Jun 17, 2008 08:02 PM
9771 Views
(Updated Jul 02, 2008 12:06 PM)
Just came back from Chikmagalur and thought I'll post some experiences.
First of all, the Swift DDIS is a beast on the highway, and it was a pleasure driving it.
The speedo touched 140 kmph a couple of times and I had to slow down, as my wife started freaking out! Even at that speed, it felt rock solid and had some reserve in it to go faster. I had fun with a couple of Innovas - just allowed them to get near, then pulled away to leave them as a spec in the rear view mirror. Wow, what a feeling!!
On the winding roads of Chikmagalur, the turbo lag came into effect a little bit and had to shift to second gear a few times. On similar roads, an Indica was able to pull through in third gear. Guess that's one of the issues with turbo, but with the other advantages of the DDIS, I'm not complaining!!
On the FE front, I managed 22.5 kmpl, measured using the tankfull-tankfull method.
Fuel used - IOC premium
Hats off firstly to Fiat for this wonderful engine and to Maruti, for bringing it to us in the form of the Swift. Quite an unbeatable package and I'm completely floored!!
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It's been over 2 months now since I got my Swift VDi and I've managed to cover close to 2000 km.
There have already been a lot of rave reviews about the DDIS, so without going into them, let me quickly provide my personal ownership experience so far:
The Positives
The Swift VDi handles very well and it feels secure while driving. Cornering and stability is a strong area of the car.
The engine response is terrific and can be exhilarating at 2000 rpm, when the turbo kicks in. For all the power it has, the fuel efficiency is remarkable. I've managed around 16-17 kmpl on Bangalore roads, with the AC on about 80% of the time. Haven't made a long trip yet, but it's round the corner and will post the FE numbers.
Cabin space - it may not match up to a Getz, but is decent and can accommodate 3 adults at the back. Even though I'm 6 feet tall, I don't have to push the driver's seat all the way back, which allows additional space for the rear passengers.
Interiors - The controls and indicators are fairly well organized and easy to read. I particularly liked the orange backlit clock and odometer (think they're a new addition on the '08 model). The fuel gauge does not stay in its position i.e. when the ignition is switched off, it drops to "E". This is different from the previous cars I owned. The tachometer is useful, especially when you are running-in the car (first 1000 km). Unfortunately, the LDi lacks this feature.
The front and rear doors have provision for speakers, which is an advantage and prevents the luggage space from being used for your listening pleasure.
Exterior features - the shape and design is a big turn on (although this is a personal thing). The wide stance makes it appear hawkish. The wide outside rear view mirrors give you a clear idea of what's happening behind you!
Now, the Negatives
The Swift VDi is a nice car, but needs some extras to make it work really well, which is unfortunate.
The tires - the OE tires are a complete waste and it is quite shameful that Maruti actually puts this car on the road with those tires. What you need right after you get the car from the showroom is a new set of wheels. Alloys would be the way to go, but if you're not too inclined towards alloys, then you at least need wider tires. 185/70 or 195/65 in 14-inch wheels or 195/60 in 15-inch wheels would be the right upgrades. The handling improves tremendously with wider tires.
Visibility - overall visibility in this car is quite poor. You can hardly see anything through the rear window. For reversing, I rely more on the ORVMs. The A and B pillars, coupled with the huge ORVM make visibility towards the left slightly problematic. If there's a passenger in the front seat, it makes matters even worse. You have to move back and forth in your seat to get a clear view of what's towards your left.
It took me a good month to get the dimensions of the car right, especially the clearance on the left. This may be due to the car's design. If you're getting a new Swift, allow for extra clearance and don’t get too close while parking...etc.
Lighting - the headlight's illumination is not great and even with the fog lamps on, it's not really bright. Some Swift owners have upgraded to 90/100 W bulbs and claim better results. I did not want to mess with the electricals and have been putting it off.
Interiors - the overall quality is not all that great. It's kind of plasticy and most Swifts come with door rattles as a freebie from Maruti! Since the door (and sometimes, the hatch) rattling is a "common" issue, I just turn up the music and not let it bother me.
Overall, I would say the Swift DDIS is a great car and is excellent value for money. Looking at all the pros and cons, I would want to drive it on a highway rather than inside the city.
Cheers!
