Renaults Duster soon in India (Test Drive)

Come mid-2012, the Duster will be part of Renault’s range in India, sporting the Renault lozenge instead of the Dacia logo it uses in Europe. It could become one of the most important models for the French carmaker in India and erase memories of the Logan debacle, especially since both the Logan and Duster share the same platform.

The Duster isn’t an out-and-out hardcore SUV. At 1695mm in height, it’s not as tall and the Duster isn’t muscular looking either. Still, a purposeful bumper, running board and overtly flared wheel arches hint at the Duster’s SUV pretensions and the large 215/65-R16 tyres give it a high stance, which is good enough for basic off-road duties.

From the side, the low window line rises gently, before getting thrown up by the flush-mounted rear quarter-glass. The tail-lights and the rounded tailgate feels out of place on what is otherwise a simple, yet effective design. 475 litres of luggage space is not that big but the Duster at 1205kg doesn’t weigh as much as an SUV either. Although built on the Logan platform, ground clearance has been increased to a purposeful 210mm and wheelbase has been stretched too by 43mm and is also longer overall (25mm).

Those familiar with the Logan will notice the highly inconvenient placement of the rear power window switches between (and just behind) the front seats. Other ergonomic gaffes are carried over too like the air-con switchgear, whose poor location is made worse by the centre console which oddly slopes at the bottom. However, the Duster feels better built and more upmarket than the Logan. The black dash looks smart and will age better and the silver door handles look more stylish. The plastics though still lack any plushness and the shiny finish makes them look cheap.

The Duster however scores well with its spacious interiors. The driver’s seat gets a two-step height setting for a commanding view of the road ahead. The backseat is also very good, if not better than the Logan. Excellent kneeroom just makes it all the more comfortable to be in, even for the long haul.

The Duster shares the proven K9K 1.5-litre diesel motor with the Logan too however power is up to a useful 107bhp and comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. Once past the 2000rpm mark, the turbocharged motor develops power cleanly, running till the redline without faltering. The rubbery gearshift quality meant that slotting gears in a hurry required some effort and the clutch too was quite heavy on the car we drove, which made negotiating rush-hour traffic hard work. Out on the highway, the Duster’s tall proportions and large frontal area don’t suit high-speed driving.

The Duster has a MacPherson setup at the front and the semi-independent torsion beam suspension at the rear. The ride was supple and pliant and unaffected even with a full load. The high profile tyres would work brilliantly in India, rounding off sharp edges with their tall sidewalls. However, don’t expect the Duster to be a hoot to drive. The soft setup has the Duster rolling a fair bit around corners and this two-wheel-drive version distinctly understeers. The ventilated front discs and rear drum setup offers sufficient braking power to slow things down when required. For proper off-roading duties, the Dacia has a 4x4 variant which should do the job.

The factor that is likely to make the Duster a no-brainer and will turn the tables decisively in its favour is an expected Rs 7-8 lakh price tag. If Renault pulls this off, then the Duster will end up scripting a new and exciting chapter for Renault in its India story.

Conforming launch in 2012

Renault has confirmed that it's budget SUV the Duster will be launched in the Indian market. The SUV is expected in the second half of next year.

The Duster shares its platform with the Logan (now Verito) saloon. It will feature a 1.5-litre diesel motor which will be updated to deliver 107bhp and will come mated with a six-speed gearbox. Renault recently showcased the Duster at the Buenos Aires Motor Show with upgraded interiors; this should be seen on the Indian-market Duster as well.

Renault has been tightlipped about the Duster as they were targeting an aggressive price tag which required many meetings with suppliers to get parts at the right price.  The Duster will be produced at Renault's Chennai plant. The Duster is expected to be priced between Rs 7-8 lakh.

Renault has plans of launching as many as five vehicles in a period of just 15 months. The French car-maker has already launched its flagship; the Fluence last month, the next offering is the Koleos premium SUV that will take on the likes of Honda's CR-V, Mitsubishi’s Outlander and its sibling the Nissan X-Trail. Renault also revealed that it also has plans to manufacture a compact car that will be built on an Alliance platform.

Renault currently has 14 dealerships in India and aims to increase this number to 40 by the end of the year and reach 100 by end of next year.

