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Overall, an amazing car! great looks, superb fuel economy, matchless style, makes u look GOOD! :D

A Review by Nev Braganza on Maruti Suzuki Swift LDi (Diesel)
12 February, 2008 (Last Updated: 14 August, 2009)


Average User Rating :
Model Rating  :   884 reviews
Version Rating:   17 reviews
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User's Ratings for the car

Style
Comfort
Performance
Value for Money
Fuel Economy
 
Overall
Pros : Awesome fuel economy, killer looks - unmatched in segment, great handling/driving position. AC,
Cons : nil accessories, no hub caps and left ORVM
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Been dying to write my own review ever since I first read a review here. I have been saving up for my swift since the beginning of 2007. Picked it up on 19th November from Hissar - (CSD sales).

I had only read about the Swift diesel and the 99.9% positive reviews gave me the courage to buy one without actually test driving one! (As if buying a swift wasn't hard enough - getting a test drive is like asking a Rottweiler for his bone).


Anyway, for all of you planning to buy a SWIFT Diesel - GO RIGHT AHEAD! It's an amazing car! I had to drive it around 180 KMS from Hissar to Gurgaon and both my brother and I enjoyed the drive to the hilt.


It's been 3 and a half months and my car has done 6000+ kms and I've given it for its second service recently. I'm a careful driver and make sure I don't push the car unnecessarily - It's giving me an average of between 18.5 and 20 kmpl in the city(Delhi and NCR), using the AC/with the heater to demist the windscreen at times.


I try and drive at 60KMH and also shift to 5th gear as I touch the 60 KMH mark. I do push the car to 80 - 100 KMH on the highway between Delhi and Gurgaon, but thats not for long stretches. The best part - or in some cases unnerving part is that you can't feel the speed that you're driving at - you touch 80KMH without realising it, thinking all the while that you're doing 60(I used to drive a ZEN earlier - in that you can feel the road when you're passing 60)! The car has an amazing reserve of power which youcan use to overtake irratating road hogs. Just press the acc pedal when you want to overtake and the turbo kicks it at just the right time - whoooooooshh is the awesome sound you hear from the engine - i sometimes turn my radio down just to hear that beautiful sound - it's pure music to my ears! :D


Now for the serious review:


The car is well built and the doors have the typical heavy car door sound - they go THUNK when you shut them. The interior is quite spacious - in front. The dashboard is well laid out and is neat to look at - the instrument console (speedometer- fuel guage, temp guage, warning lights) is easily visible. The rear seats according to my brother are quite comfy - there's decent leg room for the rear passenger even with the front seats pushed almost back.


The only thing missing in the rear seats in terms of comfort are teh rear head rests - the LDi doesn't have them! It doesn't bother much me since I'm the one who'll be driving most of the time! :D Another point that I'd like to bring up about the rear seats is to counter what some reviewers have said about the sloping roof cramping the rear seat occupants. - According to me, it is an optical illusion that the rear seat occupants are cramped due to the sloping roof - the only reason being that the front of the roof is actually quite high - the head room in front is more than adequate for a man in a turban to sit comfortably. so by the time the roof tapers to the rear - it's actually at a normal height - Hats off to the designers for that!


The turning radius is qreally good too - compared to the Fiat Palio 1.9D (i used to drive my sisters car a lot) it's a dream!


The bigger wheels tend to absorb more potholes that the Gurgaon roads have to offer the daily commuter!


The car is broader than what it seems, and takes a bit of getting used to - ADVICE: install the Left ORVM immediately upon purchase of the car- and USE IT! I've heard people say they don't use it because they don't want to break them in traffic - I feel its better to break a mirror than to break your car!!! In the swift the central rear view mirror doesn't offer too much visibility - so the outside mirrors really help - besides good drivers use these mirrors effectively!


The boot is not as spacious as some cars in this category - however, one can easily pack 3 air bags for a weekend trip OR a large suitcase. I feel it's enough- after all if you want to move house - you'll hire a truck won't you!


