Maruti Suzuki Swift

The Swift has been a fixture on Indian roads for nearly two decades, and the fourth-generation model keeps the formula intact while chasing better efficiency. A new three-cylinder petrol engine replaces the old four-pot, prioritising fuel economy over outright punch. The styling is evolutionary rather than dramatic, and the cabin gains a touchscreen and more equipment. It remains light, easy to drive, and cheap to run, which is exactly what most buyers in this segment want.

On the move, the Swift feels every bit the urban runabout it was designed to be. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine is willing at low and medium revs, and the light steering plus compact dimensions make it effortless in city traffic. There is a faint three-cylinder thrum and the gains in outright power over the old engine are modest, so highway overtakes need planning. The five-speed manual is slick, while the AMT automatic is convenient in stop-go conditions though it can feel hesitant when pushed.

Ride and handling have long been Swift strengths, and that holds true here. The suspension absorbs broken city roads reasonably well, and the car stays composed and fun through corners in a way few rivals manage. The trade-off is some firmness over sharp bumps and a fair amount of road and wind noise at speed, which is typical for the class and price.

Inside, the cabin is functional and well laid out rather than plush. The nine-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is a welcome addition, and the driving position is comfortable. Space up front is good, but the rear seat is best for two adults, and boot capacity is average. Material quality is acceptable for the money, though hard plastics dominate.

The real headline is efficiency. Maruti's frugal new engine, helped by an idle start-stop system, returns genuinely impressive real-world mileage, and the factory CNG option lowers running costs further for high-usage owners. Safety has also improved with six airbags, ESC and a rear camera on higher trims, though the Swift trails the strongest crash-tested rivals.