Quick recap first.
Priorities change and the need of the hour was an economizer, so the short listing started to replace the great 1.6 L iKON. The obvious upgrades (sedans) were lined up for test drives and the one that passed the test was Fiesta diesel, but sadly over my budget allocation. Financing had become dearer thanks to the economy and Excel sheet reminded hand to mouth existence once the car and house emi’s took over.
So back to calculations, this is when I stumbled on the news that the much awaited muti-jet fiat engine hitting shores. Having already spent couple of 1000 kms with a petrol swift, was convinced on the capabilities of the chassis. After a quick test drive the decision was made to go for the Diesel Swift. Banker also would be happy since budgets somehow fell in place without the need for a loan for the car with some cost cutting measures for a month or two.
Got the car delivered in April and its going to be 6 months since then and story so far
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/long-t...swift-vdi.html
To summarize on the car after around 12,000 kms.
Pro’s: Great chassis / Handling: With shift to 195-65-14 tyres on alloys, its really a joy to drive, yup the steering is lil tight at slow speeds but nothing to complain. Is glued to the tarmac and responds well to driver inputs in emergency situations. BSM had summed up correct, carry the speeds into corner to avoid the torque steer antiques. Yes this car is so brilliantly set up at stock, that one keeps on pushing it to the limits in corners. Goodyear Eagle Ventura though outdated is brilliant in grip, especially in wet braking and over broken patches. 3 cheers to this understated tyre.
To quote a buddy,” when in doubt flat out”, holds so true to my set up. Somehow the chassis and tyres love it that way and that’s when one realize the beauty of it (set up).
Good brakes (Non ABS Vdi): Again the first drive from showroom to my office was enough to convince to close the deal for the tyres, and yes it has saved my life atleast 2 times. Last being 2 weeks back when in the pouring rain I was taking a 90 deg RT turn and 1 maniac private bus came straight at me while over taking another bus. Brakes and tyres behaved really well (one side was on wet tarmac and the other on mud), I braked, corrected and managed to brush past the bus and some shrubs thankfully not even a single scratch from the shrubs.
Superb engine: Yes this multi-jet is a design marvel, as the KMS gathered engine became silent and refined, the service light incident was caused by the silent engine, more on that later. The diesel pitter patter as well as the roughness has faded off, now the car is silky smooth and revs like any other petrol engine (sad the rev limits are lower).
FE has improved marginally, by a KM to be precise. Point to note is I don’t believe in traditional run in but using the engine to its potential, within safe limits. Currently FE is at 15 to 16 kmpl inside city, depending on AC usage and traffic against 19 to 22 kmpl on highway. I will not complain here coz it works out much cheaper compared to a Volvo bus for my weekend runs to native.
Oil consumption so far was zilch, and I have changed Oil 3 times (1k, 5k and now at 10k) and filter at 5K and 10 K. Color of the oil unlike other diesel engines am experienced, doesn’t turn black, rather it turns grayish kinds.
Power delivery is brilliant, modulate the gas pedal judiciously and you wont feel the turbo lag. Yes even sooth is minimal unless you try to floor the pedal at low rpms or you try to gas down at high gears at slow speeds. Once the Turbo kicks in it’s a whole new experience all together, car moves as if its being chased by a group of rabid dogs. 2k to 4k rpm is where the sweet spot is. And unlike whats being bragged about, on 195 tyres wheel spins are rare unless one is really stupid.
Driving: Have seen lot of debates on seats and all, but in my experience only thing that’s lacking is that under thigh support and the dead pedal for left leg. Seats are firm and just perfect for my taste. The car already has great respect in my books, just like the ol zen and the iKON. These bunch really have some character and this is one of my primary selection criteria.
Cons. Visibility: Rear and front visibility can be better but becomes non issue’s once you get introduced to that ORVM blind spot!! Yes the huge ORVM’s are must and boon for reversing and regular driving but a pain since it creates a blind spot while taking turns and while at ghat sections. Again dark sun film is absolute no no for this car, or risk scrapping the sides during heavy rains.
Ground clearance: Is bad, especially at the front bumper, in Bangalore roads it’s a real pain point. Again watch those speed breakers when the car is loaded. Good news is almost all the critical parts underneath are well protected and hidden away from such scrapes. Even the running board has plastic scrape plates to take care of small impacts.
Space: Ideally suited for two adults, especially if tall. Rear leg space can be an issue with tall occupants in front. For long journeys avoid 5 adults or can be lil cumbersome. Boot space is also just about adequate. Yes it will hold 2 standard strollies and duffle bags, but since I have the speaker boards / parcel tray, accommodating huge suitcase means task of removing the MDF board has to be planned.
Plastic clips: People often misrepresent swift to have poor build, this car is tough to a good extent. Can say this safely after trashing it in tough terrains, including when I kept up with the macho safari. Under pinning’s are strong and hold up well, nothing has fallen off yet. Rubber beading if treated well will stay putt, yes they are held up with small clips and if not careful during cleaning can come off, but nothing a firm push can solve.
Doors definitely close with a SOFT thud and haven’t changed the sound yet, but yes windows when wound half way seem to be doing a joy ride. So in short it’s a design flaw where the plastic clips play havoc, right from mud flap trims to door pads, once they age they start the squeaks and all. Simple task is spent some 100 bucks and replace them at service and always carry spare in hand for the external trims.
Panel Sheets: To me the most irritating fact, the design is so curvy and with so much of swoopy surface that even a small twig can leave dents at certain places, like bonnet and doors (just below the weather strips). Maybe Suzuki could have stiffened this area with proper sheet pressing in these areas. Rest of the areas are quite strong, yup roof can become lil tinny at rains.
That’s all for now, trip, service, puncture and the service light story by tomorrow.