SECOND REVIEW for Zdi:
NOTE: Please read my first review before this.
Dear Friends:
This is cumulative experience after driving for nearly 30, 000kms on the Dzire Zdi. My driving is around 30kms per day each way of my commute. Out of which 15 kms is on the ring road (Bangalore) and the remaining is reasonably congested (3-4th gear). My AC is always on going between 22-24C. This should give you a picture which will help you look at my observations below
1. The tyres are in great shape.
It still looks new. I have changed to nitrogen gas and found that the type pressures remain constant for nearly 2-3 months which is not bad (I can’t understand the chemistry here). The caveat is you need to shell out 100Rs and this is atrociously high since air is already 78% nitrogen. Some guys outside doing it for lower, especially the toping up once in 2-3 months. SUGGESTION: Company fitted tyres are good. Dont change them and replace air w/ nitrogen.
2. However to my luck, I have had some punctures. A certain thing I have noticed (as in my other cars as well) is that in tubeless tyres, detecting punctures can be a hassle especially if they are very tiny ones! The big ones are easy. SUGGESTION: Tubeless tyres will carry you for sometime w/ a puncture. So retain it.
3. I have been getting a mileage of 15+kms/litre of diesel. I have tried Shell and IoC and did not find any statistical difference b/n the two in terms of mileage. My friends who drive the non-Zdi version (narrower tyres) are claiming 17kms which I think is trustable. SUGGESTION: Ldi/Vdi is a better option if you are finicky on mileage, but you looking at a tiny change.
4. My maintenance bills have been quite low. So far, I have observed some creaky noises in the door panels and also the rear speaker platform. These need time to time some attention, but in Bangalore road conditions (improved a lot during last year), it keeps coming back.
The average service cost has been (1000-2000Rs) depending on whether you always look for wheel alignment, interior washing etc etc. The oil filter and amount is the major charge. SUGGESTION: This is by far the best reason for Maruti if you can bear the tiny noises.
I want to now indicate a few things that really need some attention from a new car owner/prospective car owner
PROS: Read the brochure!!
CONS: Please read on :-(
1. Front A-pillars (the one supporting the front glass-shield) are real thick and also white in color. This contrast difference b/n black dashboard and pillar in addition to thickness can be deterrent to viewing
2. Back C-Pillars (the one supporting the back glass-shield) are too thick and obstruct reverse viewing. This sucks! I have put in a reverse sensor (4 in no and costs Rs4500 w/camera).
It somewhat helps.
3. Brakes are not great - gets compounded by ABS braking that needs longer distance to break, when on! I have other cars and dzire needs to work here. It needs some getting used to.
4. Turbolag: This is irritating as sometimes the car won’t accelerate as you wish. Seems to be a fiat engine design issue and not Maruti’s. Indica Vista, Punto, Swift all have this problem till 2000rpm.
5. Bootdoor: If you don’t lift it completely, it bangs back - cant think why maruti cant fix this.
All-in-all, I think even with this, I would luv to keep this car for another 5years (2+ already over). It is a terrific value-for-money buy. Like any other product you will notice a few irritations here and there w/ time!
Finally, my friends laugh at its looks - I say you guys are jealous :-))
PS: I service at BIMAL and these guys have been great. Keep up the good work