The Maruti Suzuki Swift has been one of India’s most popular hatchbacks for over two decades, and fuel efficiency has always been one of its biggest strengths. With the new 1.2-litre Z-Series engine, the Epic New Swift delivers among the best ARAI-certified mileage figures in its segment. But how do these numbers translate to everyday driving, and which variant offers the best value? Let’s break it down.
Swift Mileage at a Glance
- Swift Petrol MT: 24.80 km/l
- Swift Petrol AMT: 25.75 km/l
- Swift S-CNG: 32.85 km/kg
These are official ARAI-certified figures, tested as per Rule 115 of CMVR 1989. The Best-in-Segment mileage claim for the S-CNG variant is backed by a JATO Dynamics certificate dated 27th August 2024.
Official ARAI Mileage Figures: Full Breakdown
The new Swift is powered by the All-New 1.2L Z-Series engine (Z12E), a 3-cylinder unit that replaces the older 4-cylinder motor. Maruti has tuned this engine to focus on fuel efficiency without losing the fun-to-drive character the Swift is known for.
| Fuel Type | Transmission | Mileage | Engine Capacity |
| Petrol | Manual (MT) | 24.80 km/l | 1197 cc |
| Petrol | Auto (AMT) | 25.75 km/l | 1197 cc |
| S-CNG | Manual (MT) | 32.85 km/kg | 1197 cc |
The mileage figures above are ARAI-certified and should be used for comparison between variants rather than as guaranteed real-world fuel economy.
A few things worth noting from the spec sheet:
- The petrol engine makes 81.58 PS at 5700 rpm and 111.7 Nm of torque at 4300 rpm.
- The CNG version produces 69.75 PS and 101.8 Nm of torque at 2900 rpm. Although it is less powerful than the petrol model, it delivers its peak torque at a lower engine speed.
- Petrol variants come with Idle Start Stop (ISS), which switches off the engine automatically at traffic signals to save fuel. The CNG version does not get this feature.
- The AMT variant has a slightly higher ARAI-certified mileage of 25.75 km/l compared to 24.80 km/l for the manual.
Swift Petrol vs Swift CNG: Which Saves You More Money?
This is usually the biggest question for anyone comparing variants. On paper, CNG gives a much higher mileage figure, but a more meaningful comparison is the running cost per kilometre, since petrol and CNG are priced very differently.
Here’s the running cost math, based on Delhi fuel prices as of mid-July 2026:
- Petrol price: around ₹102 per litre
- CNG price: around ₹83 per kg
| Fuel | Mileage | Cost per Litre/Kg | Running Cost per km |
| Petrol (MT) | 24.80 km/l | ₹102 | ₹4.11 |
| S-CNG (MT) | 32.85 km/kg | ₹83 | ₹2.53 |
Based on this, the CNG variant costs around 38% less to run compared to the petrol manual. If you drive 1,500 km a month, that works out to a saving of roughly ₹2,300 every month, or close to ₹28,000 a year.
That said, CNG is not without trade-offs. The boot space takes a hit because of the cylinder, and CNG variants skip a few features like the bigger touchscreen, LED headlamps, and cruise control on lower trims. So the right choice depends on whether your priority is running cost or features and boot space.
Fuel prices change daily and vary by city, so treat these numbers as a rough guide. Always check the current petrol and CNG rates in your city before making the final calculation.
What Makes the New Z-Series Engine More Fuel Efficient
Maruti has made several changes aimed at improving fuel efficiency. These include:
- Fuel Efficient Engine: The new Z-Series engine has been engineered with a strong focus on fuel efficiency while maintaining everyday performance.
- Idle Start Stop (ISS): On petrol variants, the engine cuts off automatically when the car is stationary for a few seconds, like at a red light, and restarts instantly when you lift off the brake.
- Low kerb weight: Petrol variants have a kerb weight of 920-925 kg, while the CNG version weighs up to 990 kg. The relatively low kerb weight of the petrol variants is one of the factors that helps improve fuel efficiency.
Real-World Mileage vs ARAI Figures
It’s important to set the right expectation here. ARAI mileage figures are tested in controlled lab conditions on a fixed test cycle, so they don’t fully reflect how you drive every day.
In real-world conditions, Swift owners commonly report:
- Petrol MT: around 18-20 km/l in city traffic, going up to 22-23 km/l on highways
- Petrol AMT: around 20-23 km/l in mixed driving
- CNG: Many owners report that the CNG version comes closer to its claimed efficiency than the petrol variants, although actual mileage still depends on driving conditions.
The gap between claimed and real mileage usually comes down to traffic conditions, AC usage, number of passengers, tyre pressure, and driving style. This is normal across almost every car sold in India, not just the Swift.
Which Swift Variant Should You Buy for the Best Mileage?
Not every variant is available with every transmission or fuel option. Here’s how it breaks down:
- LXi: Only available with petrol MT. No AMT or CNG option.
- VXi and VXi(O): Available in petrol MT, petrol AMT, and CNG MT. This gives you the most flexibility if mileage is your priority.
- ZXi: Available in petrol MT, petrol AMT, and CNG MT.
- ZXi+: Only available with petrol, both MT and AMT. No CNG option on this top trim.
If outright running cost matters most to you, the VXi or VXi(O) CNG makes the most sense, since you get a reasonably well-equipped car along with the lowest cost per kilometre. If you want the AMT convenience with the best possible petrol mileage, the VXi(O) AMT or ZXi AMT are worth considering.
Tips to Improve Your Swift’s Mileage
A few small habits can help you get closer to the claimed ARAI figures:
- Maintain correct tyre pressure, since under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption
- Avoid hard acceleration and sudden braking, especially in the manual variant
- Get timely servicing done, including air filter and spark plug checks
- Avoid unnecessary idling with the AC running
- On the AMT, let the gearbox shift naturally instead of flooring the accelerator
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mileage of the Maruti Suzuki Swift AMT?
The Swift petrol AMT has an ARAI-certified mileage of 25.75 km/l, which is slightly better than the manual’s 24.80 km/l.
Is the Swift CNG worth buying?
Yes, if running cost is your main priority. The CNG variant offers 32.85 km/kg, which works out to nearly 38% lower cost per km compared to petrol. The trade-off is reduced boot space and fewer features on some trims.
Does the Swift have idle start-stop?
Yes, but only on petrol variants. The CNG version does not get idle start-stop.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the Swift?
The petrol variant has a 37-litre fuel tank. The CNG variant also carries 37 litres of petrol as backup, along with a 55-litre (water filling capacity) CNG tank.
What is the real-world mileage of the Swift?
Most owners report around 18-20 km/l in city driving and 22-23 km/l on highways for the petrol manual, which is lower than the ARAI figure but still among the best in its segment.


