Were the Swift and Fabia – separated at birth or whatever back of envelope drawing that first conceived their deisgn ? I have always felt there are way too many similarities in the design of the Swift and the Fabia. Have not had a chance to drive the Fabia but got a chance to park next to one and sneak a few photos off my mobile .

(Please click on the thumbnails for larger versions)

Design Similarities:

• Overall silhouette with tapering roof
• Glass house area tapering towards C-pillar
• Blacked out A pillar
• Bonnet line joining base of A pillar
• Other than the front grilles the bonnet outline is very similar

Design Differences:

• The Fabia is narrower by a little bit but longer than the Swift resulting in a longer rear door that doesnt taper as much.
• The Swift is a bit taller and wider while the Fabia seems lower and flatter.
• The Swift has better curves
• Headlamps, Grille, fog lamps are the key differences up front.
• The rear is different enough – the Swift shows its width with a portly rear.

 
Related External Link: Also A bit dated comparison  between the Getz, Swift and Fabia by BS Motoring.com.

Question: Are there other cars on the road that you think have such visual similarities ? Do let me know. I will do a series of such posts.

The list now contains the following:

• Ford Fusion Plus TDCi
• Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI Elegance
• Getz Prime 1.5 CRDI GVS
• Suzuki Swift VDI ABS
• Suzuki Ritz VDI ABS
• Grande Punto Emotion Pack Multijet
• Hyundai I20 Asta (O) CRDI
• Palio Stile 1.3 SDX
• Indica Vista Aura Quadrajet
• Indica Vista Aqua TDI
• Tata Indica V2 DLS BS III

The specifications are now color coded to indicate the largest dimension/best value/cheapest cost(green) and lowest dimension/value /highest cost(red). Hope this sheet is easier to read now.

The costliest is still the Skoda Fabia and the cheapest still remains the Indica V2. 

The I20 is the second costliest in this comparison but also comes with a long list of features even longer than the Fabia.

Middle of the list with medium features and middle of road price is the Swift and the Ritz.

Here is the list : Diesel Hatchbacks Comparison Chart. Here was my original post on the diesel hatchbacks with more analysis on the data: Are you looking for a Diesel Hatchback ?

Thanks: A lot of feedback, errata identification and great suggestions from Jacob, Manoj and Vasu were used to update the older sheet  - Thank you for reading through in detail and giving valuable feedback and pointing out the many errors !

Some items still pending such as mileage data for the latest updated cars and the performance figures for acceleration and braking. This will be done in the next update.

The I20 & I: I tried checking with the Hyundai dealership I bought my Getz from but they still do not have a registered Diesel or Automatic available for TD. They have promised to get me a TD as soon as their vehicles get registered.

The vehicles I have compiled the technical specifications and key features for include the Ford Fusion Plus TDCi, Skoda Fabia TDI Elegance, Hyundai Getz Prime CDRI GVS, Maruti Suzuki Swift VDI ABS, Maruti Suzuki Ritz VDI ABS, Tata Indica Vista Aura Quadrajet, Fiat Palio Stile Multijet SDX and the long running Tata Indica V2 DLS. The maximum price of the vehicles I have listed is under 9 Lakhs (on road). Frankly – if you are spending more than 6.5 lakhs for a hatchback – you better have some really good reasons not to go in for a sedan.

Indian Diesel Hatchback Trivia:
Shortest:Tata Indica V2 DLS
Longest Hatchback & Longest Wheel Base: Ford Fusion Plus
Widest: Ford Fusion Plus
Largest Fuel Tank:Fiat Palio Stile
Tallest:Maruti Suzuki Ritz VDI
Most Fuel Efficient:Maruti Suzuki Ritz VDI/ Runner Up: Maruti Suzuki Swift VDI
Most Powerful Engine, Highest Top Speed and Fastest in 0-100 time:Hyundai Getz Prime CRDI
Smallest Turning Radius:Maruti Suzuki Swift & Ritz
Lightest Weight:Tata Indica V2

**Best Ground Clearance: Ford Fusion Plus (The number needs to be checked – I got it from the Ford website – but it puts offroaders to shame)

Here is the data sheet: Diesel Hatchbacks Comparison to help you choose the car for you. If you need help deciding or have questions please feel free to ask through the comments or through the contact form.

PS: Please let me know if you have any additional data that can be added to the sheet to improve it.

Updated: June 18th to add details of the Fiat Grande Punto to the comparison.

