Better driving experience in the New Swift

I've recently purchased a Red Swift - VDI early October 2011 and am pretty satisfied with the vehicle and the value of money (On road cost me Rs. 6,72,000 on road in Hyderabad). I've already completed 6300 Kms and have completed the first 2 free services. Is almost a pleasure to drive and own.

Exterior

Pros: The Company has really given the New Swift 2011 a whole new makeover. Nice bold body lines on the outside, Bigger Head and tail lamps, Well designed front grill and much sharper edged front bumper. ORVM with indicators controlled electrically gives a superior feel.

Cons: Bigger bumper makes it look slightly odd when compared to the proportion of the other features/fittings on the back. Better Ground Clearance would have been a good differentiating factor from it's predecessor. Rear tail lamp design extend outside the lines of the metal body making it more susceptible to be hit by wandering 2 wheelers around the rear of your car in peak traffic. ABS missing in the mid variant was a real bummer considering that upgrading to their top model almost cost just about 1 Lakh more on road. Build quality of metals not as superior and heavy as the Polo.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

Pros: The finer lines, inclusion of chrome finish on the dashboard, doors and steering in the VDI gives it a more plusher look for a Indian Hatchback model. Electrically operated ORVM is a plus point with the additional features of Key reminder, head lights still ON when leaving the car and low fuel warning sounds. Newer design for the AC Vent Grill. Sliding cup holder for the co-passenger, an all new speedo LED display with Kms to empty tank are like additional goodies in the Sweet bag.

Space for the driver and front co-passenger is comfy but that for the rear although slightly enhanced from the previous model is still not a wow factor.

Cons: Smaller parcel tray with an indent making it slightly difficult to fix rear audio system in models which lack an integrated music system. Driver seat height adjuster should have been a standard feature.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

Pros:  Pickup seemed amazing before the first service. Assume that this will be fine over time of using the vehicle. Fuel economy was at 14.3 kmpl for the first tank fulls of 42 litres. For the next it gave me about 15.5 kmpl which seemed decent with AC in city conditions. Am yet to try by luck with mileage on the highway.

Cons:

Gearbox seems better than the earlier version. Reverse gear seems to have a problem at times which doesnt shift at the first attempt (could be the way i use the reverse).

Ride Quality & Handling

Pros:  No body roll when taking sharper turns at higher speeds. Suspension feels better with the steering response better than the earlier version.

Cons: Braking is an issue at high speeds which might make one insecure about pushing the engine and yet being ready for the odd speed bump or unforseen animal or vehicle needing you to come to a sudden halt. Brake Assist and ABS should have been a must at least for the mid variant which is currently missing in LDI and VDI versions.

Final Words A good value for money but could have done better with certain features - something as basic as good braking.

Areas of improvement

- Better Brake assist

- Better Pickup at lower speeds.

- More features for the price quoted

- Should have had an optional variant with ABS like before.

Better styled interiors, quality plastics, Decent Mileage.Should have had ABD with mid variants, needs better boot space, Braking issues at high speeds.