Maruti Suzuki Swift review - Ride,handling and verdict |
Ride and Handling
The Suzuki swift has been designed on the lines of say the Mini cooper and so on. It is supposed to excite you with its handling, and an engine to pull you out when things go wrong. Maruti has got the engine bang on, but what about the handling. For starters, the swift uses six computers!! One of them exclusively to monitor the EPS, or the Electric power steering to you and me. That sounded interesting for we have experienced the EPS in the Honda City ZX Vtec and the Wagon R, we weren't impressed to say the least. The closest comparison of these wheels to the real world is perhaps a playstation. But, Maruti claims that with the swift,its different. Well, its different thats for sure but not the same as other steerings, the wheels isn't quick enough to respond to sudden inputs and could dampen the spirits of many a wannabe Shumachers. That said, the steering does weigh up a bit as you get faster. But, more than the steering, its the rest of the handling package that really impressed us.
The basic design of the swift allows for extra stiffness at crucial points that helps this car maintain its composure through rough corners, furthermore the brakes are reassuring and the wide 185/70 R14 tires never seem to run out of grip. Near switchbacks were disposed with ease, although we did have the tires squealing bit when we pushed harder and harder. Low speed ride is also very good and the swift never shows off its sporty nature here. All in all, an excellent package.
Verdict
So, would I buy one? At Rs.583725 (OTR Mysore) for the ZXi, its far more expensive than an esteem; which is a saloon and also leaves many a saloon like say the Aveo just another lakh away. But, the fact is that for the price you pay you do get quite a lot of kit, although maruti did forget to put in an audio player of any kind. You get 2 airbags, ABS and other safety features that give the car an NCAP rating of 4. You get Maruti reliability and performance to boot. It continues to be a small car and is able to only provide as much space as an Indica Xeta; Agreed. But, you also get flash value, loads of it. Forget practicality; thats out of fashion. If you wish to add another car to your kitty, or are a techie without a family to worry about but moolah to blow, go for one. If you don't fit into this category; I really hope you give your decision another thought because this car is fun but not too practical.
Review on the design and interiors and the Engine and transmission
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