[himanshugoswami]

Hi Guys,

Just came back from the TD of a swift VXI, and to add my two cents worth over and above what has been said so far:

1. The engine s a bomb. I used to drive an MPFi esteem before I left Bangalore, and believe me, the swift engine feels and behaves completely differently from that of the esteem. It is more responsive and has a distincly sproty character.

2. Boot space- people say that the Swift has a tiny boot, but I beg to differ. I think that considering it is a hatch, the boot size is pretty decent for a couple of over nighters or your weeks shopping. If you need more boot space, you are looking in the wrong car segment! Period.

3. Body- Now this is a worry. I am not too concerned with the rattles since I traced them down to a thin window glass, thereby there being extra space in the door sill where the glass rests. Hence there is bound to be a rattle. But I was apalled at the thinness of the glass. I am a bit concerned about the safety aspect here in case the glass is hit by a pebble or a stone.

As regards the body, the panels seem sturdy enough, but funnily, the roof is really flimsy. It goes in at the slightest touch- something not there in my esteem. I think that Maruti has really done some cost cutting here at the expense of safety.

But all in all, it was a satisfying drive and I will be buying my swift as soon as I reach back bangalore.

Cheers

Himanshu

[aseem]

Originally Posted by himanshugoswami

Hi Guys,

Just came back from the TD of a swift VXI, and to add my two cents worth over and above what has been said so far:

1. The engine s a bomb. I used to drive an MPFi esteem before I left Bangalore, and believe me, the swift engine feels and behaves completely differently from that of the esteem. It is more responsive and has a distincly sproty character.

2. Boot space- people say that the Swift has a tiny boot, but I beg to differ. I think that considering it is a hatch, the boot size is pretty decent for a couple of over nighters or your weeks shopping. If you need more boot space, you are looking in the wrong car segment! Period.

3. Body- Now this is a worry. I am not too concerned with the rattles since I traced them down to a thin window glass, thereby there being extra space in the door sill where the glass rests. Hence there is bound to be a rattle. But I was apalled at the thinness of the glass. I am a bit concerned about the safety aspect here in case the glass is hit by a pebble or a stone.

As regards the body, the panels seem sturdy enough, but funnily, the roof is really flimsy. It goes in at the slightest touch- something not there in my esteem. I think that Maruti has really done some cost cutting here at the expense of safety.

But all in all, it was a satisfying drive and I will be buying my swift as soon as I reach back bangalore.

Cheers

Himanshu

Nice review dude. I know that Swift "feels" faster than an Esteem due to shorter gearing compared to Esteem. I had the same observation.
However regarding the boot space, I know you like the car so are justifying your decision, but dude seriously owning a Swift I can safely say that the boot is seriously cramped for a premium hatch. My Santro can take more luggage that my Swift.

[ownerofazkaban]

Finally got hands on my relative's VXI.

Drove it a bit around, some of first impressions....
A) The view of Road ahead is really good. This was prime suspect reading the reviews here. I drive m800.

B) Couldn't reverse this thing without all three mirrors, I had to pull out the left ORVM. I put the car in reverse trying to get it outside the compund, and as usual I turned back from inside to reverse and I can't make out anything about the left rear side position, I had to use the mirror to know the body position w.r.t gate. So wondering how some they left out the left ORVM in LXI version ? It's a MUST for this car.

C) View from centre rear view mirror is ok and standard compared to other big cars (indigo, sonata embera).

D) Low end torque, ok I admit I was below around 1200 RPM in 1st & 2nd gear but the car stalled several timer.... A bit concern for me considering the B'lore stop-&-go slow traffic I need to do some extensive tests here before I decide on this car... or was it my driving habbit ? na... my 800 pulls fine with 2 ppl.

E) When I pull the driver side door and the whole handle along with the power window switches moves, the complete covering casing is like a plastic covering the door with huge gap and you can move it in-out even with door closed!!!

It was really a quick drive, some more to come.

[keroo1099]

With the new Swift being launched I thought it's probably a good time to post about my ancient 2005 Swift Vxi that just got home after a nip and tuck.

My memory is hazy, but I think we got the Swift because my modified 1000 was beginning to show its age and the better half and myself thought it was high time we got something new. I clearly do remember taking a test drive of the Swift and both of us instantly falling in love and booking a Vxi on the spot. I also remember it cost us a little over 6.0L !!

The car has now done close to 100k and so far has been utterly butterly reliable except for a gearbox with a slight whine from day one which Maruti refused to acknowledge. To reduce the whine I have been using a gearbox additive which has greatly reduced the noise but it's still present. Other than the gearbox the car has been through two sets of clutches (one was faulty), a couple of water pumps (notoriously bad on the G13B), a set of brake discs and a suspension overhaul (more on that later), and an AC compressor. I have been changing batteries every 5-6 years and have stuck with Amaron which has proved to be very reliable.

I have skipped one important point, the Swift is running on a modified engine which I plonked in when the car had run only about 5k. My friend had a spare G13B block which was worked on, and combined with the existing head to create an engine that had a much better bottom and top end but looked stock from the outside. I didn't want a loud exhaust so decided to retain the stock exhaust but did play around with some end cans till I grew older and wiser and went back to stock. I also managed to pick up a set of used 14" OZ rims which are still going strong on the car and are now paired with a set of Continental CC5's which will soon need to be changed.

