Hatch for my sis… Swift VDI?

Hi Everyone,

My sis is looking for a new car. Here are the details

  • Cars short listed – Swift VDi, Grande Punto, Chevy Beat
  • Price range – < 6 Lakhs
  • Maintenance & After Sales Service (A.S.S.) expectations – Easy on maintenance
  • Average distance traveled per month – ~80 KM per day (~2000-2500 Km per month)
  • Where car will be mostly used (city / highway / rough roads etc) – Mostly in city. Once in a month dash of 750 KM (on NH17).
  • Chauffer driven / self driven – Self driven (female)
  • Whether the vehicle will be shared by other members of family – No
  • Any specific requirements from car (ex. Better luggage space, responsive engine, rear seat comfort) – Running cost, driver’s comfort.
  • How long you intend on keeping this car (and how important resale is to you) – 5 years

Other parameters:

  • Because of quality concerns and prior experience, Tatas are not an option.
  • Although I suggested Ritz, she finds it ugly and is not ready to consider.
  • We are concerned about Fiat’s quality and A.S.S (more of perception than actual experience)
  • She is not looking for ATs because of the higher cost and reduced mileage concerns
  • Does Beat has any Diesel variant?
  • Swift VDi is Euro-III. Any chances of Euro-IV any time soon?
  • The current design of Swift is easily 4-5 years old. Is any major facelift/re-design on the cards in near future?
  • How is the waiting period for VDi nowadays?

Looking forward to your reponses! Thanks