1500 Km Report for the Swift

Clairvoyant · 27th January 2006, 14:59

Salutations to all on Team-BHP:

I have been more of a spectator on the forum, not even logged for the last month. We shall attribute the same to plain ol' Inertia.

I bought the SWIFT some time ago, and the car has completed 1500 kms. This is my impression on the way the car looks, drives and feels. Since anthiltg's post hasnt been removed from the "Long Term Report" thread, following suit with mine in the same manner.

Car Specs:
Dont think I need to mention these

Color:
Azure Grey - This color sure helps warp off all small nicks and bruises. Have a couple of inadvertent ones on the side and the back; takes quite a stare to notice those.

Additions:

Nippon Car Security system
I surely liked this addition of mine, valet mode is something we all could use once in a while.
Mud Flaps (Wonder why the company did'nt give these out with the car)
Side Rubber (Beeding, we call it?)
Floor Mats (the rubber smell on my mats still make the car seem new)

Looks:

Hordes of denizens have raved and ranted about the looks of the car, and the manner in which it stands out from the other cattle on the road. I would agree with them all, the car does invite quite a bit of stares. I have found myself eyeing other Swifts on the road, and the species sure has run out on roads in abundance ( at least, in delhi roads)

I am sure others would have noticed this, but the car looks extremely "smooth", when you stand about 4-5 feet away from it's hood, and look at it head on. The extravagance of the tyre mouldings, the curve of the headlights and the ground clearance lend a "hovering" effect to the look of the car. Pardon me if I sound kinda offbeat (or voohhoo, in other parlance), but it is something that comes through each time I look at it. I would dare say it could be attributed to the grey color of the car too.

The rear has a love-hate reaction with all. Though I like the way it has been carved. The downside to the design of the swift,is that the car is a trifle bigger then it seems from the inside. Have been fortunate that inspite of overlooking this, a nick with an Omni dint leave me with more than the little smudge on the rear tyre moulding.

The ORVMs on both sides are good indicators of the movement I can afford. The rear profile indicates that the ORVMs are almost flush (with a cm or two extra) with the widest part of the car. So, if my mirror gets nicked, I take it easy and let the fellow pass.

Interiors:

Found the interiors good value for money. People find the feel "plastic"; but I would say, for the money you are shelling out, cant expect much more. The controls are mostly within reach, the turn-around knobs do help in easy handling.

I have not opted for seat covers, and that has left me with frayed ends on the sides of the seats. Though a meeting with xSailor and his cigarette lighter sorted the problem temporarily.

I agree with the others on visibility issues. The small rear windscreen is found wanting sometimes, and all the more so, when 3 people sit in the back seat.

Engine and Transmission:

I have loved it since the day I drove it. The feel is very smooth, and the car responds instantaneously. It canters off the starting blocks at signals with great ease, and then kicks in the max in 3rd. The variability of speed which the engine can handle in 2nd and 3rd gears is truly commendable. In this regard, I would disagree with anthiltg's observation about his car gasping on 3rd. It sometimes happens when I am underpowered on 2nd, but if the change is made from 2 to 3 at 30ish, the power is gud enough.

I have been through the initial run-in period for the car, did that from 500-1100 kms, and have settled down after that. Havent got the chance to let the engine rip on highways, but yes, clocked 100 kmph on nelson mandela often, and a smooth ride everytime.

Fuel efficiency was one thing which gave me a high. Heard a lot about the 9s' and the 10s' which lots of "supposed" owners got. I am getting a cool 13.5-14 kmpl in City conditions, without A/C, which is more than what I expected. For a car this spacious, and the kind of city driving we take the car through here in Delhi, I would take that anyday.

Ride Quality & Handling:

The ride quality is very smooth, and the car has been built to take on minor potholes and bad roads with glee. The high ground clearance helps in negotiating breakers with faster-than-usual approaches. Unlike some other cars, no swerving to one side on hard application of brakes.

Power steering sure does help in negotiating the Swift. The car takes on curves and bends with great elan, and at high speeds, the response of the power steering helps a lot.

Concerns:

Trying to snake it thru traffic even after a knock to the ORVM could prove injurious to the paint finish.
Small rear wind-screen is an issue sometimes.