FACT FILE>>>>>>>>>>>>

MORE PHOTOS..................

that's it for now.............Drive safe make sure you wear your seat belts and please do not use high beams........

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Porsche Manufacturers increasingly satisfying customers. Not enough to present the Porsche 911 GT2 RS 911 GT3 RS Carrera deliver 4.0 as a limited edition racing car.
His form with the addition of more sporty body kit to the rear wing. Porsche 911 GT3 RS is made to accommodate the speed lovers.
To make a more aggressive power pacunya, Porsche 911 GT3 RS seconded by Boxer engine 6-cylinder 4000 cc engine mated with 6 speed transmission. The ability of the engine can catapult power up to 368 kW (500 hp) at 8250 rpm and 460 Nm of torque at 5750 rpm frontier.

Carrera 911 GT3 RS offers a reliable engine performance. Porsche Carrera 911 GT3 RS can be run from the point of 0-100 km / h with a count time of 3.9 seconds.
While concoction Porsche engineers managed to make the car move from the point of 000-200 km / h with a time under 12 seconds with a maximum speed of 306 km / hour.
The test results on the Nurburgring-Nordschleife circuit, 911 GT3 RS around the circuit is proven with 7 minutes, 27 seconds.
The weight is now down to 1360 kg full tank of fuel. That's because the 911 GT3 RS Carrera uses carbon fiber material on the hood, wing. While the rear window is made from the strongest plastic basic material.
For the security of motorists and passengers Porsche has pinned the roll bar and bucket seats. And for the interior is decorated with 2 colors ie black and red.

The launch of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 made ​​in Germany in July 2011. The car will be priced 178,596 euros, or about USD 2.2 billion, including tax.
Well, if you're interested in bringing the car, at least a game message. For as quoted from the official website of Porsche, on Thursday (04/28/2011) the car is only produced as much as 600 units.

New Fiesta Test Drive and Review

The all-new Fiesta is the first contemporary saloon that Ford will launch in India in May 2011.  Ford is now bringing its latest products to the Indian market and the company’s new ‘One Ford’ mantra means Fiestas sold in China, Thailand or the US are ostensibly the same as the ones that will come to India. 

The new Fiesta is built on the company’s B2E platform, which has won much acclaim for its light yet stiff construction. The hatchback version won’t be coming soon to India. India will get the saloon derivative currently sold in China and other Asian markets. The Fiesta saloon’s wheelbase is the same as the hatchback. Ford India wasn’t part of the B299 programme in the early stages when it could have asked for a longer wheelbase, which is so crucial in a segment where the rear seat is important. 

The boot section has been integrated seamlessly, and merges well with the rest of the body. There is however an awkward-looking area above the rear wheel arches that makes the rear tyres look a touch puny. However, the nose is striking and, apart from the Honda City, the Fiesta looks far more futuristic and cutting edge than any of its competition. Ford’s ‘Kinetic Design’ language is amply evident in the new Fiesta. Sharp cuts, strong creases and taut skinning make the Fiesta look like it’s full of energy. The swept-back, dagger-like headlights straddle a slot-like intake while the large, lower trapezoidal grille is a common Kinetic Design feature. The steeply raked front and rear pillars and quarter-glasses at both ends support a sporty looking roofline. The rear tail-lights straddle an upright boot lid. 

The new Fiesta comes with an exceptionally rigid chassis that makes suspension tuning a lot easier. It also comes with electrically assisted steering which uses a column-mounted motor. For the Indian market, Ford is using a higher profile tyre (195/60 R15) which has increased the new Fiesta’s ground clearance by 15mm. 

The new Fiesta’s interiors are dramatically different from the present car. There’s a wing-like design theme to the dashboard. The large screen is very easy to read and is a useful feature that’s missing in the Fiesta’s rivals. The new Fiesta will be the first Ford in India to get electronic climate control and steering-mounted audio controls. The Indian Fiesta is expected to be launched with light shades and richer materials. The dashboard is nicely textured with soft-touch material but some plastics lower down look shiny and cheap; some of the switchgear too doesn’t feel premium either. But what really lets the interiors down is the rear seat which simply can’t match a City or Vento for legroom. Headroom too is not as generous and the small rear windows add to the cooped-up feeling. The saving grace is that the seats themselves are quite comfy with generous cushioning. The driving position is superb, the pedals are well spaced and there’s even a dead pedal to rest your foot. There isn’t an abundance of storage space inside the cabin and the flattened glovebox, which improves kneeroom, can’t hold much and neither can the door pockets. Boot space is average but the 60:40 split of the rear seats is useful. 

