Swift, wheel arches, width and all... A lot of opinions on the forum point out that it's not the car but the driver that is prone to accidents and I would agree to it.
All cars have their characteristics and it's upto the driver to adapt his driving methods accordingly. It if was just the car then a good driver in a M800 would be a similar driver in a Ferrari without changing his or her reference points and getting used to the extra width, low clearance, power and general dynamics.
I've graduated from an M800 to a Swift and here are my observances:
- the 800 had almost not blind spots. You could reverse and change lanes by just a look at the rear view mirror and the wing mirrors. In my Swift I find myself looking over my shoulder as well.
- The wheel arches are fine. It's just finding a new reference point for clearance that you need to do. I learnt this the hard way. Once past the wing mirrors focus your attention on the crease that is inline with the handles in your wing mirrors. This crease and the arches are in the same line. You keep an extra inch and you'll be just fine.
- Reverse with care. Remember that the rear windshield is small and a stooping person can easily be hidden by the back of your car.
- The Swift is a powerful car. Once the turbo gets going it's fast period. However the brakes provided as OE leaves a little more to be desired. It decelerates much slower than it accelerates. Account for this.
- The Swift is heavy and braking maneuvers that I pulled off in the M800 would land me in grief especially on the puny OE tyres. The turbo in the diesel sometimes kicks into the sweet zone when you down shift. You expect engine braking and what you get is more acceleration. Account for it.
- Easily crumples bumpers and body parts do not mean it is unsafe. On the contrary the car is actually working hard to protect you and the people outside. I had an incident where I hit a cyclist when he decided to take a lark in the middle of the road. The guy fell on my bonnet which instantly dented absorbing the shock. The guy escaped with no injuries at all. A well placed punch later straightened out the bonnet. At the speeds on our roads our indifferent approach to safety is set to land us in grief.
- Ensure other drivers know exactly what you're going to do on the road. I've taken to using my indicators much more in the Swift to this end. There are still a lot of bikers who understand this as an invitation to zoom into the zone into which I'm turning.
- Cars have to be understood and their limitation taken into effect. Do this and the Swift will be just as accident prone as any other well driven car on the road.
Two steps to make the Swift esp the diesel, safer is better rubber and the ABS option. Any upgrade that improves braking is a good thing in my opinion.
My two cents.
Drive on,
Shibu.
Last edited by shibujp : 23rd November 2008 at 14:50.
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