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As first impressions go, I came away with a mixed feeling about the Swift. It looks fabulous and drives really well. The power steering gave pin-point control (and this is inspite of the fact that I'm a very ocassional driver). Power delivery seemed to be bit lacking, but I can't be sure, if this is because of the car or because I was tentative and needed to be careful in the Bangalore traffic.

I have tested the mileage of the car very carefully and can say that in city driving conditions with AC on, it give about 11 to 12 kmpl with Premium petrol and on highway with AC on, it gives easily about 15 to 16 kmpl.

Again, it is a driver's car and its a sheer pleasure to drive this car with a very smooth and peppy engine. On highways, swift can easily cruise at 100+ speeds.

You don't need too many gear shifts in city. And its sheer joy on highway. No problems while overtaking.

However, the overall performance of the car far outweighs the 'negatives' and is worth the wait of 3 months in my case. I would strongly recommend the car to anyone who is looking for a completely new car being released world over, great looks, loaded features (zxi) overall a 'value for money' package.

But it's truly an eye catcher. I can still see people raising their eye brows or turning back to see my car pass by. This feeling is great. may be because it's altogather a different design.

Pros:

Looks good: This is of course a personal choice, some people like the new design while others find it odd.

The car is selling well and likely to be successful. The car has a good pickup.

It uses the esteem engine. Even though this an old engine, it is a well tested engine and is revamped.
Service network of Maruti is well established.

Room noise is considerably less. The arm front arm rest on door are very conviniently placed. It helps while driving long

Cons:

Boot space is very limited and the inside space isn?t too great either.

Interiors look very simple.

There is long waiting period to get delivery which could take 1-3 months.

The glove box, it is cheap. Passenger side vanity mirror is very small. There is no cap for charger in the front, not safe, and it glows when the head lights are on. Kids tends to put their finger inside it! (I know I am pointing all small things here, but still they do matter).

Still a new car, may slow down later or face competition. GM, Honda and Toyota have plans to launch cars in the same segment.

How does it stack up against competition?

Getz:

The Getz definitely offers better room in the rear and boot. But in every other department, Swift easily outsmarts it. Be it zippiness or road handling, Swift is definitely ahead. But if the car is for a family of 5 who require generous room and luggage space, then Getz scores. I think Getz is a very fine car but for its pricing.
 

Palio:

Truly a worthy competitor to the Swift. Though launched a good 4 years back, this car can truly match up on every frontier. But with the legendary Fiat ASS (After Sales Service), it is definitely a huge factor going against it.
 

Corsa Sail:

With a new pricing, Sail looks like a good alternative. But except for the boot space falls flat in every other department in comparison. Especially the aircon and front seating are absolutely mediocre.

Speed Advice:

1.0-200 kms, maintain 3000 rpm.
2.200-500 kms, increase the peak rpm by 200 step by step till 4000.
3.500-1000 kms, run the vehicle at higher rpm regularly and avoid prolonged high-speed/high-stress like racing or cruising at 90 km/hr.
4.1000 onwards: as the engine is considered broken-in by this time, still if you are trying to reach new highs, for the first time, get there gradually.

Overall Summary:

All in all, a nice product own and drive. Happy driving?.

Please read my article about Hyundai Getz and Maruthi Swift at:

http://atozofit.com/viewtopic.php?t=544