I think about 5-6 years ago the suspension was showing its age so during the rebuild it was decided to try using the diesel Swifts struts/coils to get better handling. It worked but the car sat really high so we ended up cutting the coils to lower the ride height which is how it is now. Handling and road holding is great at highway speeds but stiff and crashy on expansion joints with this setup so it really is a compromise between ride and handling. The compressor also died about 5 years ago and has been replaced with one that comes with the 1.2L engine and isn't as good as the original. During Covid I managed to do a DIY ceramic coating with a kit from the US called AvalonKing which worked out a treat.

At some stage the headlights were upgraded to 90/100 halogens and the halogens in fogs were replaced with 4300K HIDs which were bright but scattered the light so ended up rarely using them. It was by pure luck I figured out I could fit an extra set of Sinolyn 3" fog projectors which I had when I had to remove the bumper to replace a blown bulb last year. The 'U' bracket that came with the kit was almost a direct fit and lined up with the OE housing in the bumper. Once fitted and aligned the difference was staggering with a sharp cut-off line, even spread and a huge throw. I also replaced the wiper stalk with a newer unit that has the intermittent option.

Everything was tickety-boo until last year when the car got keyed rather badly on both sides by a 'human'. I tried rubbing compound to get rid of some of the scratches which worked beautifully but I just couldn't ignore the remaining deep ones. Spoke to Nkrishnap (Krithi Car Care) and we initially decided to do 4 doors and one panel which quickly spiraled into doing the whole car when we discovered rust and other issues from previous repairs. I also ran through the numbers on how much it would cost to replace the Swift with something comparable and it quickly became clear that doing a complete makeover was the smarter option. With an old car one has to remember that costs can spiral when one opens it out and I was prepared for this as we also ended up changing a lot of parts like door hinges, window beadings, power window assemblies, etc. I also decided to redo the upholstery which was showing its age and sagging and Shiva from Imperial Leathers did a fabulous job.

In the end I think for my kind of use for a car which is used 95% in the city and rarely goes out on the highways except to do an Italian tune once in a couple of months and which still makes me happy when I take her out this was the 'sensible' option.

Enclosing some pics of the car post work.

New Stalk with intermittent option



Interiors have weathered well and show no sign of ageing



I love the simple dashboard and the instrument cluster. Old Pioneer unit is BT compatible and pairs immediately with my phone



OE fabric on armrest was replaced with art leather



Superbly done seats by Imperial Leathers





Good old G13B engine



Glasurit Silky Silver with a twist of extra blue








Closeup of the projector fogs



Fogs with Parking lights

[TheHelix0202]

Originally Posted by keroo1099

With the new Swift being launched I thought it's probably a good time to post about my ancient 2005 Swift Vxi that just got home after a nip and tuck…

Man, your Swift deserves to be on the tastefully modified cars thread. I’m glad to see the aesthetic minimalism you’ve applied here. I hope you retain the car to enjoy it even more.

[keroo1099]

Originally Posted by TheHelix0202

Man, your Swift deserves to be on the tastefully modified cars thread. I’m glad to see the aesthetic minimalism you’ve applied here. I hope you retain the car to enjoy it even more.

Thanks, will keep it as long as I can which will also depend on getting a fitness certificate next year.

I seem to be a sucker for retaining old vehicles with a 82 Bullet and a 86 Gypsy in the fold.

[Phantom 510]

That is one lovely car! You have kept it in a very good condition. The real deal!

[Rocketscience]

We had Day 1 Batch Swift VXi in the same colour which we bought right at launch in 2005 and have extremely fond memories, the price I clearly remember was INR 4,41,000 on road Delhi, I don't think it can cost 6 lakhs in any state of India.

It was by far the best looking small car we had seen in India, across any price bracket and it looked extremely futuristic and unbelievable in flesh, I have never been floored by any other car design since that, because it was so vastly ahead of the rest of the crowd. Not that we haven't had any better designed car in India since but it has now become a common occurrence.

The wait times were long, depending on quota of the dealers, we were informed anything between 6 months by Pasco in Peera Garhi, to 4 weeks by DD Motors, later our loan agent got us one in 3 days flat, for the first month we felt like superstars and people used to gather around the car at traffic signals, wherever we parked, neighbours used to ring our bell, it was a mad phenomenon.

The car itself was really fun to drive according to my dad, who raved about its performance, big car like stability, and excellent engine refinement. It remained extremely unused though and we sold it 3 years and around 10-12K KMs later, my dad used to drive a Toyota Corolla to his work everyday and bought this for my mom, who learnt to drive on this for 6 months and finally gave up on driving after 2 minor and 1 relatively big accident (not really a huge accident but she hit a standing Mahindra Bolero at around 10-20 KM/h, the Mahindra didn't even had a scratch and the Swift's Bumper fell down, the entire front was damaged, the bonnet was damaged like a piece of paper.

