You people might have heard a lot of hoo-haa going on in the motoring press about Hyundai I‑20 these days.
Recently, I had the opportunity to drive one for an extended session.
LOOKS (EXTERIOR): I 20 has good paint work. "I have tried too hard to copy Peugeot 307" headlights, the belt line is nice, side profile, especially rear window reverse angle C - pillar harks back to Swift, wraparound tai lights - again very Swiftish touch.
INTERIORS: Good. Plastic quality pretty good, some bits shiny, huge glove box.
SPACE: Found the seats to be a bit on the flat side. Rear under thigh support could be better.
PERFORMANCE: Weird. Hyundai claims 80 odd bhp. Car I drove was new but even allowing for the new ones of the engine, the engine's reluctance to freely rev beyond 4500 rpm was disappointing. Until 3500 rpm, I 20 pulls decently, but beyond that you can sense a strain on the power plant. It is not that I-20 does not want to rev, but that it os better that you do not. Compare that to the Swift's turbine smooth "revvability" till the 6600 rpm limiter and you'll understand what I mean.
HANDLING: Lousy. Simply lousy. I 20 rolls and wallows in a corner. There is way to much understeer so much so that at modest speeds, say as low as 60 kph in a tightening bend. The nose starts washing out. Compare this to the Swift's razor sharp turn in, flat cornering, resistance to understeer and "throttle adjustability" the swift simply pummels the Hyundai into submission.
FUEL EFFICIENCY: I 20 : 9.8 hard driving, tankful to tankful in Delhi traffic Swift VXI with 185/70 - R14's: 11.82 same route, tankful to tankful, same traffic conditions.
SUMMARY: I 20: spacious hatch if you want to pootle around town.
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SWIFT: The vehicle to own if you love driving, love cars and want to put a smile on your face when you are driving down that long and winding road, where ever it is.
It is good despite after three years of launch, Swift still rules and Hyundai despite doing a calculated effort not even coming closer to the performance of Swift.
Truly Swift is a revolution.
The funny thing is that if you drive the I 20 - drive it for an extended session, if possible, and you will also feel it - the engine does not behave as if it has got 80 odd bhp on tap - as claimed by Hyundai.
Initially it feels peppy, but when you extend it over the rev range, then the limitations come up.
If f you guys have driven the old Hyundai Accent and remember how the engine used to run into an "imaginary wall" after 4500 rpm versus the then free revving Esteem engine, you will have a very good comparison.
In terms of safety stakes, I-20 has the Swift licked what with 6 airbags, etc, but then again the price is also whopping enough.
Moot point is: FRILLS and niceties go for the Hyundai
For driving pleasure and depth of engineering, I would recommend MARUTI SWIFT.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Maruti VXi and VDi
Maruti Swift VXI or VDI
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Economy Wise
First of all if you are thinking about economy, Delhi ex-showroom price is:
Maruti Swift VXI Bharat Stage IV = 4,53,632 INR
Maruti Swift VDI Bharat Stage IV = 5,28,877 INR
This above price for both Maruti Swift variants was last updated on April 23, 2010. The difference amount is around 75,000 INR. If you drive at least 40 km per day, then it will take around four years to cover the difference of the price you pay. If you drive more in a single day, then you can cover the extra amount early. So if you just think about economy, then if you drive more than 40 go for VDI otherwise VXI.
Now let’s move onto other import factors. Read on..
Driving Comfort
It is a difficult one and depends on how you drive a car.But VXI’s Steering and Clutch are smoother than VDI and VXI is easier to maneuver compared to VDI.
Braking and Acceleration in Traffic
Is instant in VXI compared to VDI as VDI has higher torque and even though both use the same brake, braking distance will be a little more in VDI. It is much easier to drive VDi as because of its higher torque, you only need to use clutch and brake and the car easily moves in second gear without accelerator but in VXI car, you have to use a little bit of accelerator. Also because of high torque in VDI, you can drive in 40 to 50 kilometers per hour in fifth gear, so there is lesser gear changes in VDI compared to VXI saving more fuel adding up more mileage to your car, saving more money in your pocket.
Engine Noise
Will be a little higher in VDI but compared to other diesel vehicles in its class, it is very silent and from inside it is difficult to say that you are sitting in a diesel car so it is negligible.
