Nov 23, 2009 09:47 AM
11323 Views
(Updated Nov 27, 2009 08:52 AM)
I have been following Dzire Diesel for a long time and waiting for Maruti to launch their SX4 diesel version, well finally settled for the Swift DZire as SX4 Diesel was not in sight. Though I evaluated other makes in 7-8 lacs segment but they were never part of my options considering the VFM offered by Maruti cars, so choice was actually on one model i.e. ZDi considering the loaded features.Took the delivery of Dzire ZDi in mid Sep 09 after three months of waiting period from DD Motors, New Delhi. Overall the purchase experience was good and car was delivered as per the promised timeline/date & Time. Taken extended warranty of two years at the time of purchase itself.
First Driving Experience: Did not face any problem while driving in tight spaces and reversing(do not have parking sensor) considering that I was driving WagonR just prior to DZire. One thing which helped me in city driving is that I have raised the driving seat completely and it gives me an all round view around the bonnet and I am actually able to see the Bonnet to a large extent. Pickup and Torque is more than what you require for any city driving and gives you a sense that you are on a powerful machine and it races the moment you touches 1800 RPM.
Fuel Efficiency:** I am getting around 14 - 14.5 kmpl in city driving conditions with Climate control on, seems it is less and not sure if it going to increase dramatically in near future. Have done 1500 Kms till now and have used normal and premium diesel both, did not notice any difference in any of these fuels. One exceptional thing I have noticed is that the car exhaust gives pungent smell which I have not noticed in any other diesel car. At the time of service I reported this to the service engineer and everyone at the service station pretended that its not the case and were not even willing to acknowledge and record in the Job Card, after my insistence they did record on the Job Card but as expected there was no resolution and according to them everything is OK with exhaust. Don't know if the high Sulphur content in Diesel is making this happen or not, and does this Pungent Smell has any bearing on the Low Fuel Efficiency. Have given this feedback as part of Maruti's post purchase survey; let’s see if they have any answer to this typical problem.
Driven around 250 Kms on highway and this has given me a fuel efficiency of 17 kmpl.
Climate Control:** This is the best feature in this car and cooling was effective and fast real test though would come only in summers. Climate control's feature of "Full Auto A/C" has a side effect that the Air Circulation changes automatically from "In" to "Out" the moment temperature difference is less than 1 degree with outside temperature and you feel the "outside smoke coming into your nose" from other vehicles, at this point once has to switch off the "Full Auto" mode to "Auto" mode. I guess this is Full Auto designed in this manner to switch air circulation between inside and outside.
Defogger is quite effective and in a minute you are able to see the result and the rear window becomes clear, this feature will be used extensively in Delhi's winter.
Comfort:** Cabin Space is OK, rear seat's legroom Ok for medium built. Bottle holder is missing on the Hand Brake side though it was shown in their Brochure; I guess they have discontinued it. There could be some more space below Dash Board for keeping some small Items(Like WagonR). Since there is no bottle holder around Driver, practically it is not possible to reach out on your own for any Bottle unless it is a small Canister type which you can keep next to the coin holder.
Having Tilted steering wheel is a good feature especially on a long drive and when you wanted a comfortable steering position, Lowering the steering make drive comfortable but do not forget to raise it before alighting else you may find it difficult to move out as it blocks the exit(Unless your seat is positioned too away from the steering)
Audio:** Ok type, I wish Maruti has given more options in terms of choosing a high end system or at least with Blue Tooth.
Display:** It is quite informative and takes some time to understand all the indicators lights. Fuel Gauge does not show the "Linear Consumption" of Fuel, it doesn't budges initially and gives you a "False sense of high fuel efficiency" and the moment needle crosses half way mark it drops down rapidly and you keep on wondering what's wrong with the driving.
Cabin Rear View Mirror could have been wider to give more coverage, you can put an extra wider mirror but will loose on the "Night Driving" mode unless there is replacement available with Nigh Mode mirror.
Boot Space:** Good boot space but is probably reduced to some extent due to the design of connecting rods of the boot cover as it goes too deep inside and restricts tightly packed boot.
Noise Under the Dash:Recently after first service I have started noticing some sounds from the front right side under the dash as if something is loose, usually it happens when you are on an un-even surface. Hoping it’s not a big problem.