The LDi doesn't come with a tachometer, body coloured door handles, power windows, day/night RVM, rear seat headrests and shiny silver garnishing(which fades off) on the door handles, AC vents, central console and gear knob. Left ORVM, day night mirror. You don't get wheel caps either. You have to shell out 30K more for all of the above in the form of the VDi.  I feel this is not really necessary and can be installed for much less from outside. I do feel that Maruti should give a day/night mirror left ORVM with the LDi too - combined they cost just about 3000/- why the stingyness Maruti?


There are enough cubbyholes to hold water and beer cans - not to mention your CD's etc.


I'm extremely happy with my car - the mileage being the best part - I fill a full tank of diesel for around Rs. 1030/- which lasts me more than 600kms, compared to my colleagues & friends who fill a full tank of petrol for around 1700/- which lasts them around 500kms! :D


I think the LDi is the best diesel hatchback in terms of value for money in the country today - The other day I stopped aside a Skoda Fabia and out of curiosity asked the owner how much it was for on road - 8.25 came the reply! another driver i asked said 8.5! I guess the fabia is preMIUM and all that - but the LDi - its just "yumYUM!"


Hope you all liked this review - it's the first time im writing on any website! Cheers and till next time - Drive safe, wear your seatbelts - and Keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the Wheel!

17-June 08.

Ive done 17000 kms in my Swift and shes still rocking! still gives me an amazing avg of 17+ kmpl in city (AC on 99%). Had an alignment prob - pulled left badly - but APRA autos - Gurgaon sorted it out! Took her to Mc leodganj - she EATS the hills! Amazing pullling power! Swift ROCKS

14-August



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40 Comment(s) on this Review

  1. on 14 Mar, 2008 at 01:56 PM Sumit Mittal (Jaipur)

    remarkable comment,covering all if and buts,seems that you love your car very much.Tell me one thing nev do you feel tiredness or precisely speaking more gear juggling while driving in city condition,as no doubt its a pleasure to drive a swift on highway.

  2. on 14 Mar, 2008 at 01:57 PM Sumit Mittal (Jaipur)

    remarkable comment,covering all if and buts,seems that you love your car very much.Tell me one thing nev do you feel tiredness or precisely speaking more gear juggling while driving in city condition,as no doubt its a pleasure to drive a swift on highway.

  3. on 14 Mar, 2008 at 02:41 PM Nev Braganza (Gurgaon)

    Driving in a city like Delhi will always leave you in situations where the traffic is crawiling. The clutch of the LDI is actually quite nice and doesnt hurt the body when used often. Infact, the car being a diesel, doesnt require too much gear changing if the traffic is slowly moving- the power in low revs is amazing- just stick it into 2nd gear and use the clutch without the accelerator - the fuel injection is good enough to do that without stalling the car. It is a pleasure oh the highway!!!

  4. on 31 Mar, 2008 at 09:11 PM Omni_Vorous

    Amazine review! Enjoyed reading it for info and writing style! Have read another one on this site for the Swift Diesel, and am now gungho about the buying one. Wasn't too kicked about the shape and looks, but considering the raves about the engine and the fuel economy, will certainly take one out for a TD and most likely, book one.
    Cheers!
    Drive safely, keep your hands on the wheel - not on the beer cans! :-)

    omni

  5. on 31 Mar, 2008 at 09:12 PM Rajan Nnnn (Mumbai)

    Amazine review! Enjoyed reading it for info and writing style! Have read another one on this site for the Swift Diesel, and am now gungho about the buying one. Wasn't too kicked about the shape and looks, but considering the raves about the engine and the fuel economy, will certainly take one out for a TD and most likely, book one.
    Cheers!
    Drive safely, keep your hands on the wheel - not on the beer cans! :-)

    rajan

  6. on 04 Jun, 2008 at 12:22 PM Aditya Bhandarkar (Bangalore)

    Great Review Mate !
    I just wanted to know if the rear head rests can be installed, Ur review tells me Vdi is a better option as you have manufacturing warranty..
    Which of these features have you added on since.. I know one the left ORVM!..

  7. on 18 Jun, 2008 at 12:28 PM Anil (Hubli)

    Dear Friend,
    I feel u have really done good analysis of the car. I am very thankful to you as I was thinking of buying Swift LDI in few days. Thanks a lot.

