Oct 05, 2009 06:35 PM
12303 Views
I had a Alto LX for 6 years and it proved to be an excellent car in all regions. When I felt that its time for an upgrade, Swift Dzire appeared as a strong contender in comparison to other cars in the segment. I had initially seen the car in June, 2008 and found it quite appealing, so much so that it took me a while to absorb the fact that the car came from the Maruti Suzuki stable.
It was classy, luxurious and boasted of all possible features any luxury car could yell out. It did not took me long enough to convince myself after reading reviews of Dzire and other cars viz. Mahindra Logan and Hyundai Accent, Ford fiesta, Hyundai i10, Chevrolet U-va and ofcourse Indigo CS. While Logan appeared to be a strong armoured vehicle sans missiles and rocket heads, the Hyundai Accent inspite of incorporating all features and even the latest fad of a company fitted CNG kit did not stand ground as the model is on its way to extinction.
I also test drove a Indigo CS and some of its variants, but did not enjoy driving as the ground clearance was not upto the mark and the hydraulic Power steering was not as smooth as I perceived power steerings to be. Chevrolet U-va is weak on looks and does not fit the status of a sedan. Though it was well within my budget and infact I could have saved a cool 50 K, my wife and kids corrected me and I respect their decision for sticking to our original choice of Dzire.
I test drove Dzire thrice with three different friends who possess years of valuable driving experience on different cars. With their help and guidance, and also since I enjoyed the pleasure of driving test drive vehicle, a ZDI, I finally took a bow at Dzire VXi as I looked at the petrol version to convert into CNG if my running increases. The VXi appeared to be a fairly loaded sedan with vital features such as Power windows (all four doors), EPS, day/night RVM, integrated stereo system, rear cabin light, seat belt alarm etc.
I booked the Dzire Vxi Silky silver with M/s Rana Motors, Delhi on 13th July, 2009 and was assured delivery within 12-14 weeks. After waiting long enough for the car and after making numerous calls to the dealer and even Maruti, my patience ran out completely. Still unable to understand as to why such a long waiting period for a thing like car, while Maruti boasts of being the largest manufacturer of passenger cars in the country. I have even heard that many prospective consumers have infact cancelled their bookings for Dzire and settled for other brands.
At many times during this harrowing waiting period, I had made my mind to cancel my booking. I finally saw a silver lining during my recent visit to my home town Karnal where I visited Karnal Motors and inquired about the delivery status of the Dzire. Initially I was told that its 3 months waiting but when I assured that I would pay in cash, the manager offered me a White Vxi across the counter as they had two cars left unsold due to cancellation of a corporate booking. It was definitely my day and I instantly said yes, though white was not exactly my choice. The entire process took less than 1 and half hour and I returned home with a broad smile and riding the Dzire.
I have since driven about 500 kms on highway and Delhi roads and found the vehicle excellent in all areas of operation. The vehicle glides effortlessly through crowded streets with the help of the excellent EPS and on the highway, I had to continously remind myself that the vehicle is new and should not be driven at high speeds prior to the first service. The ground clearance is excellent and the driver gets fair idea of the road ahead making it easier to navigate on uneven terrain and avoid potholes. The airconditioning is excellent and it does not take more than a few minutes for the entire span of the car to cool.
The stereo is of very high quality and audio is good enough for passengers in an enclosed car. You don't need super woofers when you travel in the car with window panes in 'UP' position. The interiors are good but could have been slightly better in line with the competitors. The front bucket seats are plush and wide enough to accommodate a broad framed person, however rear seating could have been wider to accommodate 3 passengers. Arm rest in the rear seat is a good provision. The boot space is enough for transporting the luggage and shopping bags of a family returning from abroad after a month long vacation. Designers need to be applauded for the cool integration job of the boot with the main frame of the Swift.
What the manufacturers could have added necessarily even at the cost of rising the costs further by a few thousand rupees are 1. Reverse parking sensors as parking the vehicle can be tough job with such a high boot. 2. Rear windscreen wiper, 3. USB port in the stereo system. By far the car is good buy. Waiting periods need to be curtailed by the company. At this price this is a complete car in the segment.
