The Maruti Swift Hybrid spied testing in Delhi NCR gives us a glimpse of what the company has been cooking. Where design is concerned, we can see that it is almost similar to India-spec Swift. So, test mules of this vehicle can hide in plain sight and that’s exactly what this particular unit is doing. If there were camouflage, this vehicle would have attracted more attention. Spied in a lovely Black shade, Swift Hybrid shows a promising future.
Maruti Swift Hybrid Spied Testing
Previous test mules of Swift Hybrid had a Hybrid badge, this unit ditches that as well. As seen in the spy shots from True Car Advice, key differentiators of Swift Hybrid include a slightly sportier front and rear bumper with more black elements to reduce visual bulk. There seems to be a silver finish on lower bumper at the front too. There’s a radar module on front grille, which is the main takeaway.
At the sides, things get a lot more interesting because it gets same alloy wheel design as global Swift. Also, there are disc brakes at the rear, something that only Japanese-spec (JDM) model gets. Even the Swift Hybrid sold in Australia doesn’t get rear disc brakes. Only JDM model.
ADAS Suite & Hybrid Tech
The main addition on JDM-spec Swift over the India-spec model is ADAS suite, to increase safety proposition. Other notable add-ons to JDM Swift over Indian Swift are an electronic parking brake and heated seats option. Other than these features, the main changes on Swift Hybrid for Japan are with the powertrain.
JDM Swift Hybrid comes equipped with a 1.2L Z12E powertrain with CVT gearbox boasting mild-hybrid tech. This sophisticated Hybrid technology reduces fuel consumption with assistance from an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) motor, that draws power from a dedicated battery.
This improves fuel efficiency significantly and Suzuki claims 24.5 km/l (combined) with Swift Hybrid. Breaking down the numbers, JDM Suzuki Swift Sport promises 20.8 km/l mileage (fuel efficiency) in Urban, 24.8 km/l in Suburban and 26.3 km/l in Expressway. In India, even without the Hybrid tech, Maruti Suzuki claims up to 25.75 km/l (combined) with AMT.
Only for export?
What we’re seeing here, is a JDM-spec Suzuki Swift and Suzuki Swift Hybrid testing in India that is highly likely to be exported to Japan. Considering that Maruti Suzuki doesn’t offer rear disc brakes with Dzire, Baleno, Fronx, Brezza, Ciaz and Ertiga, it is safe to predict that India-spec Swift might never get it. If this is true, Swift will be the third Maruti Suzuki vehicle to be exported to Japan from India after Baleno and Fronx.
