Swift, first launched in 2005, is now introduced in its 4th-gen with prices starting at INR 6.49 lakh and going up to INR9.64 lakh (ex-showroom). It comes with six airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all seats with reminders, ABS, amongst other connected and safety features. It gives a fuel efficiency of up to 25.75 km per litre.
While the passenger vehicle market is moving towards SUV-style vehicles, Maruti Suzuki reiterated its commitment towards the hatchback segment.
“The government aims to make India a developed country by 2047, so we can expect increased economic activity and robust demand for automobiles in the coming years. With a car penetration level of 32 vehicles per 1000 people, compared to 600 vehicles per 1000 people, India has a lot of potential to grow. As car ownership rises, the hatchback segment will serve as an entry point for many customers and expand,” said Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki.
“India continues to be an important market for Suzuki. It is important to cater to diverse customers. Our focus on this segment will persist and the new Swift will bring back the excitement in this segment,” he added.
With the new Swift, the company is targeting the feature-loving consumers in their late 20s and early 30s.
Growth of premium hatchback
Of the total passenger vehicles sales in India, hatchbacks take up 28% share. Within the segment, the premium hatchback category constitutes for 60%.
According to Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki, the premium hatchback segment which constitutes 7 lakh volumes, can grow up to 10 lakh by 2030.
Maruti currently holds 62% share in the premium hatchback segment with models like Swift and Baleno.