• I like the front and the front 3 quarter view. Looks like a mature grown up  Swift !
• To get used to the rear I may have to start drinking something stronger than non-alcoholic beverages and quite a bit of it as well till my vision blurs.  The rear doesn’t look too bad when the car has wider tires (like on the ZXI) and also when it is on the move. When stopped and up close it does look a oddish nice kind of  strange.
• The side view is interesting till the C pillar – then almost like the designers ran out of paper/screen space while making the drawing they stopped with a vertical line and ended the rear !
• You will tire of hearing about the “boomerang” shaped tail lights from the dealer sales person very quickly. You would wish you had a real boomerang to fling at the sales guy. The tail lamps are pulled inwards and a strange window lineof the side windows is seen when viewed from the full straight rear position.
• The exterior door handles, ORVMS are the same/very similar as the Swift.  Rear bumper fog lamp looks similar.
• The bonnet seems higher than the Swift. Good for gently tapping errant pedestrians and accounts for better pedestrian safety for sure.

Here is a side by side comparison of the Swift (my own car) and the Ritz exteriors.
  Missing Attachment Missing Attachment Missing Attachment Missing Attachment Missing Attachment Missing Attachment
Interiors:

Drive & Handling:

Dealership/OEM Updates:

There seems to be sufficient interest in the car at the dealership and there was a steady stream of people coming to do test drives. Was almost knocked down by an 80 year old man and his wife who were rushing to TD the Ritz. This couple was doing the TD after finalizing the deal for buying the car !!!!! The people coming to TD the Ritz seem to primarily be ones who are married and have a family.

The dealer also mentioned that Maruti is forecasting long delays on all other vehicles other than the A-Star, Ritz and SX4 to make sure the sales of these continues. They are also trying as much as possible to not take bookings of any vehicle other than the above mentioned 3 cars. Even test drives of other vehicles are not being done ! I think this may backfire and cause people to defect to Hyundai , Tata and other manufacturers. Need to wait and see how well the Ritz is received and also if Hyundai and Tata sales go up because of Maruti.

Which one is better ?
There is no binary answer to this question. The Ritz is better than the Swift because of its fuel efficient, lighter, newer engine, interior space, features. The Swift is better than the Ritz for its looks, sporty responsive drive, slightly better trim level and features. Both seem to have their good features.

• If you want a new car that does everything well, has seating space for 5  and will offend no one – take the Ritz.
• If you have dreams of up-sized/wide alloys rims, low profile tires, spoilers, body kits, vinyl stickering and sports tuning then go for the Swift.

Test drive both and then just flip a coin and choose whichever one. You win with either of the two !  

 
PS: Thanks to Senthil for the photos !

“Don’t Panic” – help is at hand. I have done the research on the key features, dimensions and specifications of the large hatchbacks available in the Indian market today for you. The focus of my comparison is primarily space,safety and features.  

Vehicles compared:  

• Skoda Fabia 1.2 Ambiente
• Hyundai I20 Asta(O)
• Chevrolet Aveo U-VA 1.2 LT
• Hyundai Getz Prime 1.3 GLX
• Indica Vista Saffire Aura
• Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI  
• Maruti Suzuki Ritz ZXI

These are all petrols only to keep the total on road cost under 7 lakhs. Indian Manufacturers have the highest trim levels with safety features only on their petrol models. The Fabia, Getz Prime, Swift & Ritz come in diesel versions as well but are usually not as well equipped (only exception being the Fabia) as the petrol equivalents.These vehicles have a good mix of space, are fairly new on the market and come with basic safety features. (**I have included the Indica Vista in the list only because it was similar in size to the other but feature wise it doesn’t come close).

The attached PDF file has this in an easy to compare format. Do take a look and let me know if you need any additional information. Click here for the PDF file. (I am not affiliated to any of the manufacturers other than through ownership of a Getz and a Swift.)

Do also take a look at these older posts of mine to help you

1. select your first car
2. select the best vehicle to upgrade to
3. determine if you can add specific accessories later or buy them factory installed.

Updated June 14th:

Do also take a look at the following:

1. Which car is better – the Ritz or the Swift ?
2. Are you looking for a Diesel Hatchback ? (Comparison of Fabia,Fusion,Vista,Getz,Swift,Ritz, Indica and Palio) 

You need to/want to buy your first car for one of the following top 10 reasons:

1. You are beginning your work life and there is pressure from family to avoid buying/riding a two wheeler
2. You were taking public transport but for some health reasons cannot continue using it or the routes have changed
3. Your Company has cut back on pick-up/drop
4. Your home/workplace has changed and it is too far for a two wheeler and public transport is not feasible
5. You are getting married
6. You are expecting a baby
7. It  has become affordable for you
8. You will be Getting/Got a promotion
9. You are now getting a vehicle purchase/lease/maintenance allowance with tax benefits
10. You have aged/ailing parents/in-laws who will be staying with you and cannot take them around by other means of transport

You have your reasons for purchasing a vehicle. What should you buy is determined mainly by your finances and by your requirements. If you are not clear on your requirements this post will help you clarify your requirements. This post will not pick the vehicle for you as that is something you will have to do based on your specific situation.

If you have little or no prior car driving experience (days in driving school don’t count) and live in a crowded city and with a limited budget you are better off going in for a good used car to learn your driving in. If you are particular about reliability go for a certified used car. If your budget allows it you should go in for a new car but here again I would suggest a compact hatchback to start. Upgrade whenever you are comfortable with driving and do so in a time frame that you don’t lose money on the sale.