The new Fiesta is likely to use Ford’s DV6 or 1.6-litre Duratorq diesel engine which develops around 90bhp. Though it’s not as powerful as the Vento’s 1.6 diesel, we expect it to be more responsive just like the smaller 1.4 Durtatorq in the old Fiesta. What Ford has confirmed is a 120bhp 1.6-litre petrol which will put the new Fiesta on par with the City and Linea T-Jet. This engine gets variable valve timing which boosts power by a whopping 20bhp. The Indian Fiesta will get the same IB5 manual gearbox. 

The responsive 1.6 engine is quick off the line and revs eagerly and with smoothness that makes it more than a match for the City. Also impressive is the low NVH levels. Even at max revs, it doesn’t sound overly thrashy or strained. Power delivery is fairly linear. The 1.6 petrol Fiesta is undoubtedly quick but special mention must be made of Ford’s PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission, a twin-clutch unit that feels more direct and connected than a conventional torque converter. Gear changes are quite seamless, especially at higher speeds, but in slow-moving traffic, the transmission feels a bit jerky. The big advantage of Ford’s dual-clutch PowerShift transmission is superior fuel efficiency and Ford should consider launching an automatic option for India.

The Fiesta’s ride and handling is miles ahead of the competition. Its dynamics are very special and it handles uneven and poorly surfaced roads very well. The brilliance of the Fiesta’s chassis lies in how supple the suspension feels and the way it glides over bumpy surfaces with just the right amount of vertical movement. The body control and grip is so good that you can scythe through a series of bends with complete confidence. Straightline stability at highway speeds is terrific, and the Fiesta is very reassuring to drive.  The steering is the best example of an electrically power assisted system we have experienced. It has a pleasing weight to it, a consistent feel and lets you place the nose accurately where you want to. The key to the Fiesta’s class-leading dynamics lie in the stiff and rigid chassis. 

The present Fiesta is a pretty good car, but it’s the new model with its modern and upmarket looks, strong engines and amazing ride and handling that has the potential to go straight to the top of the class. It isn’t very spacious and the interior quality is a bit of a letdown but for sheer driving pleasure nothing comes close. With the right pricing, it could prove to be the most serious threat to the Honda City yet.

FACT FILE>>>>>>>>

MORE IMAGES.................

that's it for now.............Drive safe make sure you wear your seat belts and please do not use high beams........

Lamborghini Murcielago

Lamborghini Murcielago is a supercar models to ten of the Italian car manufacturer, Lamborghini. Part Murcielago roof and doors made ​​from other steels. Part karbon.Murcielago Also made ​​of fibers are Easier Than any other to drive the Lamborghini cars, Because it has a system of four-wheel or four motion wheel drive (4WD) and a rescue system, That Is Able to slow the pace car Pls The driver lost control on the streets.

Lamborghini Murcielago

Also most of this car has a unique tradition in reverse Murcielago. They lift one car door, then sat on the edge of the car. They then look Towards cans Where They will from the retreat. Murchielago Also famous for its luxury "This limited series, only 350 units in the world for SV LP670-4 '. SuperVeloce be terwahid product. SV-type V12 engine That has Brought dk 670 workers. Reducing vehicle weight Also performed up to 100 pounds. The car is capable of racing supersport 0-100 km per hour in just 3.2 seconds. The maximum speed of cans reach 342 km per hour.

Lamborghini Murcielago

Lamborghini Murcielago Modification

  Data and Facts
      * Launched in: 2001-201o (Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 Superveloce)
      * Origin: Italy
      * Engine: 6192 cc V12 engine in the middle
      * Maximum power: 571 bhp at 7500 rpm
      * Maximum torque: 649 Nm at 5400 rpm
      * Maximum speed: 329.9 km / h
      * Acceleration: 0-97 mph: 4 seconds
      * Weight: 1.65 tons
      * Price: U.S. $ 457.500 (LP670-4 Superveloce) around Rp 5 billion to 10 with different specifications or 163.000 pounds.

