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 bhp **and** 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!