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