Two Maruti Suzuki Swifts, one vacation spot. However, in contrast to different impromptu races, this one had a significant twist. To search out out, be part of us as we propel ourselves in the direction of Tiger Level in Lonavala within the nation’s hottest hatch.
Some weeks will be actually gradual – even if you’re working for an vehicle journal. And, as you’d remember, we won’t deal with days when just about nothing occurs at work. Which is why we find yourself doing mad stuff like this: Divide the enthusiastic guys at work into two groups, and plan and manage an impromptu race up the hills to Lonavala, one in every of our favourite haunts. Simply to make issues extra attention-grabbing, we added a twist: the aim was to get to Lonavala as shortly as attainable – however with out paying any tolls. Sure, toll-free thrills, precisely!
When it got here to the automobiles that we’d use for the journey, we knew it needed to be the epic new Maruti Suzuki Swift. Clearly, this was not simply because it’s among the many most enjoyable automobiles within the nation proper now, but in addition as a result of, through the years, we have had an absolute ball driving numerous iterations of the OG Indian sizzling hatch to Lonavala.
Zaran conjured up a trick and used the ferry to get to Mandwa.
Mumbai to Lonavala is about 85km by highway, however Crew Blue’s toll-free route, which handed by the city of Kalwa, threw up a distance of 120-odd kilometres. Crew Crimson, alternatively, determined to take the RoRo ferry to Mandwa and drive as much as Lonavala from there. At about 87km, theirs was the shorter route, however then it additionally concerned an hour-long ferry trip. This was clearly going to be epic, we thought. The Swifts could be put by way of their paces in a various set of environments, from city stretches and crazy roads up the hills to state highways and the tough stuff. So, with a impartial observer in every automotive, the good Swift versus Swift race was properly and really on. That is precisely the sort of celebration a automotive that has offered over 3 million items since its launch deserved.
Design of the occasions
The Swift has all the time been a looker and the most recent era takes that legacy ahead. And you do not simply must take our phrase for it. On the ferry to Mandwa, simply throughout the bay from Mumbai, a variety of co-passengers stole glances at Maruti’s champion hatchback. We do not actually blame them. The brand new Swift is sporty, with a capital S, and that dynamic and distinctive wrap-around character line units the visible tone. Its daring stance attracts the eye, whereas the distinctive silhouette Swift immediately pronounces the hatchback’s iconic DNA. Different parts that full the gorgeous image embrace the smoky LED projector headlamps and boomerang LED DRLs that dial in a futuristic enchantment, and people 15-inch precision-cut two-tone alloys are completely ace. No matter whether or not it’s parked on the excessive road, or blasting down the freeway, the Swift cuts a powerful determine.
The Swift felt at house out on the open freeway
The sporty theme continues on the within, too. Right here, it’s alloyed with a tasteful, premium therapy and a bucketload of options. So, other than the ‘Centre floating design’ of the dashboard that’s oriented in the direction of the driving force, the Swift will get a cultured piano black therapy with satin matte silver inserts and distinctive asymmetrical dials for the instrument cluster. Lovers will love the flat-bottomed steering wheel and the tremendous slick 9-inch Smartplay Professional+ infotainment system, whereas rear passengers might be delighted with the ARKAMYS encompass sound system, rear AC vents, and fast-charging A and C-Sort USB ports. Ethical of the story? The Swift’s cabin is among the many finest locations you’ll be able to spend time in.
highway rocket
Whereas its opposing crew was getting off the ferry at Mandwa, Crew Blue’s Swift was lighting up the freeway, because it blitzed previous Thane and Navi Mumbai. It will not take you lengthy to appreciate that the Swift does not simply have a sporty vibe to it; on the highway, that vibe interprets into some critical enjoyable. A number of credit score for that has to go to the stand-out Z-Sequence engine that brings the 2 diametrically reverse worlds of spirited efficiency and low emissions collectively. The brand new Z-Sequence unit, particularly fitted to Indian driving situations, makes the Swift probably the most fuel-efficient hatchback in its phase. For the document, the automotive delivers an astonishing 24.8kpl (Guide) and 25.75kpl (AGS).
The state-of-the-art engine generates 81.58PS at 5,700rpm and a peak torque of 111.7kgm at 4,300rpm. Nevertheless it’s not simply concerning the numbers – it is the best way the Swift drives that places a large smile in your face. There’s tons of low-end torque; crisp, linear acceleration; and an virtually go-kart like feeling if you mash the throttle. The Swift shows glorious highway habits regardless of the terrain and the velocity at which one is travelling, and its slick-shifting five-speed guide is among the many the explanation why this automotive is so genuinely endearing.
The engagement and management supplied by the slick-shifting guide ‘field was a deal with on the twisties main as much as Lonavala.
As soon as the roads begin to twist, keen drivers may also be glad to notice that the Swift has retained its legendary dealing with capabilities and incredible trip consolation, which have been enhanced by an all-new suspension system. And whereas a hydraulic clutch mechanism now ensures smoother clutch engagements and disengagements, there’s additionally a sensible Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmission for many who favor consolation and comfort in addition to higher fuel-efficiency.
Zipping up the tight hairpins was a breeze within the Swift
The Swift additionally shines on unfamiliar terrain and tough patches, as Crew Crimson found as they hustled the hatchback out of Mandwa and guided it by way of the slender roads of rural Maharashtra. Its strong suspension cocoons occupants from the ill-effects of touring on rain-battered roads. And with a raft of security options which are normal throughout variants, from 6 airbags to ABS and Digital Stability Program+ (ESP), occupants all the time really feel safe.
Sprint to glory
Round early afternoon, our lensmen sighted Crew Blue roaring up the hillside, adopted carefully by Crew Crimson. It was a pleasure to observe each Swifts drive briskly but responsibly, as they whipped up the hills in the direction of Tiger Level in Lonavala. Vehicles just like the Swift remind us how a lot we love hitting the highway, and why we find yourself spending hours behind the wheel. It isn’t simply concerning the acceleration, or the dealing with skills – with nice automobiles, it’s all the time about how completely different parts come collectively to create a compelling complete.
Crew Blue crossed the imaginary end line first, however Crew Crimson was not too far behind. A lot of Maggi and chai was had, notes had been exchanged on the 2 routes, and the best way the respective Swifts carried out. After a little bit of strolling round Lonavala, it was determined that the easiest way to finish the day could be to race again to work. The concept was accepted with out a lot ado, as a result of, in a Swift, all roads result in enjoyable.
Additionally see:
2024 Maruti Swift highway take a look at, assessment
Maruti Swift CNG launched at Rs 8.20 lakh
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Kanishk Singh has always had a keen interest in fast-paced cars. For the past three years, he has been writing about automobiles, but his fascination with cars dates back even further. He thoroughly enjoys learning about their features and expressing his thoughts through his writing. Kanishk also has a profound interest in the stock market, shares, and business strategies. He possesses a wealth of knowledge on these subjects and consistently writes articles on them. Currently, he is working as a writer for Lattestnews24, specifically focusing on the Automobile, Finance, and Business categories. His well-crafted words are highly appreciated by the readers, as they find them both informative and creative.