4100 km experience on my new Swift VDi

I purchased a Swift VDi 6 weeks ago and have already clocked over 4000 km on it. I just returned after a long drive (Jamshedpur-Kolkata-Delhi-Jamshedpur) and my impressions are as follows :

1) During the 3836 km long drive, my Swift VDi exceeded my expectations. The performance of the engine, both at low and high speeds, has been simply great. I drove between 100-120 kmph over vast distances and did spurts of 130-140 kmph over short periods. At 140 kmph, the car felt rock steady and the engine was smooth, no louder than a similar petrol engine and far from struggling – actually, it was begging for more. The acceleration (pick-up) is superb at all speeds.

2) The brakes are powerful. Though I have not tried out hard braking even once in my new car, the rate of decceleration experienced by me at high speeds even by gentle braking has given me enough confidence on the braking system of my Swift.

3) The electronic power steering is quite effective at all speeds.

4) I have found the aircon quite effective so far but I would reserve my final verdict on it only after checking out its performance during the summer of 2008 at Jamshedpur.

5) The suspension seems to be strong and solid – only time will tell how sturdy it proves over the bad roads of Jharkhand in the long run.

6) As far as fuel economy is concerned, my Swift VDi is a real champ. Getting an average of 21.2 kmpl over this entire trip (which includes city driving, long bad stretches requiring driving in 1^st / 2^nd gear, etc.) with the AC on around 70% of the time for this 1075 kg (kerb weight) car is truly a marvel of technology. Please note that I mostly drove between 90-120 kmph on the good stretches and was not trying to set a mileage record (by driving at a steady speed of 60 kmph or so). Even then, I measured mileage of 24 kmpl on some stretches.

7) I must caution everyone with a diesel Swift that some Maruti workshops are not yet conversant with its maintenance. I took my Swift VDi to Karlo Automobiles, Bodhgaya for First Service on 29.10.07. I was horrified to find that they knew virtually NOTHING about the Swift diesel and its maintenance. They drained my engine oil and were about to pour new oil meant for petrol engines (MGP engine oil for Maruti 800) into my engine when I intervened and prevented them from pouring that oil in my engine. Thereafter, they brought a can of Indian Oil Servo Pride 40. I pointed out to them that Maruti Udyog specifies SF 15W40 oil meeting specs of API-CG4 and ACEA B3 for the Swift. That sounded like Greek and Latin to them. They informed me that they had put Servo Pride 40 engine oil in several diesel Swifts and they were working fine ! God help diesel Swift owners in India with such service from Maruti.

 

Those interested may also check out my blog http://dmandhismarutisuzukiswiftvdi.blogspot.com

 

Debashis

Great pick-up, max power coming at 4000 RPM only, very stable at high speeds, great fuel economyInteriors (upholstery, dashboard, door trims, seats) leave much to be desired