Specific to my car:

I have been noticing a recurring sound from the area around the right rear tyre. I cant hear it at low speeds < 35kmph. But i hear it at higher speeds, and it's a light sound, similar to a pebble hitting the road. I checked the tyre, and removed a couple of serious pebbles, but he problem persists. I dont think it would be the tyre scrapping the underside, as in that case, the sound would be a prolonged one.

On the whole, I personally find the car a fantastic piece of automation. It responds and drives well, looks good, and feels comfy. Shortcomings are there in every make; each one of us looks for somethings specific to his own needs, and if you find most of what you want in one car, then go ahead and buy it. I did that, and I couldnt be happier with my set of wheels.

That's all for now,
Hope to be more regular from now on,

Up the Irons,
The Clairvoyant.

dogdiga · 27th January 2006, 15:49

Good report man. You make us (read that swift owners) feel good.

Xsailor · 28th January 2006, 18:18

Hey A,

Cool. Glad to see you back. Sweet report that - Keep it coming.

PS: Let us try catch-up soon.

Cheers

nitrous · 28th January 2006, 20:30

Decent review,man.

Quote:

Nippon Car Security system
I surely liked this addition of mine, valet mode is something we all could use once in a while.

Can u elaborate??

Clairvoyant · 30th January 2006, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitrous

Can u elaborate??

Hi,

Well, the valet mode allows you to quickly disable the additional features of the Nippon security system, like intruder alert, and impact alert etc, which might be irritating sometimes. So, you can configure your system as reqd (sorry if this jargon sounds IT'ish), and disable these features, and just leave "Remote locking" and some minimal features activated.

I find some features really cool, while some like "Door unlocking on Engine Switch-off" seem a pain. But all these features can be switched off, using the Ignition and the Alarm button (which is installed next to the fog lamp panel).

Cheers,
The Clairvoyant

Samurai · 30th January 2006, 17:40

Good Review.

Quote:

Car Specs:
Dont think I need to mention these

Why not? You want us to guess the trim level... Is it a Lxi?

Clairvoyant · 30th January 2006, 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samurai

Good Review.

Why not? You want us to guess the trim level... Is it a Lxi?

It is a Vxi...dint mention the same, a faux pas on my part.

ballkey · 3rd February 2006, 00:46

Good review, Clairvoyant.
I'm sure dozens are going to post Swift reviews, so I'll restrict my review to a comment in yours

Stats:
Color & Trim : Azure Grey Vxi Non-ABS
Date of Purchase: 26 Dec
Meter reading : 1750+
Mileage : 13 to 15 with a 50-50 highway:city ratio
Accessories: A barebones music system
Mods : None, stock tyres
Upgraded from: a 800, what else

My Views:

Looks - Dont likem. I'm a reluctant buyer, I bought the car solely for the fun driving experience & value. However others like it, so no complaints.

Comfort - Good seating height for somebody like me, with average height(5'7). I liked the Fusion's better though. I like seeing the where the bonnet ends, cant really do that here.
I'm told the Rear comfort is good, but havent taken it for a extended trip yet. Visibility is poor, so much that I dont have sunfilm on it. My next ride will be a Safari, God willing

Performance: One word - adequate. It must be surprising to hear that from somebody coming up from a 800, but I guess I had higher hopes.
I got upto 120 once, and the racket of the engine is not exactly reassuring.
Acceleration is also entirely up to the driver - she runs when flogged, but generally content with puttering around.
Gears 2 and 3 are your lifeline. I got whupped by a Santro, coz my cocky self thought I could take him in 4th/Overdrive.

The consolation is the superb FE. I use xtra premium, nothing special.

Handling: As others have said, very stable and sure-footed. Curves and bends are great fun (heh)

Problems: Very minor. The rear seat squeaked for a while, first service fixed it. The engine feels sluggish when the AC is on.
I've even stalled a few times. However it evens out after a while.

