Great Swift--but downsize expectations
Hi All, This is my first review of an automobile, and its my honest attempt to make you all aware of my true feelings. I am not biased towards Hyundai, nor will I be overly generous to MUL since I have booked Swift. But I will try to paint the picture of TRUE reality.
External LOOKS
Swift, as you all will agree is love at first sight. When you look at the car, you simply fall in love. There is no denying this car has the most ’’foreign’’ looks that Indian roads have seen for a while. Any car in this segment, Zen, Alto, Santro, Getz, Palio, and Corsa dont have such amazing looks. The cars mentioned above look dated and are nothing more than convential road cars, this is a bit PLUS point for Swift.
Rating:
Interiors
I am an owner of the New Esteem, and I was really amazed when I saw the Interiors of the new Swift. Though I completely agree that the plastic feels cheap, the color of interiors being black lacks sophistication. The boot is small. The plastics feel a little weak, however the INTERIORS of this car AMAZED me the first time I saw it. I am not comparing it to Getz but compared to Esteem, Alto, Santro, Wagon-R, the Interiors are great. It has a digital Tachometer, its got a wonderful 3 spoke steering with suzuki symbol, as opposed to the small maruti symbol on esteems steering. So why is everyone complaining? Why compare it with Getz whose GLS model that has power windows is 5.2 lac on road? I would for sure expect better interiors from Getz since I am paying 1 lakh rupees extra. So comparing the interiors with Getz wont be fair, however the interior of Swift are so nice that it would put Baleno Lxi to shame. Dont take my word for it, see it. Yet I agree some more refinement could have certainly helped. If I compare the Swift Zxi to Getz GLS, than apart from interior and leg room being more, one would have to take into account that Swift offers features that Getz doesnt even offer. Like ABS, EBD, Air Bags. Now everyone is critisizing Maruti for bringing an old engine, but no one is applauding the fact that they have given so much safety features at such a low cost that no other company has given. Does HYUNDAI feel Indians dont deserve air bag as their life is cheap. Someone said they prefer interiors to safety, well just shows what priorities you have in life.
Rating:
Road Test
This is also another debatable aspect. I agree with all that since the look of the car is soo amazing one automatically expects so much more out of the car, that they are a tad disapointed when they first drive it. The drive comfort is no way near that of Getz or Fusion or Sail. The first time I drove the car, it was a pretty rough road, and the car felt like it had a Santro like tight suspension. However next time I drove it on smooth roads and the car was an absolute delight. The REASON??? maybe caz I had downsized my expectations. So in realistic terms, Swift has the ideal suspension in the long run on Indian roads, however it lacks the refinement of Getz and Corsa. The steering is an absolute delight (though many find it over servoed). The car grips the road with great command, although it lacks the european suspension that one would like, but I still rate it over any of the MUL cars available at the present time. The car is a little difficult to reverse and the rear window seems miles away from rear view mirror due to the small rear window size. What it does have though is an extremely proven Esteem Engine. To begin with this is the greatest strength and the weakness of the car. Strength being that on paper this engine clearly out classes Getz and its other rivals, however being old technology many of MUL detractors find this as a easy scapegoat. To be honest being an Esteem owner, I absolutely love the Esteem engine. Though I have an accent too, I know from experience that from cost of ownership, speed and performance point of view the Esteem Engine outclasses the Hyundai. However from smooth ride prespective the Hyundai Engines are more refined. As we know Honda City is so smooth and has great interiors and excellent FE, but still people miss the old City... Why? As people just cant drive a smooth car with 77hp, people prefer a peppy car at times like the old Honda City. As peppy cars have a soul of their own. Since I am not buying the car for 1-2 years, I know in longer run, due to low cost of ownership, and more peppy ride, I give Swift an edge over Getz. However I agree that people expected more in this department as the car looks mind blowing from the outside.
Rating:
Complete Package
If you have booked this car before the price rise, you cant go wrong with it. The price is right, its not overpriced as Fusion or Getz. The vxi is a very well placed model. In long run, being MUL, you can expect better resale value and after sale support. Cheaper parts than Getz as its 80% indegenous. So all in all, the best thing from outside, and a good thing from inside. If your expectations are right, and if you dont expect a Ferrari at 4 lakhs, than this is the car for you and is value for each and every penny you pay for it. Hope this helps people make up their mind about this car.
Overall Rating:
Kindly Rate this review to give me feedback, its appreciated!!!
Pros : External Looks, Safety, Climate Control, Price, Proven Technology
Cons: Luggage Space, Reverse View, Engine Refinement