  8. on 18 Jun, 2008 at 09:01 PM Nev Braganza (Gurgaon)

    Bhandarkar - thanks Mate! I doubt the rear head rests can be installed. In fact if ur not gonna be chauffeur driven,it really doesn't make a difference! I got the body contoured mud flaps (MGA), pioneer MP3 player. wheel caps, gear lock and central locking (both Autocop).
    ANIL- glad u liked the review man!

  9. on 25 Aug, 2008 at 07:39 PM Prashant Bharadwaj (Ghaziabad)

    Nice!I have read many reviews but this is the one that jot down the whole summary of the car. Really Nice!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!

  10. on 25 Sep, 2008 at 11:34 AM Vin Tha (Jalandhar)

    Nice!Really appriciate the way you explained the whole features of the cars. you seems to be some kind of car analyst. very fond of and in love with your car.very nice bro.
    thanks!!!!!

  11. on 02 Jan, 2009 at 04:17 PM Rocky

    great review!!!

  12. on 20 Jan, 2009 at 01:21 PM Ayaz Khalid (New Delhi)

    Great Review!!! Actually gonna buy one. Prehaps dis wl help

  13. on 23 Jan, 2009 at 10:32 AM V. Sampath Kumar (Erode)

    your review is lot more helpful. I was a confused a lot what should i go LXi or LDi. NOw i made up and go for LDi. Thank you

  14. on 28 Jan, 2009 at 12:05 PM Balu B.Chand (Kollam)

    Great review!!

  15. on 04 Mar, 2009 at 12:28 AM G (Lucknow)

    Dear Friend,
    Amazine review!,I feel u have really done good analysis of the car. I am very thankful to you as I was thinking of buying Swift LDI in few days. Thanks a lot.

  16. on 04 Mar, 2009 at 12:32 AM G (Lucknow)

    Nice!,your review is lot more helpful. I was a confused a lot what should i go LXi or LDi. NOw i made up and go for LDi. Thank you

  17. on 09 Mar, 2009 at 03:44 AM Shonty (Indore)

    Wow! ur review simply made me jump in joy! I am planning to buy a hatchback for myself as i need to go to college daily in the hot sunshine. Biking in this weather irritates me. Had my eye on swift diesel since i saw it first time. Thanx for the review. It has helped me narrow down to Swift VDi which is equipped with additional features as u mentioned. Will add a set of cool alloys to make it sportier!! :D Regards, Amit

  18. on 09 Mar, 2009 at 03:54 AM Shonty (Indore)

    Wow! ur review simply made me jump in joy! My parents are planning to buy me a hatchback as i need to go to college daily in the hot sunshine. Biking in this weather irritates me. Had my eye on swift diesel since i saw it first time. Thanx for the review. It has helped me narrow down to Swift VDi which is equipped with additional features as u mentioned. And yes i think ABS will be safer if we brake hard to avoid anything in front. Will add a set of cool alloys to make it sportier!! LOL

  19. on 15 Mar, 2009 at 10:54 PM Dr B Mondal (Kolkata)

    good review..i want to know that which one will be better in between AVEO U-VA and swift.
    thanks.

  20. on 14 Apr, 2009 at 02:31 PM Devaraj (Bangalore)

    really it got the confidence in buying the swift diesel. Presently I have booked the car and given the waiting period of 25days.

  21. on 28 Apr, 2009 at 12:32 AM Mathew.Tom84

    a clear snapshot...cheers

  22. on 28 May, 2009 at 02:35 PM Nishant Sharma

    thats a really great review of the swift car....why don't you share it on the swift owners community, www.swift-life.com, many swift owners have uploaded articles on their swift..

  23. on 09 Jun, 2009 at 06:04 PM Deepak

    can anybody tell me, how much will a swift VDi with ABS cost if purchased thru CSD...does anybody have a latest compilation of the car prices in CSD

  24. on 14 Jun, 2009 at 12:50 PM Ravi

    Excellent review more helpful to decide. I was a confused what should i go Ldi or Vdi. Now i made up and go for LDi. Thank you
    I saw a review stating that when abv 80kms while applying brake or a sudden brake there is a feeling of poor reliablity without abs. as the weight of engine takes up in the front, rear is weightless ,,, any such things did u experience pl. update your review.... Thanks...Happy driving...Really I enjoyed ur review...Great...!