[Satdeep]

That is one beautifully maintained swift. Plastics of that vintage age way better than the plastic we get these days.

[Aviator_guy]

This reminded me of my old swift VXI+ABS, which I purchased in 2008. Both my and wife's hearts were set on it, we booked it without even a test drive and got delivery within a week. It was fun to drive and we enjoyed thoroughly within city as well as during long drives, until it was sold in 2016 after 70k km of running. It was trouble free ownership and I only changed tyres (60k km), clutch (40k km) and battery (45k km) apart from regular service every 6 months. No rattles, no breakdowns, no tantrums !! That's Maruti !

[MiamiBlue]

Beautiful car man! You got a classic there. Soulful G13, best looking generation of the car seasoned with subtle tasteful mods. Its amazing that minimalist mods goes long way in make a car look perfect.

[rajathv8]

Originally Posted by keroo1099

Enclosing some pics of the car post work.

Congrats on the fantastic outcome. Hope the car serves you for decades to come. All the works has ensured that the car stays on the road even if you decide to sell it down the line.
I recall enviously ogling at your car at Kirthi. Its simplicity stood out against the others cars around. The silver brings out the body lines well.
You have just the right amount of mods added in to retain the modesty that this gen of swift represents. The floor mat could benefit from retirement though
In todays times, if you prefer old school simplicity, replacing a small car is an uphill task.

Can you share some info about the issues you encountered specifically around rusting? Also, what audio setup do you have - I see a tweeter on the door?

[keroo1099]

Originally Posted by rajathv8

.
Can you share some info about the issues you encountered specifically around rusting? Also, what audio setup do you have - I see a tweeter on the door?

Need to check with Nkrisnap, but most of the rust was bottom of fenders where water tends to pond. On the surface everything looked ok but the moment we started poking and prodding it turned to Swiss cheese. The rear doors had a couple of rust spots that had to be patched and all power window frames needed replacement. That's about it on the rust.

On the music front the HU is a Pioneer 4390BT which is connected to a 4 channel JBL under the passenger seat. I don't remember what the rear speakers are but think they are JBL or Blaupankt 6 1/2" coaxials. The front I just replaced with a set of DD Audio 6 1/2" components.

[qr20de]

Now this is dedication and real car maintenance, especially in our weather, road, and traffic conditions. IMO your post should inspire other car owners to maintain, but more importantly retain their vehicles, in splendid condition. Looking forward to the next decade of your ownership!

[Sourav1598]

Swift K12 Gen 1 2011 (Feb)
Odo - 1,50,000+ kms

The car is stock when it comes to performance. No modifications at all. However, using Castrol Edge 5W30 engine oil, Ceratec (liquimolly), 75w 90 MGO (gear oil) with MoS2 (liquimolly) additives and Denso Iridium Spark Plugs (as NGK doesn't have an exact cross reference to the stock KR6A-10 Copper spark plugs). Even, the coolant is concentrated Castrol Radicool diluted in the ratio 50:50 with distilled water. No, ECSTAR premixed coolant is not a great option for this generation of the Marutis.

Cosmetic & Utility Modifications -

Woodman 10" Android stereo (came integrated with the Fascia frame)

Speakers are Infinity 9" Coaxials (on the parcel tray), 4 Kenwood Components (on doorpads) installed in 2012.

Steering mounted audio controls which required replacing with new steering from the Zxi version of its generation. Actually, I chose the beige colour from the Zxi version of the SX4. Also, procured used airbag on the steering for the horn pad, New Clock Spring and the associated wiring & couplers.

Replaced the gear knob with original alloy knobs from Sparco. Costed me a fortune literally :v

Genuine MGP sporty Alloy pedal covers (brake and clutch); Alloy Accelerator pedal cover from the VAG group (damn expensive but worth it) was also a direct fit. (Note: No screws or bolts required in all of it, exactly a retro-fit with rubber moulds is what I wanted)

Black Leatherette seat covers from 2011 still doing it's job.

Sourced the original JDM display Monitor with Clock, Temperature and FE. Need to work on the wiring from the BCM to display the ambient temperature and FE.

Replaced the wiper stalk with the one from the SX4 with the intermittent function.

Installed another MGP Dome lamp for the cabin for the rear seats using the wiring from the same generation Dzire.

Replaced the rear fog lamps with an aftermarket LED one. Looks great and functions better.

Upgraded the headlight bulbs to 100/90 with Ceramic holders and relay kit. Front fog lamps are stock and decent for my utility.

Upgraded the tyres from 165/80 r14 to Bridgestone Sturdo 185/70/ r14. Also, replaced the OE black steel rims to the OE alloys from the same generation zxi Dzire painted in Candy White. The ride quality and FE has improved significantly.

Had been doing some child-like stickereing since 2016. Not lately though. Need to replace the roof rails which look rusty now.

Mods left to be done soon-

Rear wiper installation as the Zxi. Needs a lot of money including rear windshield replacement, new motor etc. Haha

Installing the MGP Auto-IRVM as on the Baleno / Ciaz.

Painting Brake Drums and Calipers in red when I replace them completely with the new ones on the next service.

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Happy to hear any suggestions or feedbacks!