According to reports across Indian media channels, Maruti Suzuki is planning to bring out a sporty version of the Swift by 2013.
The car may even go by the name Swift Sport. Suzuki sells a sporty version using the same name in Europe and many other parts of the world. As India is concerned about fuel economy and has largely ignored petrol engines, the Swift Sport is incompatible to the changing market conditions.
However Maruti Suzuki did display a modified version of the Swift at this year's Auto Expo (pictured). Going by that show car and the internationally available Swift Sport, we expect the new variant to get features like rear spoilers, scoops, wide wheels and of course performance enhancements. But major questions remain about its engine and price.
Which engine will the sporty Swift use?
We're ask two questions as a reply - Will it be the same K12 modified heavily to produce higher outputs or could it be the K14 from the Ertiga without any severe changes?
K12B vs K14
K12B Specifications (on the Swift)
- Capacity - 1197cc
- Maximum Power - 87 PS @ 6,000 rpm
- Maximum Torque - 114 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
K14 Specifications (on the Ertiga)
- Capacity - 1373cc
- Maximum Power - 95 ps @ 6,000 rpm
- Maximum Torque - 130 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
The Swift already being the highest selling car in India would be a delight for customers who love performance. 80% of the Swift customers are driving away diesel variants and a sporty Swift that gels well with the Swift’s personality, could help Maruti improve sales of its petrol variants.
But when we can expect the Swift Sport to enter the market entirely depends on the work Maruti puts in on the powertrain front. If they are going to present the car with the 1.4 liter engine from the Ertiga, the transplant is a bit more complicated than say retuning the current 1.2 to produce more power.
What are your thoughts on a Maruti Swift Sport?
