Think before you go with the crowd!

There are two cars in question here, a choice which isn't very difficult for people when they go and buy a car in this segment. The segment is the Premium Hatchbacks, and the cars in question, Hyundai i20 and the Maruti Suzuki Swift. I am going to make a simple comparison, and it will be so simple that anyone who has an IQ, and i mean any IQ, will be able to understand!

THE DIESELS!

I am not selecting the top-end model of the i20 for this simple comparison, because it will not be just either ways. The variants in question, Swift ZDi and i20 Sportz CRDi.

The Maruti Suzuki Swift ZDi

First we take a look at the Swift. With a ex-showroom Delhi price of 687768.12, it is supposed to be a good Value For Money, or VFM. What you get for this money is decent. A Music System with Aux and USB connectivity, and its controls on the Steering. ABS, EBD, Airbags for Driver as well as Passenger, Automatic Climate Control, Electric ORVM's, Tilt Steering, Alloy Wheels and an engine which gives you 74 BHP @ 4000 rpm and 190 Nm of torque @2000 rpm. Sounds decent, but enter the competitor, and now you will see how much more you will get, for not that very much!

Hyundai i20 Sportz CRDi

The i20 Sportz comes at the ex-showroom Delhi price of 711319. Now that is about 24000 more than the Swift. Bad thing? Well apart from the already existing features of the Swift, you get Bluetooth controls with controls on the steering, Reverse Parking Camera with Sensors, Daytime Running LED's, Electric Folding ORVM's, Telescopic and Tilt Steering, Automatic Wipers and a Cooled Glove-box. A necessary Safety feature of Rear Disc Brakes is also part of the car. Apart from these features, you get a bigger car in terms of Length and Width, which means more space for the passengers and a bigger boot. The power output, well, 90 BHP @ 4000 rpm and 220 Nm of torque @ 1500-2750 rpm. Not to mention an extra 6th gear for a pleasurable drive when on Highways!

No change from the previous car, except for the Blue lights

The Interiors are better than the predecessor.

To my eye, the i20 looks way better than the Swift both on the Interior as well as the Exterior. Even the build quality and Plastics in the i20 are better!

Many people say that the drive of the i20 is not sporty at all. Well compared to the Swift, it is a bit less sporty, but it just takes some time to get used to. The turbo-lag issue is also very much on the minds of the people, but for that, you simply need to drive the car to know for yourself. According to me, and i have driven both the cars, there isnt any turbo-lag in either cars.

Boring to look at, but the one on the right is a beast!

The Sales and Services of both the cars are good, and the Spare part costs is somewhat the same. The clutch, Headlamps and Suspension cost of the i20 are more than the Swift, but Swift has a more expensive Diesel Filter and Axles, which are the regular wear-and-tear parts.

So really, the choice is yours. With all that extra stuff for only 24000, the true VFM is the i20. Next time someone tries to favor the Swift as a better VFM, you can make an informed Argument with facts, and Win it!

*thanks for the pics downloaded from Zigwheels and carblogindia, autounleashed and motorbeam!