So guys here is my take on the DDIS 320 and the DDIS 200 driving them back to back.
Drove the DDIS 320 first, in one word the car is a bomb but with its own share of problems. For one the clutch it is too damn heavy and vibrates like hell. Heck i couldn't keep my leg on the clutch for more than a few seconds it was that bad. I managed to stall it on three different occasion but where the ddis 320 shows its true colour is on the highway it's the new torque king in this segment. Be prepared to see crashed 1.6 S crosses as this car requires some skill to handle, one needs to understand the power delivery and the way this thing works as the jolt of torque is sudden when the turbo starts which can cause problems. Thankfully the brakes are superb inspiring confidence. The gearbox is great and the much needed sixth gear is present.
However, the engine is noisy and doesn't feel free reving in comparison to its smaller avatar the DDIS 200.
Now here is the gem the true master in the ddis 200. Superbly mated gearbox and engine with an ultra light clutch. The perfect combination for a city car the engine is superbly free revving. I pushed it all the way to 5000 rpm and it didn't hesitate one bit. Don't worry guys didn't exceed the speed limits as i simply couldn't, yes the biggest sore point of the DDIS 200 is the lack of top end power. The thing is you would make a lot of noise and feel you are making cracking progress but in reality you would be just barely managing triple digit speeds BARELY. The car is more tuned to efficiency and keeping in mind city driving conditions.
Let me put it this way the ddis 320 would be someone you won't mind having an affair with but when it comes to commitment and marriage you would choosse the DDIS 200.
Apart from the engines the car is superbly insulated blocking all outside sounds. The car is not in any terms small and has good proportions, rear leg space is more than enough. However, the boot space is a bit tight due to the full size spare.
The car was so good that i was somehow hypnotized to book the zeta ddis 200. Somehow gained my senses and fleed from the showroom else i would have been skinned alive by my dad for trading in his beloved city
That reminds me they even promised to give me superb value for my car.
Now comes the pricing disaster, i would have to make some ammends to some of previous statements
First someone going for the S cross would not look at the ciaz. There is a huge difference in the quality, fit and finsh and not to forget even the features.
Second i got the proper price list(attached) and the S cross in the ddis 200 avatar is actually superb VFM. If you eliminate the AMC tax (which i am not charged due to my location) and the EW warranty(optional) the car is cheaper than the ciaz in reality.
Third, Maruti has done a great job with training the RM's they have flown them to many places giving them the best training possible. They have the best phones/ tablets and dressed properly in suits and ties making you feel you are being treated in a special way.
Fourth, the car is a looker people stopped on the road to have a look at the car and one of them followed me all the way to showroom during my test drive.
Finally coming to availability. Yes, the car is not available everywhere and that in fact is a
GOOD thing. Yes you read that right with the current scenarios its good they opened limited number of showrooms as there is such a huge unexpected demand. In one day (today) these guys have booked nearly 100 cars. YES 100 CARS. People from different parts of gujarat have come all the way to book the car. The 320 is immediately available whereas 6 weeks waiting for the 200.
Now the biggest problem of them all. Mirror Mirror on the wall which is the worst priced of them all? Its the ddis 320. The car is a disaster and they accepted it, almost all booking for the 320 have been transferred to the 200 which has brought them to a problem. What to do with the card that had been alloted previously? There is a meeting today to decide what to do with the 320. Most likely, the car will start seeing discounts very very soon like within this month. Enthusiasts keep your eyes and ears wide open as discounts for the 320 are coming your way.
The car also introduces a nexa card which is similar to the maruti autocard and gives points for referrals, services and official accessories installed in the car from NEXA. Also the NEXA service centers would start with the launch of YRA which is in the next 6 months.
Cheers