If you have sufficient driving experience and your budget permits you should go in for the vehicle that best matches your requirements.

What  you should consider while making the decision:

·         What is your budget for purchase and what is your annual budget for maintenance & insurance?

·         Do you need to take a loan? If so how much money do you need to keep ready from your side and how much will the loan cover?

·         Do you mind buying a used car or do you prefer a new one? (Check: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/buying-car/17751-article-buying-new-car-vs-used-car.html)

·         Will you drive or have a driver? (If you plan to keep a driver you would be looking for good front passenger side comfort and rear seat comfort and space, rugged build and good mileage while if you would be driving it yourself driving comfort would be of first importance)

·         Do you have any special requirements or needs (very tall or short driver or a physical disability requiring a hand controlled vehicle)? (Some manufacturers build custom hand controlled vehicles with automatic gear shifters that allow people with disabilities to drive a car easily.

·         How many passengers would you need to carry frequently? For example if you may be the primary driver during the week but on weekends you would like to ferry along the entire family of 5/6/7 people on outings. If you have a small number you may be able to do with a hatchback or a entry level compact sedan but if you have a large family you may need to look at SUVs/MUVs.

·         How much and where will you be driving? (If you will be driving a lot then it may make sense to look for a vehicle that runs on diesel or is a petrol car allowing the use of petrol and LPG or CNG or a petrol electric hybrid. If your travel is limited then a petrol would do just as well since the vehicle would be cheaper and wouldn’t warrant the higher initial purchase price)

·         Do you have space to park the vehicle of your choice easily and safely? (you may need to choose a smaller vehicle if your parking spot doesn’t allow a large vehicle)

·         How important is looks, colors, features, safety, performance, ease of driving, space, payload, mileage, maintenance cost, ASS (After Sales Service) to you?

·         Do you have a preferred brand you want to buy? If you like a certain brand you may have a more positive view of vehicles of that brand – it also makes sense to test drive vehicles from their competitors as well for you may be pleasantly surprised.

·         What features are must haves for you and what are nice to have?

What is considered essential in a vehicle these days?

If you ask me I will list driving comfort, good visibility all around , AC/ heater, power windows (at-least front two) and central locking, internally adjustable ORVMs, CD/Mp3 player with radio,5 speed gearbox and seating space for 4 people(with seatbelts for all) with room for some luggage(foldable rear seats where available are almost mandatory) would be the bare minimum requirements. Any vehicle that comes with added safety features is recommended over vehicles of the same price that do not carry the same features.

What are nice to have features?

Safety features like ABS and Airbags would be highest on the list of nice to have followed by rear defogger, rear wiper, Remote keyless entry, tachometer and fog lamps, adjustable seat height & steering wheel ,alloy wheels, storage space for small items and bottles, under seat storage, cup holders, provision for speakers, tilt seats at the rear, split-folding-seats at the rear. This list is endless since there are many optional features available on todays vehicles.

When buying new:

·         Make sure you have read up as much as you can from the manufacturer website and from enthusiast forums like Team-BHP and also magazines which have detailed test drive reports of the vehicles you are interested in. Only when you are fully informed should you go to a dealer.

·         Check with multiple dealers for the same brand if you have such a choice in your city

·         Negotiate the price and accessories

·         Buy when there are good deals available if you can wait and walk away if you are being pressurized by the dealer

·         Accessorize but with limits and aesthetically(http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/buying-car/21800-article-must-have-accessories-your-new-car.html)

·         Service should be easily available /(someone )

·         24 hr help lines a must

·         Avoid non popular colors/models as later resale may be affected

·         Ask if there are special edition versions with more features than regular ones at a discounted price

·         Wait for reviews of new models to come out before you run out and buy. You don’t want to be the tester for your own new vehicle.  Six months after launch is a good time to hope a majority of initial quality issues of a new launch are fixed.

·         Be cautious of dealers selling you their demo-vehicles as new vehicles.

When buying pre-owned (used):

·         Avoid cars modified beyond recognition or with illegal modifications

·         Cars with more than 15k km per year/unless you are getting a really good deal and you know the vehicle checks out fine mechanically

·         Without legal papers ( you will have trouble with papers for very old cars.)

·         Without legal emission compliant features

·         Think twice before going in for C/D class cars with high parts cost/parts availability issues

·         Think several times before choosing vehicles painted to colors other than what is mentioned on the Registration

·         Think several times before going in for vehicles whose manufacturers are no longer in business (getting spares and service may be an issue – you may get a really good deal on the vehicle though)

·         Cars registered out of your residential state may require a re-registration and life-taxes to be paid again

This blog has the following resources for new car purchase:

Indian OEM Websites,

Popular Used Car Portals

& India Auto Magazines – Please refer to them to review your options and make your selection.