If you’re someone who loves the Swift for its punchy drive and sporty looks, then the Swift Sport is probably your dream version of this car. It’s everything the regular Swift is, but more aggressive, more powerful, and way more fun to drive.
In many international markets, the Swift Sport has already made a name for itself. It’s quick, lightweight, and sharp around corners. It carries that classic hot hatch energy. Sadly, Indian car lovers are still waiting for Maruti to bring it here officially.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Maruti Swift Sport so exciting and why there’s so much buzz around it.
A Proper Turbo Engine Under the Hood
The most exciting thing about the Swift Sport is its engine. Unlike the regular Swift in India which gets a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine, the Sport variant comes with a 1.4-litre turbocharged BoosterJet engine in global markets.
This engine produces around 140 to 150 PS of power and roughly 230 to 240 Nm of torque. That’s a big jump from the standard Swift, which has only about 90 PS and 113 Nm torque.
This extra power makes the car feel alive. It pulls hard in every gear, and overtaking on highways becomes a breeze. You get that surge of power when you put your foot down, which is something performance lovers truly enjoy.
Manual Gearbox and Quick Shifts
The Swift Sport comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It’s not just any gearbox. The shifts are short and crisp. Each gear change feels precise. For people who enjoy the feel of old-school driving, this setup is pure fun.
There’s also a 6-speed automatic option in some countries. It’s tuned well and comes with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. That lets you change gears without removing your hands from the wheel.
Whether you pick manual or automatic, the driving experience is still miles ahead of the regular version.
Built on the Same Platform, but Tuned Differently
The Swift Sport is based on Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform, which is also used in the Indian version. But this one is tuned for better handling. The suspension is stiffer. The steering feels heavier. The chassis is made tighter.
This results in better control when you’re driving fast or taking sharp turns. The car stays balanced even when you push it hard. It feels more stable at higher speeds compared to the standard Swift.
The ground clearance is slightly lower, which helps with handling. But that also means you’ll have to be careful on speed breakers, especially in Indian conditions.
Sporty Outside, Sporty Inside
On the outside, the Swift Sport looks aggressive. The front bumper is sharper. The grille is wider. There’s a front lip, side skirts, and a dual exhaust at the back. All these changes make it look like a proper hot hatch.
The 16 or 17-inch alloy wheels look stylish and fill the wheel arches nicely. You also get red brake calipers and a spoiler at the back. These small touches make a big difference.
Inside the cabin, things are just as exciting. The seats are sporty and offer more support. There’s red stitching all around. The dials in the instrument cluster look bold. The steering wheel is flat-bottomed and wrapped in leather.
The dashboard layout is similar to the regular Swift, but with sporty colors and metal inserts. It feels like a driver’s car the moment you sit inside.
Features That You’ll Actually Use
The Swift Sport comes with a bunch of useful features. You get:
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Cruise control
- Keyless entry
- Push-button start
- Climate control
- Rearview camera
In higher variants, you might even get safety features like lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features are already offered in Europe and Japan.
Fuel Efficiency with a Fun Factor
Even with all that performance, the Swift Sport doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. Thanks to the mild hybrid system offered in some versions, the car manages to return decent mileage.
On average, it gives about 16 to 18 km/l in normal driving conditions. That’s impressive for a turbocharged car with this level of power.
The mild hybrid system helps save fuel during city driving by using electric power during idle and low-speed moments. It also makes the car more responsive when starting from a stop.
Price Tag – Worth It or Not?
In international markets, the Swift Sport is priced higher than the regular Swift by around 30 to 40 percent. If it comes to India, it could cost anywhere between ₹11 lakh to ₹13 lakh (ex-showroom).
Now, that might seem high for a hatchback. But for driving enthusiasts, it’s not just a hatchback. It’s a car that gives thrill, speed, and solid control in a small package.
It would directly compete with models like Hyundai i20 N-Line and Volkswagen Polo GT (if it returns). And it could be the most affordable performance hatch with a turbo petrol and manual gearbox.
What Could Stop It from Coming to India?
There are a few reasons why Maruti hasn’t launched the Swift Sport in India yet:
- High import costs
- Low demand for performance hatchbacks
- Fuel efficiency concerns
- Focus on mass-market models
- Strict emission norms
But with more buyers now interested in fun-to-drive cars, things are changing. Hyundai has already shown there’s a market with the i20 N-Line. If more people ask for it, Maruti might just take a chance.
Why People Want It So Badly
Car lovers want the Swift Sport because it’s different from the usual. It looks fast. It drives fast. But it’s still small and easy to handle in the city.
It’s the kind of car you can drive to work on weekdays and take to the hills on weekends. It doesn’t cost as much as a full-blown sports car. But it gives you that same feeling of excitement behind the wheel.
Plus, it carries the Swift badge. And we all know how much India trusts that name.
Final Thoughts
The Maruti Swift Sport is a car many in India have been waiting for. It combines style, speed, and everyday usability in one neat package. Globally, it’s already a fan favorite. Here in India, it’s a case of “when” and not “if.”
If Maruti decides to bring it, it could change the way people see hatchbacks in India. It could build a new fan base of young, thrill-seeking drivers who don’t want to settle for boring.
Till then, all we can do is keep asking for it. And hope Maruti is listening.
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