S. Muralidhar

THANKS to the rave reviews, I have almost decided to buy the Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXi (fully loaded version) But when I approached the local dealer for a quote, the sales in-charge was trying to convince me that for around the same price that I will end up paying for the Swift (now increased), I might as well opt for the Suzuki Baleno, after deducting the discounts that are currently being offered by Maruti dealers. The Baleno, he says, is more comfortable (it is of course a three-box) and claims that it gives better mileage than the Swift.

I also happened to test drive the Ford Ikon sometime back, and the sales person there, too, was discouraging me from considering the Swift, saying that the Ikon is far better than the Swift in terms of comfort and mileage.

Right now I own a Maruti Omni (mpfi) model. Having been confused by the sales persons, I hope you can bring some clarity to the issue. I am also put off by the long, almost 4-5 weeks, waiting time for the Swift.

V. R. Govindarajan

Comparisons between the Suzuki Swift and any of the other C-segment cars are disputable just on that parameter. The only similarity is probably the closeness of the Swift's pricing vis-à-vis the entry-level (lower trim) variants of the two sedans that you have listed.

The Baleno represents excellent value for money for a car in its segment. Going by the current discount schemes/freebies being offered by Maruti's dealers for the Baleno, the top end VXi version of the car should be priced very close to the top-end ZXi variant of the Swift. Between the two cars, the value proposition is a little different in the safety and newness or novelty parameters.

While the Baleno is loaded with all that is considered standard in a sedan and more, it skimps on top-end safety features. So, while it has alloy wheels, tilt steering, seat adjusters and power, it still does not offer premium safety features such as anti-lock braking and airbags, features that are part of standard fitment in the Swift ZXi. .

So, when the choice has to be between the Swift and the Baleno, it really is between new-age design, premium safety features and novelty on the one side, and the experience of sedan ownership and unbeatable value in the C-segment but a car with a dated design on the other hand. The argument will tend to stay along similar lines for the Ford Ikon too, with the pricing being even closer between the Ford Ikon ZXi (after potential dealer discounts) and the Swift ZXi.

But another parameter that the Swift will score over both the Ikon and the Baleno is fuel efficiency. Unlike what the dealers may claim, the Swift is likely to be the most fuel efficient of the three. The larger 1.6 litre engines in both the Baleno and the Ikon will tend to be less frugal than the Swift's all-aluminium 1.3 litre powertrain.

In terms of suspension, the Baleno features softer feel suspension to make its rear seat ride more comfortable. However, the Swift's suspension has been sprung firmer to offer more feedback and to match its more dynamic driving style. So, the extra bit of firmness on rough terrain should not be confused with poor suspension. Yes, the long waiting period for the Swift's deliveries is an issue, but if you don't mind the delay, the Swift should pay off in the long run.

I am looking for information about the mileage numbers of the Maruti 800 and the Maruti Suzuki Swift. I have a hearing problem and, therefore, need a relatively noiseless car. My budget can go up to Rs 5 lakh. Which car will you recommend? I live in a hilly terrain district of Nagaland.

Victor

Between the two, the Swift is obviously quieter. There are as many as 17 noise reduction techniques that Maruti has employed in the Swift to bring the cabin noise to new lows. These include dampers and sandwiched panels in the engine bay area to cut down on engine noise and vibration, air intake noise, suspension frames to dampen road feedback and asphalt sheets to block out outside noise.

Double sealing weather strips have also been used in the window and door panels to reduce wind noise. The Swift has also been given a new front fender lining to block tyre noise and dampen stone hitting noises. The specially developed tyres reduce road rush noise.

With its fairly powerful engine and sprightly driving characteristics, the Swift would be the better choice for you.

I want to buy a car that costs around Rs 5 lakh. My requirements are air-conditioning, good leg and boot space and, above all, segment leading performance, and good after-sales service and resale value. I have looked at the Hyundai Getz, Suzuki Swift, Opel Corsa 1.4 GSI, Ford Ikon Flair and the Maruti Esteem VXi. But I am unable to decide. Which one do you think will best suit my requirements?

Sanjay Arora

I am planning to buy a new B-segment car and my budget can be stretched up to Rs 5 lakh. My daily trip to office is around 40 km. I am over six feet tall and feel uncomfortable in the driver's seat of my friend's Hyundai Santro, with my knees tending to brush the dashboard. Though the reviews about the Suzuki Swift are good, I checked the Web site to find that it offers driver seat adjustment only in the top-end variant, which is above my budget. I have never tried test driving the Wagon-R, though I am suspect that I may face the same problem. What should I do?

Madan Gopal Revoor

Yes, only the top-end variant of the Swift offers driver's seat-height adjustment. Tilt steering is not part of standard fitment in the Swift. So, for tall or heavily built drivers, this lack of adjustment may pose a problem in the lower trim variants of the Swift, though the steering is set quite high even as the default setting. It should be possible to partly offset the effect of a slightly uncomfortable seating position by pushing back the seat and by reclining the backrest a bit.

If this is still not good enough, the Hyundai Getz may be a better option, since it offers tilt steering as part of standard equipment. The Getz is also the one with the most legroom in the rear, though the rear bench seat in the Swift is more comfortable. The legroom in the Getz could rival what a few sedans currently offer. The resale value of both these new cars will tend to be similar.

The choice will really have to revolve around these two cars for both of you, except, of course, if you are willing to compromise on a few features to be able to graduate to one of the entry-level sedans.

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