Having driven the Swift for over a month I am now beginning to wonder if the diesel option is better than the petrol Swift. It’s as much fun to drive, peppy acceleration with the turbo kicking in just around 1800rpm giving it a brisk demeanour. It handles as well, though it needs a change of footwear to add grip. The speedo needle slides easily past 170kmph and in-gear acceleration is also fantastic. But what is most amazing is the fuel efficiency, the diesel engine consistently returning around 13.49kmpl combining both highway and city driving cycles. This is despite the pedal-to-metal action that I constantly engage in.
Over the last couple of weeks however I have noticed a slightly larger lag before the turbo kicks in. One overdue service schedule - tick. Also on the charts is a replacement exhaust from Remus, courtesy the fine folk at Methods Auto Chennai. While I don’t perceive any performance benefits it should at least make the Swift diesel sound the part. I am also looking at replacing the stock tyres with stickier footwear. The existing tyres have very low rolling resistance thereby enhancing fuel efficiency. These do nothing however to give it a balanced edge while cornering. On several trips to Pune on the expressway I have managed to unsettle the Swift pushing her through the twisties in Lonavala. On some of the tighter corners I do feel the rear trying hard to stay in line, while the front can’t stop squealing. The tyres have to go; I can deal with the slightly lower fuel efficiency, not getting sideways on the expressway with some clown breathing down my tail.
While on the subject of replacement I would like to point out that Maruti critically needs to revamp its quality control division. Barely a month after the car came to us the front left window winder switch has fallen inside the door pad. I had a similar problem on the petrol Swift long-termer and it looks like nothing much has changed in the quality. Maruti may be doing brisk business but needs to tighten its belt; things are getting a bit loose.
Bertrand D'Souza
