Swift CNG
The Maruti Swift has always been about efficiency and fun, and the latest version stays true to that formula. This time, Maruti has introduced a CNG variant to help owners save even more on fuel costs. So, naturally, I had to take it for a spin and see if it still holds its charm or if the compromises outweigh the benefits.
First Impressions The Familiar Swift, with a Twist
The Swift S-CNG I drove was based on the ZXI trim, which sits just below the top-spec ZXI+. That means I had to make do without front fog lamps and those fancy dual-tone alloy wheels, but it still looked good with its 15-inch silver-finished alloys. The only visual giveaway that this isn’t a regular petrol Swift is the CNG filler cap on the right rear fender. Honestly, it looks a bit like an afterthought, even though it’s a factory job.
Stepping Inside – The Same, But Different
Inside, the cabin is the same minimalist, all-black setup we’re used to. It’s user-friendly, and the ergonomics are spot on, but some things do stand out. The most noticeable difference? A dual fuel gauge—one for petrol and one for CNG. It’s a small detail, but pretty handy. What’s missing, though, is cruise control, which feels like a miss at this price point. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system works well, but it looks a little small, thanks to its thick bezel.
Seat comfort is solid, and there’s decent space in the back for two adults. But here’s the big compromise: the boot. That massive 55-litre CNG cylinder eats up almost all the luggage space, leaving just enough room for a soft cabin bag. Plus, the exposed mounting and lack of cladding make it look unfinished. Oh, and there’s no spare tyre. That could be a dealbreaker for some.
Features That Matter (And Those That Don’t)
Maruti has equipped the Swift S-CNG with some solid features, including automatic LED headlamps, a rear wiper and washer, a 7-inch touchscreen with six speakers, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and even a wireless charger. Safety is well covered, too, with six airbags, electronic stability control (ESP), and hill-start assist. However, it does lack fog lamps and a rear-view camera, which are things I’d personally miss in daily driving.
Driving the Swift S-CNG Does It Still Have the Magic?
One of my biggest concerns was how the Swift would feel to drive in CNG mode. The good news? It still retains its fun-to-drive nature. By default, it starts on petrol, then automatically switches to CNG once the engine warms up. You’ll hear a distinct ‘clang’ when that happens, but it’s nothing intrusive.
With the CNG kit on board, the Swift gains about 70kg in weight and loses 12hp and 10Nm of torque compared to the petrol version. That might sound concerning, but in real-world driving, it doesn’t feel sluggish. The throttle response remains crisp, and I didn’t find myself constantly downshifting in city traffic. The 5-speed manual gearbox is smooth as ever, and the clutch is light, making city driving effortless.
Performance Breakdown- Petrol vs CNG
While the Swift S-CNG isn’t meant for speed demons, here’s how it stacks up in a straight-up acceleration test:
| Speed | CNG Mode | Petrol Mode |
|---|---|---|
| 0-20kph | 1.23s | 1.55s |
| 0-40kph | 3.22s | 3.05s |
| 0-60kph | 6.26s | 5.57s |
| 0-80kph | 9.77s | 8.51s |
| 0-100kph | 15.54s | 13.03s |
As expected, the CNG mode is a bit slower than petrol. The rolling acceleration tests also show similar results, with the CNG version taking longer to get up to speed. However, if you’re driving mostly in the city, you won’t notice much of a difference.
Fuel Efficiency The Real Winner
The biggest reason to buy the Swift S-CNG is fuel economy, and it doesn’t disappoint. In my real-world tests, it returned 24.35 km/kg in the city and 31.38 km/kg on the highway, averaging 27.85 km/kg. That’s pretty close to the claimed figures, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars you can buy right now.
Ride & Handling Still Fun, But…
To accommodate the extra weight of the CNG tank, Maruti has stiffened the rear suspension slightly. This keeps the ride comfortable in the city, but at highway speeds, sharper bumps can be felt more inside the cabin. The steering remains light and easy to use, and it still has that natural returnability after turns, making it fun to chuck around corners.
Verdict- Who Should Buy the Swift S-CNG?
The Swift S-CNG isn’t for everyone. If you need a spacious boot or want the fully loaded variant, this might not be your best bet. But if you’re after an economical city commuter with solid fuel efficiency, a smooth driving experience, and decent features, it’s a fantastic option. The lack of a spare tyre is a bit of a bummer, but given the cost savings on fuel, it’s a trade-off many will be happy to make.
Would I buy one? If I were primarily using it for city drives and wanted to save on running costs, absolutely. But for long highway trips with luggage? I’d think twice.
