Maruti Swift VXi

The 2025 Swift VXi is the car we recommend nine times out of ten when a solo traveller or a couple lands at Jodhpur airport and wants something easy. It's the most-rented hatchback in India for good reason — small enough to park anywhere in the old city's narrow lanes, light enough on petrol that you'll fill it once for a typical 3-day trip, and forgiving enough that even first-time-in-Jodhpur renters relax within ten minutes.

The new-generation Z12E 1.2-litre petrol is significantly smoother than the K12 it replaced, with mild-hybrid assistance for noticeably better fuel economy — we're consistently seeing 20–24 km/L in mixed city + highway use, which is genuinely a stand-out number. The 5-speed manual is light and tactile, the clutch is car-school-easy, and the steering is finger-light at parking speeds. Touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay is standard.

Inside, the cabin is brighter and more spacious than the last Swift — proper room for two adults in the back, decent boot for two cabin-sized trolleys plus a daypack. Climate AC, dual airbags front, ABS, ESP and hill-hold are all included on the VXi trim. The new Swift is much quieter at highway speeds than its predecessor — you can hold a conversation at 100 km/h without raising your voice.

We hand it over with a clean cabin, fresh tyres, and a top-up of fuel — return it at the same level. For a 3-day solo or couples trip exploring Mehrangarh, Mandore, the blue-painted old city, plus a day out to Osian or Bishnoi villages, this is the lowest-stress car you can pick.