Overall, I'd recommend it for a new car buyer, or somebody moving up from a 800/Alto. Even over the Getz.
However, for somebody who already has a recent Santro/Indica /WagonR/Zen, I'm not sure if the ownership experience will be significantly better.

nitrous · 3rd February 2006, 01:34

My suggestion to all Swift owners is that u get 'Reversing Sensors' installed on ur rear bumper, It'd help a lot since there's very limited visibilty thru the rear windshield.

shrawage · 2nd January 2008, 11:47

I need exact process to achive Valet mode for Nippon car security system.
Which is valet button? (specified in manual)
My car start giving alarm when fire crackers are used. I want to stop security system for short period.
Shrawage

27th January 2006, 14:59	#1
Clairvoyant Newbie Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Delhi Posts: 4 Thanked: 0 Times	1500 Km Report for the Swift Salutations to all on Team-BHP: I have been more of a spectator on the forum, not even logged for the last month. We shall attribute the same to plain ol' Inertia. I bought the SWIFT some time ago, and the car has completed 1500 kms. This is my impression on the way the car looks, drives and feels. Since anthiltg's post hasnt been removed from the "Long Term Report" thread, following suit with mine in the same manner. *Car Specs:* Dont think I need to mention these Color: Azure Grey - This color sure helps warp off all small nicks and bruises. Have a couple of inadvertent ones on the side and the back; takes quite a stare to notice those. *Additions:* Nippon Car Security system I surely liked this addition of mine, valet mode is something we all could use once in a while. Mud Flaps (Wonder why the company did'nt give these out with the car) Side Rubber (Beeding, we call it?) Floor Mats (the rubber smell on my mats still make the car seem new) *Looks:* Hordes of denizens have raved and ranted about the looks of the car, and the manner in which it stands out from the other cattle on the road. I would agree with them all, the car does invite quite a bit of stares. I have found myself eyeing other Swifts on the road, and the species sure has run out on roads in abundance ( at least, in delhi roads) I am sure others would have noticed this, but the car looks extremely "smooth", when you stand about 4-5 feet away from it's hood, and look at it head on. The extravagance of the tyre mouldings, the curve of the headlights and the ground clearance lend a "hovering" effect to the look of the car. Pardon me if I sound kinda offbeat (or voohhoo, in other parlance), but it is something that comes through each time I look at it. I would dare say it could be attributed to the grey color of the car too. The rear has a love-hate reaction with all. Though I like the way it has been carved. The downside to the design of the swift,is that the car is a trifle bigger then it seems from the inside. Have been fortunate that inspite of overlooking this, a nick with an Omni dint leave me with more than the little smudge on the rear tyre moulding. The ORVMs on both sides are good indicators of the movement I can afford. The rear profile indicates that the ORVMs are almost flush (with a cm or two extra) with the widest part of the car. So, if my mirror gets nicked, I take it easy and let the fellow pass. *Interiors:* Found the interiors good value for money. People find the feel "plastic"; but I would say, for the money you are shelling out, cant expect much more. The controls are mostly within reach, the turn-around knobs do help in easy handling. I have not opted for seat covers, and that has left me with frayed ends on the sides of the seats. Though a meeting with xSailor and his cigarette lighter sorted the problem temporarily. I agree with the others on visibility issues. The small rear windscreen is found wanting sometimes, and all the more so, when 3 people sit in the back seat. *Engine and Transmission:* I have loved it since the day I drove it. The feel is very smooth, and the car responds instantaneously. It canters off the starting blocks at signals with great ease, and then kicks in the max in 3rd. The variability of speed which the engine can handle in 2nd and 3rd gears is truly commendable. In this regard, I would disagree with anthiltg's observation about his car gasping on 3rd. It sometimes happens when I am underpowered on 2nd, but if the change is made from 2 to 3 at 30ish, the power is gud enough. I have been through the initial run-in period for the car, did that from 500-1100 kms, and have settled down after that. Havent got the chance to let the engine rip on highways, but yes, clocked 100 kmph on nelson mandela often, and a smooth ride everytime. Fuel efficiency was one thing which gave me a high. Heard a lot about the 9s' and the 10s' which lots of "supposed" owners got. I am getting a cool 13.5-14 kmpl in City conditions, without A/C, which is more than what I expected. For a car this spacious, and the kind of city driving we take the car through here in Delhi, I would take that anyday. *Ride Quality & Handling:* The ride quality is very smooth, and the car has been built to take on minor potholes and bad roads with glee. The high ground clearance helps in negotiating breakers with faster-than-usual approaches. Unlike some other cars, no swerving to one side on hard application of brakes. Power steering sure does help in negotiating the Swift. The car takes on curves and bends with great elan, and at high speeds, the response of the power steering helps a lot. *Concerns:* Trying to snake it thru traffic even after a knock to the ORVM could prove injurious to the paint finish. Small rear wind-screen is an issue sometimes. Specific to my car: I have been noticing a recurring sound from the area around the right rear tyre. I cant hear it at low speeds < 35kmph. But i hear it at higher speeds, and it's a light sound, similar to a pebble hitting the road. I checked the tyre, and removed a couple of serious pebbles, but he problem persists. I dont think it would be the tyre scrapping the underside, as in that case, the sound would be a prolonged one. On the whole, I personally find the car a fantastic piece of automation. It responds and drives well, looks good, and feels comfy. Shortcomings are there in every make; each one of us looks for somethings specific to his own needs, and if you find most of what you want in one car, then go ahead and buy it. I did that, and I couldnt be happier with my set of wheels. That's all for now, Hope to be more regular from now on, Up the Irons, The Clairvoyant.
	() Thanks