Lamborghini Murcielago Interior

Mercedes S-Class

Mercedes S-Class

The Mercedes Benz S Class, the flagship luxury sedan from the German auto giant, unveiled the S350 Bluetec series of S Class for the 2011 shopping year, as well as the S400 Hybrid. In addition, the Merceds Benz S Class has also unveiled the S63 AMG and S65 AMG, two high-performance models, as well as a few other hybrid or all-wheel drive models. The new S Class runs on turbocharged diesel, the first diesel engine unveiled by Mercedes in the U.S. in the past 16 years. This luxury machine is likely to provide powerful horsepower and torque, with unique interior design as befitting the car’s status and reputation. Because the S Class is more of a grouping of Mercedes cars than a single car in and of itself, it’s important to do your research to determine the S Class model that best fits your needs.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been in production since 1954 and over the last 56 years has always represented the forefront of luxury refinement in a sedan. 2011 is not going to represent a break with tradition at all and the S-Class will probably feature.

Mercedes S-Class

Mercedes S-Class

Spesification:
Pricing: MSRP in the $90,000 range.
Engine: S350 – 241 HP, turbocharged diesel 3.0 liter V-6; S63 – 536 HP, twin turbocharged 5.5 liter V-8; S65 – 621 HP twin turbocharged V-12
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic.
Fuel Economy: standard models – 15 mpg city / 23 mpg highway | hybrid models – 19 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
Acceleration: 5.7 second zero to sixty.
Car Safety Features: Stability and traction control, antilock brakes, front and rear side airbags, driver fatigue and inattention warning system and side curtain airbags.
Warranty: the Mercedes-Benz warranty is for 4-years/50,000 miles.

Mercedes S-Class Interior

Vyrus (Famous custom bikes makers) to sell bikes in India

Italian bike maker Vyrus, famous for making limited numbers of exclusive sportsbikes has entered the Indian market. The brand coming to India is InterGlobe Aviation, which has now re-branded itself as InterGlobe Established Products Private Limited.

Vyrus has launched its two models – the 984 C3 2V and 985 C3 4V in the country. The 984 comes equipped with a four-stroke, air-cooled, 992cc V-twin engine producing 90.5bhp, while the 985 sports a four-stroke, and liquid-cooled 999cc V-twin engine pumping out an impressive 155bhp. Both the engines are sourced from Ducati.

German custom-bike maker Hollister, known for making custom-built chopper motorcycles has also entered the Indian market courtesy InterGlobe. While no details have been furnished yet about the models to be sold under the Hollister brand, expect the full-range to be offered.

The Vyrus and Hollister products will be sold as CBU motorcycles, and while pricing is yet to be announced, expect the motorcycles to cost upwards of Rs 20 lakh.

MORE PHOTOS............................. 

that's it for now.............Drive safe make sure you wear your seat belts and please do not use high beams........

Mercedes-Benz S-class gets new engine

Mercedes Benz India will soon expand its S-class range with more engine options. An entry level S300L with a 2996cc V6 developing a modest 228bhp is on the cards and is expected to cost ‘only’ an approximate Rs 70 lakh.

The S300L will undercut the current S350L, which has recently been discontinued, by a substantial margin.  The S300L, which makes sense as a chauffeur-driven car, will also give a tough fight to the Audi A8 and BMW 7-series.

Mercedes will further strengthen the S-class line in the coming months with the S350 CGI which gets Merc’s latest direct-injection V6. As a result, power is up to 302bhp from 272bhp in the standard version.

Completing the petrol line-up is the S500 CGI which churns out a thumping 429bhp to blend pace and grace like no other luxury saloon in India. The S-class sold 1131 units in the last financial year and Mercedes hopes to increase S-class sales with the new range of engine by around 40 percent. 

Other updates................................

!. Mahindra renames Logan as Verito

Following our scoop on the rechristening of the Renault Logan as the Mahindra Verito yesterday, M&M has launched the car much before the anticipated unveiling later next month.  This comes a year after Mahindra & Mahindra announced its decision to acquire Renault’s 49 percent stake in its JV.

