-**Update3.0**-
Just drove the **Diesel base version Ldi**. **Super smooth** car. **Unfortunately**,
*cabin space remains the same**, meaning **back seat space **for well built
passengers, is **not good**. Definitely not a car to take a long drive in for people like me.
*Secondly** the **parking is going to be a headache** as visibility out of **rear screen is dismal**.
I **don't know what the Maruti engineers were thinking**. I had made a booking(now
cancelled) as I assumed that **Maruti would extend** the wheelbase, like the**Tata's did for
Indigo**, when they **supersized their hatch Indica**. **Unfortunately to save on money and
production headaches**, Maruti has **just simply added a boot**, and **reclined the rear
seats** a bit to make it look like there is more space. But those big C-Pillars don't fool
anybody, once inside. Also why are they **hell bent in providing a black colour dashboard**,
when the whole world has moved to beige? including the Tata's?
I know for an ex-showroom price of **5.35 the Swift Dzire Ldi** is a good deal, especially
since it comes with t**ubeless tyres, i-cats security system** etc. **but I can't
give up comfort and convenience **for 3kms/ltr more mileage(**vis-a-vis Indigo LS Tdi**, which
is **incidentaly 30k cheaper**, so that mileage thing gets taken car of in the long run anyway!).
*I like to arrive at the end of my journey, relaxed and comfortable**, not with
a backache and a bumpy experience as the car understeers around corners!
So folks its back to the good old war horse the Indigo Tdi for me, shame since I waited
6 months for this car, **nope Maruti, this is not what I Dzire-Pun intended!*
-**UPDATE 2.0- March 11th, 2008**-
*It's officia**l the new sedan will arrive in Showrooms shortly. The car has
been **named " D'zire "** by Maruti. **Expect it to cost 50, 000/-Rs more **than the
current swift entry or loaded model. To all those, who thought my **SpySnaps*
shown below was a joke or at best some Photshop work, what say thee?.
-
Hi to all **automotive fans**! I **know you are going to thank me for this**. I have written to the Overdrive
and AutoIndia magazines for info, but even they couldn't figure out the
new sedan coming from the Maruti stable to replace the Esteem! **So I went ahead and did their job! *
The new **Swift Sedan** is rumoured to be priced around **5 lakhs** for the base version. Considering the fact that the **Tata Indigo and Indica cars account for nearly 80% of all Diesel Hatchbacks and Sedans sold** in the country, Maruti wants a piece of the pie.
The **Diesel sedan** will sport the **same 1.3ltr Fiat MultiJet engine** doing the rounds in the Swift.
This **engine **will also be seen in the **new Indica V3 coming in 2008.
*The **Petrol engine** may be the** same** with a** 1.6ltr option on offer for performance oriented buyers.
So if you **liked the performance and handling of the swift** but really wanted a **boot**, you just got your wish! Though I must say I am **not too happy about the looks**! Just doesn't seem to gel for me.
There is also the **new face-lifted Indigo** with **minor external/internal tweaks** to look out for in 2008 alongwith, maybe the **new Indigo based on the X1 platform**, though it was scheduled for a 2009 launch.The **Bang of 2008** is going to come with the launch of **SKODA Fabia for 6.5 lakhs****plus**,
in **January 2008** at the Auto Expo in Delhi! **Incidentall yours truly **got a** private look **at the **Fabia already! Will post a review **once I get a test drive vehicle!
-**Update1.0**-
It has been **just confirmed****31/12/2007** the **Esteem production** has **finally been stopped**, for all those of you that just bought the Esteem.sorry, my condolences!l.o.l! **Check out the SPY snaps** from the** Maruti Factory itself**, its the **white car!****Click the link "View Next Photo"!** The **Swift Sedan **will take over the **Esteems slot** and will be **launched in the first or second quarter of 2008**. **Expect the price** to start at **5.10 lakhs for the base petrol** and **5.85-5.95 for the Diesel** base vesions.
-**HOT NEWS**-
*Incidentally got a call from the dealer at Skoda and got a unofficial test drive of the
SKODA Fabia! Test drive report coming soon! Also got a test drive of the new Indgio
CS(compact sedan)! *
