Straight off to the review.
STYLING:
Well, I don’t think you need more enlightenment on this front. The swift is the grandson of the concept s,
which, by the way, many liked, but thought would never make it into production.The styling is attractive,
refreshingly new. Exactly what the market needs to soothe some sore eyes. The front headlights are
distinctive, and so are the flared back taillights. The flared wheel arches do the car justice,and gives it
that sporty stance. The ground clearance has been quoted at 170 mm, but the car doesn’t look that part, and
has a squat look, which, coupled to it’s aggressive stance, makes it look extremely sporty.
INTERIORS
This is where the swift will get divided reviews. I, personally, didn’t like the plastic material used for the
dash. It’s better than all the other marutis, though, and on par with the Baleno. the door pads, however, feel
okay. But overall, the plastics exude the car’s value, and it feels built to a price. And for cribs, there
isn’t even a clock in the lower variants. I couldn’t check this on the zxi- but I don’t think a clock is
present in that model either- and there’s an empty slot in the upper part of the dash, where the multi
information display is supposed to be. The gap has been filled by plastic. The driver’s seat, is, however,
very comfortable, and height adjustable (zxi). The co-passenger seat, is very comfortable,too. The rear could
have used additional padding, though. and the thigh support in the rear isn’t adequate.The instrument console,
however, is excellently laid out, and is easy to read. the tacho, speedo, and the telltale lights clearly
state that this is a driver-oriented car. The gear shift feels and looks good too.
FEATURES
The swift has more features than any other car in it’s class- but some are missing, too. There are accessory
sockets in the front and boot, cup holders in the front, power windows, power steering, central locking, etc.
And the zxi gets airbags, abs, ebd, keyless entry, fatter tyres, alloy wheels, electric boot opener, etc. but,
some stuff-like a stereo, reading lights for the rear bench (present in the indigo) etc. are absent. That’s
okay, but since it’s an all-new maruti, you intend to expect a li’l somethig more.... but maybe it’s just
me.There are provisions in the door pads for 4 speakers.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Well, here’s where the cookie crumbles. Although I didn’t get to drive the car for long , I got a fair idea of
the car’s capabilities.
First, let me begin by saying that I was a little disappointed with the car’s performance. But maybe that’s
because I was expecting too much from the car. I drove the vxi ( I didn’t check the features extensively on
this one; I was too busy focussing on the mechanicals), and frankly, the performance of the car felt just
about adequate. That being said, the car is no slouch either. It will still beat all it’s rivals, but it’s
just that you can’t compare it’s performance with the esteem or the palio 1.6. The car accelerates
sufficiently quick, until the 110 kmph mark. After 120, the pick-up is steady, and it’ll still leave the getz,
palio 1.2 and the indica gasping in it’s wake, but it does not feel as peppy as the similar-engined esteem.
but that is mainly due to the weight factor.
It’s not just the speed, but how the car handles that speed. In this respect, hats off to maruti for getting
it’s numbers right on this one. The optimal track (read:huge width), wheelbase and the excellent rubber ensure
that the car has bucketloads of grip, and the car felt rock-steady uptil 150, the max speed I could push her
to. The ride quality is excellent, and this is where the swift will whack it’s rivals to neverland. It’s
extremely good at the front, and good at the rear, too. The swift’s rivals will be hard pressed to beat her on
the ’’driving experience’’ front. The ride quality apart, I expected the car to wallow over the one or two
high-speed corners that I subjected the car to, but body roll and control was excellent, and the feedback,
outstanding. The body control exuded by the car is by far the best in it’s class.
The brakes feel good, and the stopping power offered by the disc-drum setup is good. the vxi that I drove did
not come with abs and ebd- and man, the response and feel is pretty good. I literally stood on the brakes at
140, and the car came to a stop without any drama, exhibiting good poise and control.
The steering, looks sporty, but I would have preffered a leather wrapped one. And I suggest this to all those
who plan to buy the vxi- get the steering leather wrapped- it’ll be worth it. the steering feels adequately
lively under most driving circumstances, and caters to most of our needs. The steering feedback and control is
good, but the system lacks fluidity when the car buids up speed. It feels a tad light under high speeds; the
weightage of a hydraulic system is, well, missed- but only slightly.
Overall
The swift will redefine maruti’s reputation, not to mention it’s fortunes. remember what happened when the zen
was launched? expect maruti to repeat history here.Sure, there are a few gripes, like the dash quality, lack
of extravagant equipment, etc. but hey, you are getting a fantastic car, and a few compromises here and there
are well worth it. The competitors can’t hold a candle to the swift in terms of overall package, and she can
teach some of the bigger boys a lesson or two in ride and handling. And then, there’s maruti’s service
back-up. and also, not to mention it’s resale value. The swift will hold excellent resale value for many years
to come, a’la the zen; remember what I said??
At last, maruti has given us a proper car, nay, a hatch- and guess what- the swift is here to stay. and unless
the competitors have a David Blaine in their offices to pull something out of their pockets, they’re gonna
have a hard time, playing catch up to the swift......
Comments and Ratings would be welcome.