The name Verito is derived from the Latin ‘Veritas’ which means truth. The Verito will cost Rs. 4.82 lakh (petrol BS3 version) and Rs 5.62 lakh (Diesel BS3 version). A BS 4 variant will also be available.

The Verito will come with the same Renault 1.5 DCi CRDi diesel and 1.4 MPFI petrol engines.  Apart from the Mahindra logo, the Verito gets redesigned fog lamps, roof rails and side rub strips. The rear gets a dash of chrome and a spoiler lip to give it a more premium feel. Like the Logan, the Verito offers features like ABS with EBD, driver airbag, head restraint for all seats, side impact beams and the driver information system.

Sales of the Logan have increased since M&M lowered the saloon’s price a year ago. In March, 1017 units were sold and 10,000 and odd were sold in 2010-11. The Verito will take on the Indigo Manza, Swift Dzire and the Etios. A sub-four-metre Verito will debut later this year.

!. Skoda all set to launch Vento challenger also known as (Skoda Rapid)

Skoda is all set to reveal its VW Vento challenger, called the Rapid. Skoda has used the Rapid moniker several times in the past and it’s slated for a comeback when the saloon is launched during Diwali this year. 

Built on the same platform as the Vento (code: VW251) the Skoda iteration (code SK: 251) will share most mechanical bits with the VW saloon which includes engines as well. Hence, the Rapid will come with the same 1.6 petrol and diesel motors both of which develop 105bhp. 

However keeping the positioning of the two brands in mind, Skoda will price its Rapid slightly below the Vento and a couple of features could be deleted from the Rapid’s equipment list too. Sources inside Skoda also claim that the Czech company plans to shake up the market by launching an affordable version of the Rapid, priced in close proximity to Maruti’s SX4, which translates to a price (ex-showroom, Delhi) of approximately Rs 7 lakh for the petrol and Rs 7.80 lakh for the diesel.

The design language for the Rapid is thought to be based on the Vision D concept car shown in Geneva. A wider grille, simple but bold lines and beautifully crafted surfaces could mean this car looks better than the Vento. One Skoda trait missing on the car, however, will be the hatch, something that has been sacrificed in the interest of cost. Instead, the Rapid will get a traditional boot. The Rapid is also likely to see the introduction of Skoda’s updated chrome on black logo which looks much more modern and avantgarde.

that's it for now.............Drive safe make sure you wear your seat belts and please do not use high beams........

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

This car is also one of the most expensive car in the world. Prices range from 1.8 million thousand dollars. This car also broke the world record in speed. ie 430 km / hour. Carved a track record in Volkswagen's Ehra-Lessien Group, near Wolfsburg, Germany.
From behind the crumpled hood of 1200 PS-powered engine with a torque of 1500 Nm. Power is 200 PS is larger than the standard version of the Veyron.
Bugatti's engineers try to boost the 8000 cc engine, 16 cylinders, four turbochargers with a larger, including enlarging intercooler. Continues, the chassis was developed again, reinforced and suspension stabilizers embedded in the four-wheel racing.

To achieve a high level of aerodynamic, more refined body. Improvements included on all single-shell structure of carbon. This material not only makes the weight is reduced, but safety was assured.
From perfecting it, acceleration 0-100 km / h can be reached in just 2.5 seconds. Tried 0-200 km / h, it only takes 7.3 seconds and 0-300 km / h is achieved in 15 seconds.
Super Sport 16.4 debut will be held at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California, USA, August. On price, Bugatti reputedly one worth an estimated 1.8 million U.S. dollars and produced 30 units this spring.

Hummer H2

The Hummer H2 is a massive SUV, which comes with exceptional off-road handling capabilities and amazing facilities. The regular H2 models have been marketed with five to six-passenger carrying capacity, while the custom built commercial Hummer H2 limos can carry up to a dozen of passengers effortlessly.
The regular H2 comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose audio system, leather upholstery, full power front seats with a lumbar adjustment, heated seats, keyless entry, underbody skid plates, OnStar mechanism, locking rear differential and the powerful 315/70R17 all-terrain tires. However, the commercial Hummer limos are even equipped with mini-bars, dance floors, disco lights, Plasma TVs, home theatre systems and everything that you may dream of. Consequently, they're extremely popular for rentals to have fun of a lifetime.

