Jan 16, 2007 02:42 PM
16646 Views
(Updated Jan 17, 2007 06:58 AM)
90% of people buying the Swift are going in for the VXi model which is almost Rs 100, 000 cheaper than the top-of-the-line ZXi model. However, having recently(December 2006) bought the ZXi, here is my analysis why this is definitely the superior choice.
First of all, here’s what you get in the ZXi which is NOT in the VXi:
1) Wheels: 185/70 R14 alloys vs 165/80 steel
2) Automatic Climate Control
3) Braking: ABS with EBD
4) Driver seat height adjuster
5) Dual front airbags
6) Keyless entry
7) Front seat belts with 3-point ELR with pretensioners
8) Rear window wiper
9) Rear window demister
10) Electomagnetic tailgate opener
11) Coloured outside door handles
12) Coloured outside door mirror cowls
13) Rear parcel shelf
14) 12V accessory socket in luggage room
15) Room lamp in luggage room
16) Cigarette lighter
You might well argue that you don’t need many of the items listed above and so why spend the extra dough? Against this are the following arguments:
1) Ride comfort with the larger wheels is to be experienced to be believed plus the greater visual appeal of the alloys
2) The sleek automatic climate control not only looks good but does a superb job of controlling the cabin temperature to any desired user setting
3) The ABS system is a great insurance especially for long drives and rainy weather
4) The driver seat height adjuster is absolutely vital if more than one person of the family will be driving the car and the ability to raise the seat gives one a an extremely comfortable “bird’s eye view” driving position
5) Airbags maybe a luxury but they are a great safety feature especially for long drives on the expressway
6) The other accessories offer varying degrees of convenience and /or aesthetic appeal and may not be considered as absolutely essential by many people but the entire package which comes with the ZXi is, in my opinion, extremely good value for money. It would certainly cost more to fit all the extra accessories seperately to the VXi model and one would then also lose the benefit of the warranty which comes with factory-fitted items.
Remember that the ZXi variant was what the Swift was designed for internationally and then was “trimmed down” for the budget-conscious Indian customer via the VXi model.
The bottom line: if you can afford the premium on the ZXi model and are making an investment in a superb car which will serve you for many years, the choice is clear!
Attached is a video clip of my new Swift ZXi which emphasises the special features of the premium model.
