Mar 24, 2009 12:18 AM
14145 Views
(Updated Mar 26, 2009 09:55 PM)
Got a Palio!! Its an amazing car. read the story... We had two Alto's, my wife decided to upgrade and we went in for the DZire ZDI (Read the review).
After getting used to driving DZire, I decided the time had come to part ways with my three years old Alto. but the challenge was which car to buy? I wanted a powerful car, and my engine choice was clear MULTIJET.
There were four options available Dzire (We have one), Swift VDI, TATA Indica Quadrajet, and the original Fiat Palio.Ruled out Maruti since we already had the DZire. To cut the long story short: Research, test Drive and recommendations.
So. I was in my Palio on the December 14th 08. What I always looked for but could never find was a comparision between Palio and Swift / DZire. so read on for the firs hand experience.Engine: Multijet 1248 CC, Power, Torque etc is similar. Response / Pickup : Palio is very responsive even at lower engine speeds of 1200 thus quicker than Dzire unless you plan to do a Drag Race which DZire would win hands down as it gives a huge thrust at 2000 RPM.
Drive Comfort: Well, the seats in Palio are a little low compared to Dzire, making it a little difficult to drive if the person is short or you may use a cushion DZire has height adjustable seats. Clearly Dzire is more comfortable to Drive.maneuverability:Owing to a less turning Radius, Dzire is much easier to maneuver than the Palio which needs a little more effort.
Interiors: Palio is definetely more stylish than the Grey interiors of the Dzire. the Qualit of plastics is far superior in Palio, Specially the Leather covered Steering with a bright red Ferrari logo sorry FIAT logo on the center, I miss the audio controls on the steering though on the Palio.Exteriors: Palio has beautiful Headlights, taillights specially the Indicator on the back. on the Other hand Although Dzire looks plain on the front, Its huge boot with smart Taillights makes it attractive. the rearview mirrors on the Palio are a disaster compared to the Dzire which has huge Mirror, slightly convexed offers a wide view of the vehicles coming from the back (Althogh no one has overtaken while I drive ;)
Mileage: the best I have achieved in city conditions is 19.8 on DZire and 21.6 on Palio. the worst is well above 16.5 for both.Top Speeds: Have driven DZire at 140 (could have done more) on the Delhi - Agra highway. Never got the road clear enough to Drive the Palio over a 120 (the car remains Solid at 120 asking for more)Safety Features: Dzire offers Air bagsand ABS while Palio does neither. I have felt the need of ABS on the Palio while trying to brake while overtaking a "&^%$@&"
Wheels: Dzire offers Alloys compared to WI wheels from Fiat. Both cars come with Tubeless tiresPassenger seat comfort: Well there is no comparision for this one, Dzire is truly super comfortable, the passanger seat angle suits my back so well that it is difficult to remain awake The armrest gives a royal feeling. Fiat's passenger seats are just fine (never used much)Service Interval: After the first three, Dzire really needs service at every 10, 000 Kms, Fiat needs service at every 15000 Kms. Although I have driven only 5500 Kms on the Palio.
Air Conditioning: Fiat has a very powerful AC which means I need to switch off the AC every few minutes, I know that during peak summers, when the temperatures reach 50+ on hte road it switching off would not be required. I miss the Auto-Climate control of the Dzire, with Digital temp meter for outside and digital control for inside the car cabin. So, the verditct for a buyer. Well if you can afford a Dzire go for the ZDI. If you are looking for a Swift Diesel or an Indica Vista, try the Palio as well It is a very good car.
