in 2018, and it was a surprising success,” Kazi noted. “At the time, these cars weren’t available online or marketed in the way they are now. You’d have to go to a dealer or connect with a seller directly, which made it hard to find these rare cars. But our first auction was a hit, with all lots selling successfully.”

The vintage car market in India, according to Kazi, is far from saturated. “The market is 100 percent growing. These cars were imported to India in limited quantities, and you wouldn’t find brands like Ford or General Motors here in the same way as abroad. Cars like the Fiat, Ambassador, or old Maruti SS80 were more common, but the rare vintage gems we are showcasing today are difficult to find.”

Kazi also emphasised that the scarcity of such cars means the market still has significant potential for growth. “The cars we have on display today are curated from various collectors across India, and it’s very rare to see them come together in one auction,” he explained.

Safeguarding Online Bidders

AstaGuru’s online auction platform also ensures that bidders are fully protected throughout the process. “We have a strong set of terms and conditions for the cars we sell,” Kazi explained. “We only auction cars with up-to-date paperwork and in proper running condition. Once a car is sold, we ensure the buyer receives it only after the seller submits a No Objection Certificate (NOC), making the transaction smooth and secure.”

Record-Breaking Bids

The auction has seen some impressive bids in the past. Kazi highlighted one of the highest bids to date: a Mercedes-Benz 111 230S, which was estimated at INR 2.1 million but eventually sold for INR 6.8 million. Another standout was a Rolls-Royce, which had an estimated value of INR 7-8 million but sold for a remarkable INR 18 million.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

For classic car enthusiasts and connoisseurs, the ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction represents an unmissable opportunity to acquire some of the rarest and most beautifully restored vehicles in the world. With its rich history and pedigree, each car in the auction is a testament to the artistry and engineering excellence that defined its era. Whether a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of vintage automobiles, this event promises a truly memorable experience for all involved.

As the vintage car market continues to grow in India, AstaGuru is setting the stage for an exciting future for collectors and car lovers alike. The ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction is expected to draw attention from around the world, offering a rare chance to own a piece of automotive history.

Tata Motors-owned British luxury car brand Jaguar has unveiled its new brand identity, which it says recaptures an ethos to Copy Nothing that traces its roots back to the words of its founder, Sir William Lyons. 

The new identify is based on Exuberant Modernism, a creative philosophy, which the company says underpins all aspects of the new Jaguar brand world. 

Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, Jaguar, said, “Jaguar has its roots in originality. Sir William Lyons, our founder, believed that ‘A Jaguar should be a copy of nothing’. Our vision for Jaguar today is informed by this philosophy.  New Jaguar is a brand built around Exuberant Modernism. It is imaginative, bold and artistic at every touchpoint. It is unique and fearless. This is a reimagining that recaptures the essence of Jaguar, returning it to the values that once made it so loved, but making it relevant for a contemporary audience. We are creating Jaguar for the future, restoring its status as a brand that enriches the lives of our clients and the Jaguar community.”

The four symbols of change – Device Mark, Strikethrough, Exuberant Colours and Makers Marks - each representing the future design philosophy for the luxury carmaker.

Device Mark celebrates modernism through the geometric form, symmetry and simplicity.

Strikethrough sees the linear graphic generate a unique presence and an immediately recognisable visual for Jaguar.

The Exuberant use of colours marks a cornerstone of Jaguar’s new brand identity.

Makers Mark consists of the newly reimagined Jaguar ‘leaper’, which the luxury brand said is part of its mark of provenance. 

On 2 December 2024, Jaguar will present its first global public installation under its new brand philosophy at the Miami Art Week.

Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar, said, “To bring back such a globally renowned brand we had to be fearless. Jaguar was always at its best when challenging convention. That ethos is seen in our new brand identity today and will be further revealed over the coming months. This is a complete reset. Jaguar is transformed to reclaim its originality and inspire a new generation. I am excited for the world to finally see Jaguar.”