Congrats Shebin... It seems your long wait for the Red SDX is finally over. The interesting thing is that also being an owner of the Swift VDi, you will be able tell us where the two cars are different.
Just to compare notes with you and to mention some things I have learnt after 2100 kms of driving till date.
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Originally Posted by shebin Interiors:All of you know how it is(egronomical and solid but not great looking and stylish)
Steering:Heavy compared to swift and a breeze at higher speed.No need to clutch the steering wheel at high speed.It gives correct feed back.But if u are used to EPS you will find it a bit heavy. |
Totally agree with you. Although a lot of people find EPS better, I like the HPS of Indica and Palio more. Maybe because MSIL doesn't do the EPS bit well.
Important: Since you don't have the manual, let me warn you, don't leave the wheel at full lock position for more than 10-15 seconds if the car is not moving. The HPS starts emitting a humming sound and might get damaged. Straighten the wheel if you are stationery. Quote:
Originally Posted by shebin Seats:The seats has come out very good with good support and enough space.The space is exactly what a tall person would need.i am 5, 10.I find it good. |
Tell us if your foot (esp left) is too big for the footwell, because that seems to be a problem with some people. At size 8, I have no issues. I find that the seats work best if you try NOT to sit upright. The more horizontal your legs are, the better placed they are for the pedals. That's a problem I felt with Hyundais - Santro, i10, Getz. You sit fairly upright, so your foot tends to sit flat on the floor. But the pedal is more vertical. That's the reason I prefer lower seating.
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Originally Posted by shebin Suspension/handling:Too good.No Potholes are felt and the car really behaves like a sedan on rough terrain.You feel safe and solid.Handling is on softer side but well balanced due to the steering feed back.
Space: more compared to Swift,especaily boot space.
Transmission:Swift scores here.Palio gear box is smooth and you have no issues with shift.But its vague and feel like older indicas.I think swift gerbox is really good.
NVH:Somehow i feel swift is having better NVH.Palio vibrates slightly and this is transmitted to the gear and steering at times.But this doesnt interferes with the driving pleasure as such. . |
Agree with you on the above. Gearbox is better than the Indica and WagonR atleast, although not so sporty like the Swift. I don't find it vague. It might take some skill rather than effort, but it never slots incorrectly.
Minor Vibrations happen only when I am in the wrong rev range. I have realised that by keeping the car above 1500-1600 rpm, I eliminate any vibrations coming on to the gear lever or steering. But no rattles except the parcel tray at times. Its all about shifting correctly.
NVH might be higher than Swift, but the amount of sound insulation I get on closing the windows is awesome. Just shut out the traffic and switch on the music. Its a cocoon.
Tell us about the ride and handling as compared to the Swift.
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Originally Posted by shebin Engine power:Enough and adequate.The car pulls very well with ac on,turbo lag is felt but 3rd gear is enough for all type of traffic.Overtaking is also a breeze.
Brakes:Good and have enough bite.not scary even on stock tyres. |
I feel the 2nd and 3rd gears could be spaced a little closer. Sometimes I am too slow for 3rd gear (go below 1600 RPM) but too fast for 2nd gear. It can be a problem in traffic because the powerband is higher. Have learnt to tackle that slowly. Other ratios are fine.
Braking happens a little late, but it stops after giving you a small scare first and the guy behind you a small scare next. Again a matter of getting used to and a little skill with the brake pedal.
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Originally Posted by shebin Overall the car gives you a big car feeling.Its firmly planted on the road and you can push her hard.Change into alloys/better tyres will complement this.I think the bulid quality is quite good,but gear box is a sore spot when we think in fiat standards.
My initial impression is that this car is bulid to a budget and does not impress with the usual Fiat quality. |
There are some cost-cutting issues I did not like. Is the plastic panel on the inside of the Rear Hatch present in your car? Apparently that's not standard on my SDE. Thank god the parcel tray hides that! Overall, I think its not as solid as the older ones. But I would say the difference is only 5% or so, if you can quantify such things.
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Originally Posted by shebin But when we tackle bad roads at high speed you will fell the difference of driving a fiat. |
That, sir, is the best part. Amen!