27th January 2006, 15:49	#2
dogdiga BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 74 Thanked: 0 Times	Good report man. You make us (read that swift owners) feel good.
	() Thanks

28th January 2006, 18:18	#3
Xsailor BHPian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Noida Posts: 128 Thanked: 0 Times	Hey A, Cool. Glad to see you back. Sweet report that - Keep it coming. PS: Let us try catch-up soon. Cheers
	() Thanks

3rd February 2006, 00:46	#8
ballkey BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Chennai Posts: 439 Thanked: 84 Times	me too! Good review, Clairvoyant. I'm sure dozens are going to post Swift reviews, so I'll restrict my review to a comment in yours Stats: Color & Trim : Azure Grey Vxi Non-ABS Date of Purchase: 26 Dec Meter reading : 1750+ Mileage : 13 to 15 with a 50-50 highway:city ratio Accessories: A barebones music system Mods : None, stock tyres Upgraded from: a 800, what else My Views: Looks - Dont likem. I'm a reluctant buyer, I bought the car solely for the fun driving experience & value. However others like it, so no complaints. Comfort - Good seating height for somebody like me, with average height(5'7). I liked the Fusion's better though. I like seeing the where the bonnet ends, cant really do that here. I'm told the Rear comfort is good, but havent taken it for a extended trip yet. Visibility is poor, so much that I dont have sunfilm on it. My next ride will be a Safari, God willing Performance: One word - adequate. It must be surprising to hear that from somebody coming up from a 800, but I guess I had higher hopes. I got upto 120 once, and the racket of the engine is not exactly reassuring. Acceleration is also entirely up to the driver - she runs when flogged, but generally content with puttering around. Gears 2 and 3 are your lifeline. I got whupped by a Santro, coz my cocky self thought I could take him in 4th/Overdrive. The consolation is the superb FE. I use xtra premium, nothing special. Handling: As others have said, very stable and sure-footed. Curves and bends are great fun (heh) Problems: Very minor. The rear seat squeaked for a while, first service fixed it. The engine feels sluggish when the AC is on. I've even stalled a few times. However it evens out after a while. Overall, I'd recommend it for a new car buyer, or somebody moving up from a 800/Alto. Even over the Getz. However, for somebody who already has a recent Santro/Indica /WagonR/Zen, I'm not sure if the ownership experience will be significantly better.
	() Thanks

3rd February 2006, 01:34	#9
nitrous Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: UAE/Lon/Madras Posts: 6,964 Thanked: 333 Times View My Garage	My suggestion to all Swift owners is that u get 'Reversing Sensors' installed on ur rear bumper, It'd help a lot since there's very limited visibilty thru the rear windshield.
	() Thanks

2nd January 2008, 11:47	#10
shrawage Newbie Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 5 Thanked: 0 Times	I need exact process to achive Valet mode for Nippon car security system. Which is valet button? (specified in manual) My car start giving alarm when fire crackers are used. I want to stop security system for short period. Shrawage
	() Thanks