I have to agree with Himanshu: The Swift sedan WILL sell like hot cakes especially if it comes with the DDIS 1.3 engine tuned to the current 75bhp or even better, 90bhp.
My reasons are:
1. Most Indian consumers care 2 hoots for looks as Himanshu pointed out
2. Maruti's service network
3. Devastating pricing & marketing strategy e.g. Swift Petrol, Diesel and (less so), the SX4.
4. Interior: Looks like they have lightened the Swift's dark interiors.
5. Spacious boot. Look at the height - It will probably be very well shaped for luggage. Don't underestimate the 'boot' factor in India
. Many people simply drop the Swift hatch because of the boot's miniscule size. I DID!
6. After comprehensive feedback from the many Swift users, they MUST have got a handle on the build quality and niggles by now.
7. The DDIS engine is a true gem. With (hopefully) crisp handling, it will attract another stream of enthusiasts who could not consider the hatch due to the boot factor.
8. SX4-ish looks from the back. Good or bad?
The only cons I can think of as of now:
1. Parking will still be a nightmare due to the high boot. The rear window is now larger but the boot (and extended wheelbase negates the advantage).
2. Handling COULD be mushy/wallowy. The longish boot (relative to the car's overall size) must be adding a substantial amount of weight. However, Suzuki's engineering is sound so they MUST have sorted it out very well.
Thanks,
Quote:
Originally Posted by himanshugoswami  OK, I am going to stick my neck out here here and say that this car, if it is real, will be a HUGE success for MUL.
Reasons: it will definitely come with the 1.3 MJD.
It will be priced at least 1 L cheaper than the SX4 (MUL Has to do this and going by recent evidence, they WILL come out with a killer price)- so an ex showroom between 5.5 to 6L
It is a Maruti
Indian public cares two hoots about looks (evidence- NHC Type 1, Santro MK1, wagon R- all these cars are a huge success, but certainly not for their looks) |