Am shortlisting my next purchase. I presently drive an Indica since 7 years. Its an old car but demands an upgrade in the workshop every few months. By now, the car has everything changed, nothing except the body and some essentials came from the company, everything else has been replaced.
Test drove the Swift VDi two days back after reading positive reviews on this site.Since my drive to and fro uptown is about 75 kms, three days a week, diesel is a preference.
The car amazed me with its silent diesel engine, pick up and ride dynamics.
However, the looks of a cramped car and the feel inside the cabin was disappointing. The front seat was not well cushioned, the black plastic on the dashboard seemed dated and flimsy and so did the upholstry. All this at over 6 lacs in Mumbai, though my budget is around 5 lacs, anything over that is stretching.
Sitting on the back seat reminded me of a cramped alto. So did the boot, or was it even smaller than the alto? The high windows seemed ackward. The AC knobs, vents, all seemed as basic as my Indica.The executive accompanying me was honest to admit that this was a basic car and since the great engine was so expensive, Maruti decided to ignore everything else.
I preferred the beige interiors of the Zen Estillo in the showroom . Also sat inside the SX4, appreciating its interiors and got motivated enough to test drive it. Its a great car but I will have to be in a major debt to afford it and do without the economy of diesel.
Finally, I am back to contemplating. No new car as yet. Prefer diesel and may go to test drive the Verna, Fiesta and Logan and escalate my budget. Dont intend going back to Tata, it was like driving a truck, just transporting.
This is more of an observation and bouncing of ideas to arrive at a decision, with your comments as readers. Please dont take this as a review in the literal sense, though I do put across my point of view without being technical at all.
I miss a Swift Zdi with Swift ZXi features and interiors, but it would probably cost close to the SX 4. I open the forum for comments from users of Swift VDi, other diesel cars, potential buyers like me and the aware enthusiasts.Hope it helps me and many others like me take a decision.