But, the biggest downside to the H2 vehicles is their horrendous gas mileage, which comes to about 9.2 mpg overall. Far worse, you can't take it anywhere you want, and parking within city garages can be a big issue.
Optionally, one can also find additional goodies like third-row seat (to improve the passenger carrying capacity to 6), tubular side steps, brushed-aluminum roof rack, satellite radio etc. with the performance packages like the Adventure Series.

Under the hood, this gigantic vehicle derives 325 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque from the 6.0-liter V8 engine, and when you look at its gear selector you get a feeling as though it were lifted from fighter plane.
You get excellent ground clearance, aggressive tires, and plenty of grip, though the weight of the vehicle rounds of the power delivered by the V6; above all you got to shell out over $60,000, and hell a lot of money on gas refill every single time. So, 2010 probably Hummer H2 is an ideal pick for celebrities and stinking rich folks, not for the common man.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3860481

AUDI will be launching armoured A8 in India

Audi will bring the latest version of it's armoured car to India. Known as the Security, this model based on the A8L is powered by a W12 engine.

The armored sedan’s custom security modifications are performed by hand in a small workshop. The cars space frame chassis is retained, but plenty of special aluminum protection plates are added all over the car. And the windows and windscreens have multiple layers to them.

The A8 L Security has been officially certified by a German-government ballistics testing facility to VR7. The sheet metal and glazing in the passenger cell must withstand firing with NATO hard-core ammunition. In certain areas, the armoring on the Audi A8 L Security even complies with the criteria for class VR 9 and VR 10.The interior armoring weighs approximately 720 kilograms and the A8 is unto withstanding an attack with a hand grenade.

The excess weight of the windows amounts to just over 300 kilograms. A closing assist feature comes standard for the doors – which weighs an additional 360 kilograms more in all. A door-stop function holds each door open in any desired position. Another security feature is the fire extinguisher system, which is activated via heat sensors or by pushing a button.

Audi’s German rivals are already offering their armoured vehicles in India. BMW had its High Security 7-Series saloon on sale for the last couple of years, while the Mercedes-Benz’s armoured S-Class, known as the S-Guard, was launched earlier last year for staggering Rs 6crore and A8 is also expected almost same price tag of S-Class.

MORE PHOTOS.............

that's it for now.............Drive safe make sure you wear your seat belts and please do not use high beams........

The 2011 New Swift official (First Drive)

When the all-new Swift goes on sale around May this year, you can foresee the tough time Maruti is going to have explaining to customers that it is actually new. You need to stare long and hard to spot the differences in the next-generation Swift, which looks remarkably like the old one. 

The new Swift may look more or less unchanged, but is in fact built on an all-new platform and every body panel is new. It’s grown considerably too and the new Swift is bigger than its predecessor in every dimension. Though the width and height have increased only marginally, length is up by 90mm and the wheelbase has been stretched too by a very useful 50mm. 

The Swift looks very modern and fresh despite the familiarity of its shape. The new Swift looks even better with subtle tweaking of the design. The nose is characterised by the same swept-back lights but they are much larger and extend further back into the body. Again, the new grille is remarkably similar to the old car’s but subtly cuts into the leading edge of the bonnet. 

The front intake is more prominent, the bumpers are a bit more sharply cut and the fog lamp surrounds are more contoured. Move to the side and the changes include bigger and more bulging wheel arches while the familiar blackened A-pillar contrasts nicely with the body. The rear tail-lamps stretch further along the length of the car and come with clear inset panels, which differentiates them from the all-red clusters of the original Swift. 

The most noticeable change perhaps is in the tailgate, which has a distinctive overhang above the number plate. The boot’s higher loading lip adds to the car’s structural rigidity, increased significantly, and this is mainly due to the extensive use of high-tensile steel. 

