This is my first review on this site ever..so I thought lemme start with the all new Swift which I bought a few weeks ago.
After months of research and going through numerous blogs, magazines, comparisons and test drives, I made up my mind to settle for a Swift VXI over a INDICA XETA GLX and an Esteem VXI.
I was actually interested more in hatchback so the Esteem was sort of a last resort thing.
However, The XETA actually had stunned me when I drove it for the first time.
Peppy engine, no noise (as compared to its predecessors), neat interiors and a price tag which was pretty easy on the pockets.
BUt then..Japanese technology are the pioneers considering the fact and the biggest nations in the world would prefer a jap small car to any other (you know what I mean ;))...So it was finally the Swift VXI.
I booked it at a pretty popular dealer in bangalore and actually got prompt service and delivery from them in less that 10 days (Color : Mettalic Beam Blue)
Well I had test drove it for a couple of times before, ...but the first drive in my car was pretty amazing when I got to explore all of it.
Lets get down to the specifics now...
RIDE, HANDLING
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--A very smooth drive and the power steering is abosultely flawless.
--Perfect steering wheel radius, thoughtfully sized for all individuals
--The VXI could have done better with wider tires
--However the visibility from the driver seat might be a lil tricky on the first drive, since the seats are low and the window pane is placed sizeably high.But you get used to it once you get a hang on the car.
POWER, PICKUP
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--Mother of a first gear, good transitions between the gears.
--However the torque ratio between the speeds could be worked upon so that you do not feel a lad when the A/C is switched on.
--Revs well on the 1st but you feel a sudden lag in city traffic when you move to the 2nd.
--Cruises well on the 4..absolutely noiseless and nil vibration
--Bangalore-Pondicherry.....top speeds of 140-145 KMPH...averaging about 90-100kmph....absolutely no vibrations at all.....
INTERIORS, SPACE, ELECTRICALS
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--Very well done up dash, sporty dials and upholstery is also fine for a stock car.
--Good safety features, in terms of warning lamps for seat belts, door locks, windows.Nifty power windows in the front and rear
--The head rests in the rear are a boon to the hitch-hikers in the back.
--Ample leg room in the rear....but if you have a driver who’s about 6’5’’, it might get a little cramped at the back.
--Claims to be a 5-seater...but actually 3 in the back would be manageable and I wouldn’t say comfortable.
--Good headlamps...angle focus at the driver. The one thing I loved were the rear view mirrors which are adjustable from the interior.
--The Glove compartment could have been made a little more spacious.
--Very powerful A/C which I believe maruti suzuki had been consistent about in all the cars since the ZEN. however a rear defogger would have come in handy.
MILEAGE
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I think this is what everyone would be interested in knowing.
FIrst day, I did the 1st 60 Kms at about 12kmpl...which I thought was pretty amazing for the 1st drive of the car.
I have done about 900 kMs now and have been consistently getting about 10-12 on bangalore roads (A/C half and half)
A good 13-15kmpl off city limits....
Off what i’ve heard from numerous VXI owners, the mileage gets better after the 1st servicing to about a 14-15 in city (A/C half and half), ...keeping my fingers crossed :)
THe ZXI model however lags behind at about 8-10KMPL with city in city limits (maybe owing to the climate controlled A/C and ABS)
Well that’s it for now...i hope you peeps out there find this useful....
i’ll be back with more on the same after the first service ;)
Adios.
Shaz