Engine Torque
VDI is a clear winner in this category. Torque ( Nm@rpm) : VXI VDI 113@4500 190@2000. VDI torque is amazing and if you test drive both, you will feel the difference. As soon as you hit the accelerator in VDI, you will feel the kick and the other kick you will feel as you cross 2000 RPM. VDI has got a linear Turbo charger and it starts after 2000 RPM and once it starts, you get sudden acceleration and if you maintain this RPM range, you will never have to change the gear. Suppose if you are in fifth gear and going in good speed and if you have you overtake, you don’t need to shift down the gear, you will get the same acceleration in fifth gear what you get in third or fourth gear in VXi. Unfortunately, there is a small amount of turbo lag below 2000 RPM in VDI that means you will not get the same acceleration what you get when you cross 2000 RPM but once you get used to using lower gears, then it is not a concern.
Race between VXI and VDI
If there is a race between VXI and VDI, then VXI will only win in race track or a drift because it has higher RPM ranges but it takes time to reach there. In city roads, VDI will be a clear winner. If you need power, by a Swift VDI.
Mileage
If driven properly, you will get around 17 km per liter in city and 20+ km per liter on highways with Swift VDI. In VXI, it should be 13 km per liter in city and 17 km per liter on highways.
Other Aspects
There is no waiting period for VDI or VXI. For VDI with ABS, some waiting period might be there. You cannot fit it outside and I will say any day go for VDI with ABS if budget is not a concern. The amount of torque it has got, you definitely buy it.
Swift’s New K-Series Engine
VXi has got a good engine and the good news is that Maruti has phased out the previous engines and have put more advanced and powerful 1.2 liter 16 valve K series engine which was used in Ritz and other cars. It was first launched in Swift petrol and now it is available in all variants. The bonus of K-series engines is that they provide better pollution control and fuel efficiency. I think this was the reason why Maruti launched Swift Glam to clear the old engine stock. VDI has got one of the best diesel DDIS engine. The DDiS engine has won the “International Engine of the Year Award” in Europe . It is an engine which was developed by a joint venture of Fiat and GM.
Maintenance
I don’t know about VXI but VDI has totally changed the way people used to think about diesel cars. My cousin completed 10k kilometers and three services and following is the cost:
1. First Service: 600 rupees
2. Second Service: 5 rupees for a small screw
3. Third Service: 2000 rupees
Conclusion
So in 10k kilometers, he has paid just 2605 INR. Now the decision is up to you which Swift variant you would like to buy, Swift VXI or VDI. It all depends on you. My work was to just provide an unbiased review of both variants and I have done that. If you have any types of questions regarding this, please let me know via the comment section below. Best of luck for your purchase of Maruti Swift.
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Reference : http://hubpages.com/hub/unbiased-review-of-maruti-swift-vxi-or-vdi
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Economy Wise
First of all if you are thinking about economy, Delhi ex-showroom price is:
Maruti Swift VXI Bharat Stage IV = 4,53,632 INR
Maruti Swift VDI Bharat Stage IV = 5,28,877 INR
This above price for both Maruti Swift variants was last updated on April 23, 2010. The difference amount is around 75,000 INR. If you drive at least 40 km per day, then it will take around four years to cover the difference of the price you pay. If you drive more in a single day, then you can cover the extra amount early. So if you just think about economy, then if you drive more than 40 go for VDI otherwise VXI.
Now let’s move onto other import factors. Read on..
Driving Comfort
It is a difficult one and depends on how you drive a car.But VXI’s Steering and Clutch are smoother than VDI and VXI is easier to maneuver compared to VDI.
Braking and Acceleration in Traffic
Is instant in VXI compared to VDI as VDI has higher torque and even though both use the same brake, braking distance will be a little more in VDI. It is much easier to drive VDi as because of its higher torque, you only need to use clutch and brake and the car easily moves in second gear without accelerator but in VXI car, you have to use a little bit of accelerator. Also because of high torque in VDI, you can drive in 40 to 50 kilometers per hour in fifth gear, so there is lesser gear changes in VDI compared to VXI saving more fuel adding up more mileage to your car, saving more money in your pocket.
Engine Noise
Will be a little higher in VDI but compared to other diesel vehicles in its class, it is very silent and from inside it is difficult to say that you are sitting in a diesel car so it is negligible.
Engine Torque
VDI is a clear winner in this category. Torque ( Nm@rpm) : VXI VDI 113@4500 190@2000. VDI torque is amazing and if you test drive both, you will feel the difference. As soon as you hit the accelerator in VDI, you will feel the kick and the other kick you will feel as you cross 2000 RPM. VDI has got a linear Turbo charger and it starts after 2000 RPM and once it starts, you get sudden acceleration and if you maintain this RPM range, you will never have to change the gear. Suppose if you are in fifth gear and going in good speed and if you have you overtake, you don’t need to shift down the gear, you will get the same acceleration in fifth gear what you get in third or fourth gear in VXi. Unfortunately, there is a small amount of turbo lag below 2000 RPM in VDI that means you will not get the same acceleration what you get when you cross 2000 RPM but once you get used to using lower gears, then it is not a concern.