The new Swift sticks to the tried and tested format of MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam rear, but the design has been tweaked for better dynamics. Under the bonnet not much has changed, and the new Swift will come with the same 1.2 K-series petrol and 1.3 Fiat-sourced diesel motors as before. There are some small tweaks though. For example, the radiator’s cooling shroud is now made of plastic instead of steel and this has knocked 1.5kg of weight. 

The benefits of the additional 50mm in the Swift’s wheelbase can be seen in the cabin. Rear seat space or a lack of it has always been one of the Swift’s weak points and this has now been addressed to some extent. Legroom has noticeably improved and a more generous seat squab offers much better under-thigh support. However, even with the increase in rear passenger room, the new Swift fails to feel as spacious as its competitors. 

Headroom is still tight, the small glass area continuing to give a cooped-up feeling at the back. At 204-litres, boot space isn’t generous either. 

The front seats are very generous and have a sportier design with more contours and strong side bolsters, but we prefer the flatter and softer design of the current Swift’s front buckets, which are among the comfiest around. 

Suzuki hasn’t managed to lift cabin quality substantially with the new Swift. The plastics don’t feel greatly improved and the all-black insides, relieved only marginally with the use of silver plastic trim, continue to exude a gloomy ambience as before. However, with Indian customers showing a strong preference for beige interiors, we wouldn’t be surprised if Maruti offered a lighter, more cheerful interior trim for the Indian market. 

The dashboard design is much tidier and sharper looking. The V-shaped centre console is a design theme that’s also present in the Kizashi and works well. The new instrument dials are superb with increments highlighted by red-lit, glass-like markers as on the Honda City. The dashboard is quite functional too, offering more storage space than before. 

The all-new steering wheel feels nice and chunky as do the steering-mounted buttons which have a nice tactile feel. A lot of the switchgear is new and feels a lot better but some parts still get carried over like the power window cluster and some buttons on the lower dash. The gear lever as well is all too familiar and a carry-over from previous Suzukis. 

The UK-spec Swift comes with a keyless stop-start system and we expect Maruti to offer this same feature in India to counter the Nissan Micra’s claim of being the only car in the class to come with this convenience. We wouldn’t be surprised if a USB input and Bluetooth connectivity are also added to the Swift’s roster of kit. 

Fire-up the engine and it becomes immediately apparent that the Swift is a much better car to drive. It feels more grown up but without losing its innate entertaining character. The first impression is that it feels more refined than before, if not quicker. It’s a lot quieter, the body seems less creaky and the K-series shows no signs of harshness even when revved to its max. 

That’s a good thing actually because low-end torque is pretty weak and you really need to cane this engine to perform. It works best after 4,000rpm and whizzes to its 6,200rpm redline without any fuss. This is one of the smoothest and most refined 1.2-litre units around and is sure to continue delighting enthusiasts. Performance is more than adequate and in fact, after the Honda Jazz, it’s the Swift that is the quickest hatchback in its class. 

However, for everyday driving, the lack of grunt at low speeds will mean more frequent gear changing than you expect. That job is made less of a chore thanks to the sweet-shifting gearbox which is again a carry-over from the previous Swift. 

The Swift’s grown-up feel comes largely from the substantially improved ride and handling. It feels much more planted and less fidgety than before, cruising at high speeds with a new-found air of confidence. It’s less prone to getting tossed around and soaks up bumps very impressively. 

The best bit is that the Swift hasn’t lost its perky handling in its new avatar. The steering has been completely revamped with low-play joints in the steering-column shaft and a new variable-gear ratio design. However, Suzuki still hasn’t managed to get rid of the inconsistency in the steering feel, which is a big fly in the ointment. 

According to company sources, Maruti plans to launch the all-new Swift in May this year, which is exactly six years after the launch of the first model. The new Swift addresses many of the flaws of the old model while still retaining its very desirable character. It’s bigger and better in every respect but we can’t help feeling that Suzuki could have made more of a jump in key areas like cabin quality and space. 

There is little doubt though that it will remain the benchmark in this segment for others to follow and on the assumption that Maruti will price this all-important hatchback very competitively, the new Swift will begin life in the Indian market where the previous one left off. Right at the top.

FACT FILE.....

MORE PHOTOS..............

that's it for now.............Drive safe make sure you wear your seat belts and please do not use high beams........