Maruti Swift Lxi vs Ignis Delta – What to Buy for Rs 6.5 Lakh

In this post, I am comparing the new Maruti Swift Lxi and the Ignis Delta variants which are priced in the vicinity of Rs 6.5 lakh, ex-showroom. Swift is currently in its fourth generation avatar. This time around, it gets a brand new engine, more standard safety features and aesthetic modifications in comparison to the outgoing model. On the other hand, Ignis is a crossover which a lot of people prefer for its quirky design and the Nexa experience. So, without any further ado, let us get into this comparison in depth.

Maruti Swift Lxi vs Ignis Delta – Price

Now Lxi is the base model of the Maruti Swift. It has a price tag of Rs 6.49 lakh, ex-showroom. The range goes up to Rs 9.65 lakh, ex-showroom. But there could be many customers who could opt for the base trim as it gets the new fuel-efficient engine and 6 airbags from the base trim itself. On the other hand, the Ignis Delta retails for Rs 6.38 lakh, ex-showroom. Its AMT iteration commands a premium of Rs 50,000 over this price. I must also mention that the Zeta trim has a price tag of Rs 6.96 lakh, ex-showroom. There are many ongoing discounts on the Ignis at the moment. Hence, even this model could be had at around Rs 6.5 lakh. But since the Swift is still fresh, there are no benefits on it at the moment.

Maruti Swift Lxi vs Ignis Delta – Specs

The latest Maruti Swift now comes with a brand-new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated Z12E petrol mill with mild hybrid technology which produces a decent 82 PS and 112 Nm of peak power and torque. This engine pairs with either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. Remember that the Lxi trim only offers the former. A major talking point of the new Swift is its incredible mileage of 24.8 kmpl in the manual and 25.75 kmpl in the AMT version. The buyers also get a decent-sized boot space at 265 litres. Also, the ground clearance is a cool 163 mm. All these factors combine to make the new Swift an immensely appealing proposition.

On the other hand, the Ignis continues to draw power from the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated K Series petrol engine which generates a healthy 83 PS and 113 Nm of peak power and torque. Note that this is the same engine which powered the last-gen Swift. The buyers can choose between either a 5-speed manual or an AMT automatic gearbox. Unlike the Swift, both these options are available with the Ignis Delta model. Interestingly, the mileage numbers for both manual and automatic transmissions are identical at 20.89 kmpl. The boot space is a handy 260 litres and the ground clearance is 180 mm. Hence, all these aspects are almost similar.

Maruti Swift Lxi vs Ignis Delta – Dimensions

This is quite interesting since both these cars are almost similar in size. We have even seen that the boot space is almost identical. That is a result of the overall exterior dimensions. However, looking closely, we get to see that the Swift is longer than the Ignis which also translates to the wheelbase. Also, the Swift is much wider of the two which could result in better comfort for the rear passengers. Boasting a tall boy stance, the Ignis is the higher of the two which is great for taller passengers. Notably, the Swift has a larger fuel tank than the Ignis which means fewer breaks for refuelling.

Arena vs Nexa Experience

A key difference between the purchase experience of these two cars is the two dealership branches of Maruti Suzuki. Maruti sells its ‘regular’ cars from its Arena showrooms. However, for its relatively ‘premium’ range of cars, the potential customers need to visit the Nexa dealership. In our comparison, the Swift is available at the Arena showrooms, while the Ignis is available in the Nexa showrooms. Generally speaking, the Nexa showrooms have a more premium customer experience. Nevertheless, the largest carmaker in the country has improved customer service at its Arena showrooms too.

Features Comparison

Next, we come on to arguably the most important aspect of this comparison. People these days look for the latest tech, convenience, connectivity and safety features in their cars. While this might not be true for people who are considering the base model of any car, still it makes sense to go through the list of what each of these cars offer. Remember, we are discussing the base model of the new Swift and the second-from-base variant of the Ignis. Hence, these are, essentially comparable. Firstly, the new Maruti Swift Lxi offers:

• MID Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• Projector Halogen Headlamps
• LED Taillamps
• 14-inch Steel Wheels
• Roof Antenna (Micropole)
• Manual Air Conditioner with Panel Illumination
• Central Door Locking
• Keyless Entry System
• Power Windows (Front and Rear)
• Power and Tilt Steering Wheel
• Adjustable Front Seat Headrests
• Electric Back Door Opener
• Rear Defogger
• Front Accessory Socket
• Manually Adjustable ORVMs
• 6 Airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic Stability Program
• Hill Hold Assist
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

On the other hand, the Maruti Ignis Delta trim with the following features:

• 2-Speaker Audio System
• Audio Player with USB & Bluetooth and Remote Control
• Antenna
• Steering Mounted Audio and Calling Controls
• All Four Power Windows
• Tilt Steering Adjustment
• Air Conditioner
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Electrically Adjustable ORVMs
• Day and Night IRVM
• Rear Seat Adjustable Head Restraints
• 60:40 Rear Seat Split
• Luggage Lamp
• Parcel Tray
• Roof Rails
• 15-inch Wheels
• Electronic Stability Program
• Hill Hold Assist (AMT only)
• Anti-Theft Security System
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Speed Sensing Auto Door Locking
• Seat Belt Reminder with Buzzer (Front and Rear)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorages
• 2 Airbags

Our View

It goes without saying that both these vehicles are attractive options for anyone considering a Maruti Suzuki car at this price point. However, they have their distinct pros and cons. On one hand, the new Swift offers the customers 6 airbags as standard across the range, new-age exterior styling, a brand-new engine with impressive mileage figures, and the legacy of being associated with the iconic Swift moniker. Even in this Lxi base trim, it offers tons of amenities for the everyday needs of most customers.

On the other hand, the Ignis has been a unique product in Maruti Suzuki’s lineup. Due to its specific design, younger people mostly prefer it. Apart from that, since it has not received a facelift and a new-gen model for a long time now and there are no spy images of it testing either, I assume the future doesn’t look too bright. It was launched in 2017 and underwent minor cosmetic changes in 2020. Hence, the company is not planning to introduce a next-generation model. Therefore, you must consider this before making a purchase decision. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these cars.

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