  25. on 27 Jun, 2009 at 10:44 AM Mj Pop (Michael .J.Jackson)

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  26. on 12 Jul, 2009 at 09:20 PM Bb_Ettan

    the review was correct, in fact i did a lot of research before deciding on to buy swift ldi, and I feel satisfied 100 % on my decision, Swift is really a car every car loving person dream about,

  27. on 16 Jul, 2009 at 11:43 AM Palak (Mumbai)

    Dear Friend,
    I feel u have really done good analysis of the car. I am very thankful to you as I was thinking of buying Swift VDI in few days. Thanks a lot.

    palak

  28. on 16 Jul, 2009 at 09:36 PM Ankitsemwal207

    i m goin to buy a new car nd m confused i dnt knw that i shud go for swift ore linea plz help me out

  29. on 12 Aug, 2009 at 08:35 PM Dinesh Shetty (Baroda)

    I own a Fabia 1.4 TDI 7.25 on the road. It is a fantastic car the swift comes nowhere near in build quality, handling, refinement etc. All the same when someone asks me I ask him to go for swift because the swift is simply more practical. Ofcourse if he is a buff and a good passionate driver , I recommend Fabia. But Fabia wanters wait till you can lay your hands on 1.9TDI

  30. on 05 Sep, 2009 at 11:12 PM Sukhmaan

    can u tell me how much u spend on service
    please do tell me exactly coz i wanna buy this car but worried about the diesel maintainence cost............sumbody told that it cost 10000-12000 nd thats too much

  31. on 21 Sep, 2009 at 11:44 AM Vs

    Please do write your review after driving 90,000 km (diesel car).

  32. on 23 Sep, 2009 at 10:52 AM Vs

    Diesel car price is more by 90,000 rupees compared to petrol in same variant and is recommended when monthly drive is more than 2500 km
    NEW AVEO 2009 GOT

    VALUE FOR MONEY SEDAN
    Attractive shape
    Mileage in city 11/12, on highways around 14/15.
    Good value for money great discount.On road LS may be around 6L.
    Robust
    Comfort driving
    Maintenance assurance by company
    Warranty upto 3years/1,00,000 km.
    Good ground clearance 180 mm suitable for Indian roads.
    New AVEO added with

  33. on 02 Oct, 2009 at 12:16 AM Amit Sharma (Gwalior)

    Hi All

    I have heard somewhere that Maruti is launching new model in Swift by Nov-Dec this year itself..Is this true ? Is someone aware of this ? If yes, pls do share the details .

  34. on 16 Oct, 2009 at 02:28 PM Ramneek.Sethi

    If the mileage of 18-20 in Delhi-NCR is observed from Day1 Onwards or it's improved post scheduled service 1st or 2nd.. I own a Swift VDI for one month.. it's driven for some 1200KM's.. I am seeing a mileage of 12-14 in Delhi Ring Road during peak hours...is it gonna improve post 2nd service..

  35. on 16 Oct, 2009 at 02:28 PM Ramneek Singh (New Delhi)

    If the mileage of 18-20 in Delhi-NCR is observed from Day1 Onwards or it's improved post scheduled service 1st or 2nd.. I own a Swift VDI for one month.. it's driven for some 1200KM's.. I am seeing a mileage of 12-14 in Delhi Ring Road during peak hours...is it gonna improve post 2nd service..

  36. on 22 Oct, 2009 at 04:56 PM Praful (Pune PMC)

    I heard that body of swift will be getting changed & new Wagon-R is in the queue 2 heat the road awesome look

  37. on 03 Nov, 2009 at 01:03 PM Jateen (Mumbai)

    before feb maruti is launching new swift & versa

  38. on 10 Nov, 2009 at 08:23 AM Balaji Prasad

    i own a swift ldi,there is no heater option available in ldi,and i feel it difficult due to the mist formed during winter,can anyone help

  39. on 12 Nov, 2009 at 02:02 AM Hari C V

    Great review.
    Nicely written.

  40. on 21 Nov, 2009 at 03:31 PM anonymous

    i want to buy swift all i want to know that which wiil be better LDI OR VDI keeping in view the additional cost involved in VDI
    FADL

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