Beloved Hatchbacks Return: New Maruti Swift and Tata Altroz Racer

With SUVs dominating the market, hatchbacks like the Maruti Swift and Tata Altroz haven’t lost their charm. Here’s a look at their upcoming versions:

Maruti Swift: Refreshed Design, New Tech

The new Swift, unveiled at the 2023 Tokyo Motors Show, is a facelift retaining the original design language with subtle tweaks.

Exterior Updates

New sporty headlamps with blacked-out treatment
Larger honeycomb front grille
SUV-like clamshell bonnet
Repositioned rear door handles with quarter glass
New alloy wheels
Updated tail lamps and bumpers

Modern Interior and Features

All-new Baleno and Fronx-inspired dashboard design
Massive 9.0-inch floating touchscreen system
Expected features: connected car tech, blind-spot warning, semi-digital instrument cluster, wireless charging
Safety features (on higher variants): 6 airbags, ESC, traction control

Engine

New 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder Z-series engine (80 bhp, 108 Nm torque)
Manual and AMT gearbox options

Launch and Price

Expect a May 2024 launch with a price hike of Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1 lakh (on-road, Mumbai) compared to the current model (starts at Rs. 7.04 lakh).

Tata Altroz Racer: Performance Boost

The Altroz Racer aims to combine the existing Altroz’s handling with a powerful engine.

Thrilling New Engine

Borrows Nexon’s 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine (118 bhp, 170 Nm torque)
6-speed manual transmission (7-speed DCA possibility)

Exterior Enhancements

Likely identical to the regular Altroz except for:
- New color options (Red, Orange) with blacked-out hood and roof
- Sportier alloy wheels
- Sporty rear spoiler
- Two white stripes on hood and roof (for visual appeal)

Interior (Likely Unchanged)

May get a new 10.25-inch touchscreen system
Sporty elements like white and orange stripes on seats, orange highlights around AC vents (as seen in concept car)

Expected Features

10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (if not standard, then optional)
Sunroof
Ventilated seats
360-degree camera
Head-up display

Launch and Price

Expected May 2024 launch with a price range of Rs. 11 lakh to Rs. 14 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). The Altroz Racer will compete with the Hyundai i20 N Line.

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Gireesh

Gireesh has been reporting on cars for over 10 years. He might have a keen eye for all type of fuel cars but he has a soft corner for electric cars. Gireesh also enjoys a good drive or ride after a hectic day at work and like to watch movies.