Swift VDi+ABS or ZXi? Wish there was a ZDi! I have been quietly following the forums in this site for quite a while and now I need help in selecting my first car. My budget is 5-6 lakhs and had almost decided on the Swift VDi after reading reviews by Jaggu, GeekSrik, DieselFan and a few others. I myself found the car more drivable in the city compared to the Swift ZXi.
I had earlier considered the Indica DLX with ABS and Airbags which costs way less than the VDi, but my wife wouldn’t own a popular taxi. I even checked out the new Indica Dicor which seemed to be a compromise. Also, the Indica is notorious for poor quality of parts, fit & finish and careless dealer attitude. So I am afraid it might start rusting as I live close to the sea. I have never been impressed with GM or Hyundai though their cars felt really good to drive. Palio doesn’t offer ABS, so Maruti it is! With a wide spares and service network and easier insurance claims.
Now the VDi+ABS is Rs.15k more expensive than the ZXi, on-road price (Chennai). But in lieu of the fuel efficient diesel engine in the VDi, in the ZXi I get:
Airbags
Better seat belts
Rear window demister
Rear window wiper
Alloy wheels + wider tyres
Integrated music system + Steering controls + 4 Speakers (factory fitted)
Tilt Steering
Remote locking (5 doors)
Auto climate control
Cigarette lighter
Short waiting period
I am sure I can adjust without most of the above except an audio system and wider tyres on stock steel rims which would add another Rs.20k to the VDi. Dunno if I will miss the above mentioned features in future though. I guess when you are on the wheel and enjoying the drive none of those would matter.
According to my modest calculations the running cost of the VDi is half that of the ZXi, and is equal to the running cost of my low FE bike (Bullet). So I wouldn't think twice in taking the VDi out against my bike, but that would not be the case with the ZXi after the initial fun wears out.
Considering that am a passionate biker and will continue to be so, I see myself doing 8-10k km per annum by car in the next three years including holiday drives to neighbouring states (50:50 City:Highway). Which may go up in all possibility if its a diesel. Going by the current fuel rates, it would cost Rs.40k per annum on a petrol and Rs.21k per annum on a diesel. The cost savings on fuel is not huge. But a quick weekend run to Pondy would cost me only 500 bucks on a diesel compared to the 1000 bucks on a petrol.
I guess am quite stuck with running costs. How much more does it cost to maintain the VDi over the ZXi? Servicing, spares, fixing rattles, suspension life, etc? What bout driver fatigue over long distances? Is driving more comfortable in a petrol car? I am likely to keep the car for at least 6 years, may not be my only car till then.[/COLOR]
]If the maintenance + spares of the VDi is going to cost even Rs.10k more than the ZXi per annum, then I don't see value in the VDi. I know the FIAT 1.3 MJD is far superior to most other diesel engines we have seen in India but is it on par with its petrol counterparts? If yes, at what cost? Is it worth it?
Thanks for reading the long post! Do comment
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Last edited by ajmat : 9th February 2008 at 06:59.
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