Lives upto its name. Review on Maruti Suzuki Swift

The swift is a marvel of Japanese Engineering, European styling and Indian Manufacturing!

*~ How did I choose?~

It was difficult to buy a car from overseas - but it could be done, I said to myself. I started by calling some friends and checking reviews on Mouthshut. Having owned an **Esteem, choice was to just buy a sedan for their sheer handling.  But dad said no! With his age, getting in and out of sedans was a problem for him. A jeep or a minivan was out of the question in Bombay. So the only option was a hatchback! I primarily dislike all hatchbacks in India for their high centre of gravity. You see, I like to speed and a high CoG can be a little problem. Diesel vehicles were out too as the travel is not more then 1500 km/month

I dislike Hyundai bcoz their cars look good on initial value, but maintenance costs are higher and they get you on spares - said my mechanic and also neighbour who owns one. I said to myself, let me just get an Indica and be done with it - sasta, tikau and patriotic too:-) My gf's brother had just got his Xeta and even she suggested it to me. I booked one! However, having sat in one earlier, I knew it was not the car for me. I want performance and good looks too! A quick family vote and out came the results - dad didn’t want to go for a petrol Indica, His words “Petrol car should be a Maruti” – Also found sis and mom didn’t like Indica. Out goes the Xeta and the booking was cancelled. The Zen Estilo is ugly and looks cramped; Wagon R feels unsafe above 80 KMPH. The popular choice by elimination was Swift, which was my preference too in the first place! It also had a few extra BHPs over the Xeta. It’s just a testosterone thing ladies:D

A quick look on safety features and the natural choice was the top end model - ZXi - why settle for less!. It has a plethora of features that enhance safety and also includes air bags. Did you know air bags are not even an option on any of the Tata vehicles? Simply appalling! The colour once again was settled by a quick vote and the winner was "Red" - mom's choice. A few calls around the city and the car was found. Comment from gf - "I knew you would go for Swift" how wicked!

I liked the car the moment I saw it. With its contemporary European design, it looks so inviting, almost begging me to get behind the wheel. The features are great and the seats are a delight! Before buying, I had thought of putting in sportier seats in my next car, but the OEM seats are already comfy and sporty too. I loved them! Points to Maruti for not cutting corners here!

The Electronic Power Steering is superb. The wheel feels like guiding a butterfly - effortless and it makes city driving a breeze! The engine is super and is nicely mated with the gearbox. The car has a sturdy feel to it. The quality of interiors is also very good. Once you get in, the vehicle seems to wrap around you and isolates you from the outside world. I like the fact that it has small windows and an even smaller rear windscreen(with a wiper too). I read in some reviews people have complained about not being able to see while backing up, but it’s a plus for me as I love privacy!

For me, not having electronic side mirrors or a factory fitted sunroof was a bigger negative. What I agree with the other reviewers is the nagging rattling from the left front door. Why are so many people complaining about these rattles from new cars - MARUTI LISTENING? Fix it guys!

Other than this - I have nothing to complaint about and I’m very picky when it comes to cars. Ask the dealer I bought the car from. I kept them on their toes because of the poor customer service they gave me.

Why should you go for ZXi? Here are some reasons - It has an auto climate control, wider tyres and the ZXi label on it! Besides offering you a superior ride and handling, people notice it:P Not enough? Here are some more experiences.

*~ It can avoid you an accident~

Pls see somments section on how ABS and EBD in the Swift and some quick thinking on my part, the cyclist and the cabbie save the day!

~ ZXi with ABS and EBD is the way to go~

~ It can render your girlfriend speechless~

I was on my drive to Pune and having been on the expressway twice in 3 days already, I knew the road pretty well by now. It was on my 3rd run that - if I may use such a reference - I really "found" the car! The gf was talking n talking about something that was quite trivial to me and I was enjoying the drive at 120kmph. Seeing a traffic-free road ahead, I floored the pedal - talking was still on - reached 150 - talking was still on - reached 160 - talking was still on - reached 165(my previous best on the expressway!).  I was really excited now. the excitement however was misunderstood for interest and talking increased - reached 170. 175. 180. 185 . I stayed there for about 10 seconds and I knew we were maxxed out - nirvana was attained - I was one with my swift! If the swift were an airplane - I was maverick - I was supersonic baby!

I pointed the speedo to my gf and it may sound ironic, but the speed put the brakes on her incessant rambling and rendered her speechless. I was thinking - I'm glad I have a witness. When we reached saner speeds, I planted a kiss on my Swift - I could sense a twinge of jealousy from the passenger seat - It was a "sweeeeet" drive! You know the money is well spent if the drive makes you feel so good!

Point to note is - the car was so stable even at high speeds as it was not noticed by her till I pointed out the speedometer!

*~ ZXi with its wider tyres, quite ride and stability is the way to go~

*~ Engine~

The 1.3L 16V 32bit Hypertec engine produces 87 bhpand torque band** starts from a low 1500 RPM range and stays flat till 5500 RPM - very good for city driving as it minimises gear changes. Being all Aluminium, its lighter, it has better cooling ability and a better acceleration then the Getz.

Mileage - 10-16 KMPL with AC.+0.5-1 without.

~ Award Winning Drive~

Look at the number of awards won by the car. It has won car of the year awards in 9 countries, the 10th one being India! https://marutiswift.com/awards_inter.aspx - With all these awards backing your purchase, you are surely driving a winner!

While on the website, done forget to check out the "Super 6 advantage" and the "Evolution links" that describe the Swift's birth from a motorcycle to a concept vehicle to a stylish passenger vehicle that retains the "Gotta have it" flavour of the concepts.

You can also check out the complete specs of the cars and models and prices on the site.

Thanks to Maruti Suzuki for bringing a truly international quality product to India!

Hope you enjoyed the drive – let me know your thoughts:D

! Spike!