Race between VXI and VDI
If there is a race between VXI and VDI, then VXI will only win in race track or a drift because it has higher RPM ranges but it takes time to reach there. In city roads, VDI will be a clear winner. If you need power, by a Swift VDI.
Mileage
If driven properly, you will get around 17 km per liter in city and 20+ km per liter on highways with Swift VDI. In VXI, it should be 13 km per liter in city and 17 km per liter on highways.
Other Aspects
There is no waiting period for VDI or VXI. For VDI with ABS, some waiting period might be there. You cannot fit it outside and I will say any day go for VDI with ABS if budget is not a concern. The amount of torque it has got, you definitely buy it.
Swift’s New K-Series Engine
VXi has got a good engine and the good news is that Maruti has phased out the previous engines and have put more advanced and powerful 1.2 liter 16 valve K series engine which was used in Ritz and other cars. It was first launched in Swift petrol and now it is available in all variants. The bonus of K-series engines is that they provide better pollution control and fuel efficiency. I think this was the reason why Maruti launched Swift Glam to clear the old engine stock. VDI has got one of the best diesel DDIS engine. The DDiS engine has won the “International Engine of the Year Award” in Europe . It is an engine which was developed by a joint venture of Fiat and GM.
Maintenance
I don’t know about VXI but VDI has totally changed the way people used to think about diesel cars. My cousin completed 10k kilometers and three services and following is the cost:
1. First Service: 600 rupees
2. Second Service: 5 rupees for a small screw
3. Third Service: 2000 rupees
Conclusion
So in 10k kilometers, he has paid just 2605 INR. Now the decision is up to you which Swift variant you would like to buy, Swift VXI or VDI. It all depends on you. My work was to just provide an unbiased review of both variants and I have done that. If you have any types of questions regarding this, please let me know via the comment section below. Best of luck for your purchase of Maruti Swift.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference : http://hubpages.com/hub/unbiased-review-of-maruti-swift-vxi-or-vdi
Friday, August 27, 2010
Improve Fuel Efficiency
It’s really exasperating to see fuel prices skyrocketing, right? We can only feel helpless in the face of recurring and economy-driven price fluctuations. Seeking measures to improve fuel economy is the only way to combat rising fuel prices. Do not disregard these simple guidelines; each little step can really start adding up to significant savings to your budget.
Check Tyre Pressure
Keeping the tyres well inflated is one of the simplest things you can do to help improve your car’s fuel efficiency. You can improve the mileage by about 3.3 percent if you keep your tyres inflated properly, according to the DOE.
Lighten Your Load
Empty out your boot of unnecessary items. For every extra 45 kg you carry, your fuel efficiency can drop by 1-2% in a typical vehicle.
S-L-O-W D-O-W-N
The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. Driving within the speed limit recommended by the manufacturer helps save fuel. Driving just 5mph over the speed limit can affect fuel economy by up to 23%. Likewise, quick acceleration consumes too much fuel; accelerate slowly and gradually.
Do Fuel Quality/Types/Additives Help Mileage?
Petrol pump attendants often try to convince you to go for ‘Speed petrol’ or ‘X-tra Mile diesel’. But this need not necessarily help improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Always use the grade recommended for the vehicle by the manufacturer. Higher octane fuel may not only be a waste of money but may harm the vehicle, as well. However sticking to one brand of fuel is always good for the engine. Know more about Octane Ratings
Tune Your Engine
A well-tuned engine can improve fuel economy by up to 4%. So change your oil and follow your car manufacturer’s recommendation on servicing.
Clean the Air Filters Regularly
Air filters keep impurities from damaging your engine. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel economy by as much as 10%.
Clean Spark Plugs
Ensure your spark plugs are in good condition. Renew the plugs and wires at intervals specified by the manufacturer. This will keep all cylinders firing properly resulting in higher efficiency.
Don’t Be a Clutch-Driver
Never keep your foot on the clutch while driving. When you do this, pressure is being placed on your clutch, and it not only reduces mileage, but also wears out the clutch plate, replacing which is not cheap.
Keep the Car in Showroom Condition
It’s always prudent to keep the car in the showroom condition. Remember that any modification to the car, such as broad tyres, diffusers etc., will adversely affect the mileage.
Courtesy: (Yahoo's FTP) - "http://in.yfittopostblog.com/2010/08/25/improve-your-cars-fuel-efficiency/"
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