Selecting the ideal hatchback that checks all boxes around performance, features, and value gets tricky, with numerous options crowding the segment. The Maruti Suzuki Swift enjoys enormous popularity as a peppy all-rounder, while Tata challenges perceptions with the contemporary Altroz. This article will simplify your purchase dilemma through this exhaustive comparison across critical parameters.
Read on to compare these two models based on pricing, mileage, safety ratings, dimensions, engine performance, interior space, features, design, and more. Analyse where each model excels or compromises to fit your priorities.
Introducing the Tata Altroz
As their first premium hatchback, Tata aimed to capture style-conscious and enthusiastic buyers by crafting Altroz on a new ALFA platform, blending contemporary cues with dynamic capabilities. Within months of its early 2020 debut, Altroz bagged the 2020 Indian Car of the Year among various accolades.
Available in XE, XM, XT, XZ, and XZ(O) variants, Altroz modernises both inside and out while promising performance to match its looks. By mid-2023, over 1.5 lakh units are a testament to its competitive value positioning. Now for 2023, Altroz looks to retain momentum via even bolder dark-themed styling and feature upgrades.
Overview of Maruti Suzuki Swift
Ever since its first dazzling buyers in 2005, with its lively dynamics, practicality, and value, the Maruti Suzuki Swift has rapidly emerged as India's top-selling premium hatchback, crossing 25 lakh cumulative sales by 2023. The update brings the Swift thoroughly up to date through Smartplay Studio infotainment, sculpted exteriors, and the latest convenience features while retaining its fun personality and frugal running costs.
Pricing and Variants
Here is a variant-by-variant ex-showroom price comparison between the Maruti Suzuki Swift price and Tata Altroz on-road price:
Variant | Maruti Swift Price | Tata Altroz Price |
Base Model | Rs 5.99 lakhs onwards | Rs 6.45 lakhs onwards |
Mid Model | Rs 6.95 lakhs onwards | Rs 7.40 lakhs onwards |
Top Model | Rs 8.85 lakhs onwards | Rs 9.36 lakhs onwards |
The Altroz demands a minor premium over equivalent Swift models for its additional features.
Mileage Comparison
Rated fuel efficiency figures as certified by ARAI testing:
Fuel/Transmission | Maruti Swift Mileage | Tata Altroz Mileage |
Petrol MT | 22.38 kmpl | 19.33 kmpl |
Petrol AMT/DCT | 22.56 kmpl | 18.50 kmpl |
CNG MT | 30.9 km/kg | NA |
The Maruti Swift returns around 3-4 kmpl extra in standard road conditions.
Safety and Protection Equipment
Global NCAP results:
Car | Global NCAP Rating | Key Safety Features |
Maruti Swift | 2 Stars | Dual Airbags, ABS, Rear Sensors |
Tata Altroz | 5 Stars | Dual Airbags, ABS, ESP, Hill Hold Control |
The Altroz achieves the maximum rating, showing solid structural integrity.
Dimensions
On size, the Altroz sits longer, wider, and with a larger wheelbase:
Dimension | Maruti Swift | Tata Altroz |
Length | 3845mm | 3990mm |
Width | 1735mm | 1755 mm |
Wheelbase | 2450mm | 2501mm |
Engines and Transmissions
Their powertrain options stack up as follows:
Parameter | Maruti Swift | Tata Altroz |
Petrol Engine | 1.2L NA | 1.2L NA/Turbo |
Diesel Engine | NA | 1.5L |
Gearbox | 5MT/AMT | 5MT/6DCT |
Max Power | 89hp | 86hp/110hp |
Interiors and Practicality
The Altroz benefits from additional headroom and boot capacity:
Parameter | Maruti Swift | Tata Altroz |
Seating Capacity | 5 seat layout | 5 seat layout |
Boot Space | 268 litres | 345 litres |
However, the Swift offers adequately flexible rooms and spaciousness for most buyers.
Infotainment and Features
Both come loaded with equipment catering to comfort, convenience, and connectivity priorities:
Parameter | Maruti Swift | Tata Altroz |
Touchscreen System | 17.8cm unit | 17.8cm unit |
Android Auto/Apple CarPlay | Available | Available |
Automatic AC | Available | Available |
But the Altroz extends additional segment-first attributes like wearable smart keybands, auto headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers.
Exterior Design and Style
Preference for aesthetics depends on taste, with the Swift styled subtly against the Altroz's edgier sporty look:
Model | Design Highlights |
Maruti Swift | Balanced profile, sleek lines |
Tata Altroz | Futuristic styling, bolder cuts and creases |
Feature Summary
● Maruti Swift Pros:
➔ Peppy acceleration
➔ Light steering
➔ Highest fuel efficiency
● Maruti Swift Cons:
➔ Tight rear space
➔ Average safety ratings
● Tata Altroz Pros:
➔ Contemporary sharp looks
➔ Spacious interiors
➔ Top-notch safety
● Tata Altroz Cons:
➔ Limited engine options
➔ Lower-rated mileage
Thus, Swift and Altroz both cater well to slightly different customer preferences with their packaging and capabilities. Test drives should help determine the better-suited pick based on priorities around space, efficiency, or performance. Ultimately, you win in this category with either choice.
Conclusion
The Tata Altroz offers better pricing, spaciousness, safety ratings, and modern styling than the Maruti Suzuki Swift. Its contemporary tech features, such as fingerprint security and wearable smartwatch integration, make it a compelling choice. However, the Maruti Suzuki Swift has immense brand equity, sporty heritage, and reliability. Ultimately, the Altroz is better for those prioritising creature comforts, safety, and value, while the Swift is better for those prioritising heritage and peppy driveability.
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