The engine, this time around, makes 84 bhp at 6000 rpm and 10.7 kgm at 4500 rpm – the Swift is more torquey. This old warrior of a power unit is known for its ability to rev freely and matched to the Esteem’s light build, makes it an engaging car to drive. Okay, the Esteem also enjoys being revved hard, but it still is not geared to increased performance like the Swift. And when it comes to dynamics, the Esteem’s age shows. It’s not involving around corners like the Swift and the ride is not satisfying – its somewhere between springy and soggy.
So now that it’s established that the Esteem is not the driver’s car it once was, let’s ignore the fact and look at what else it brings into the equation. The biggest factor is that it’s got a boot – and a three-box car aka ‘a big car’ can be flattering to the ego in our country. Then it’s fuel efficient, pretty reliable and cheap to maintain.
Though the Swift is still new in the market, these attributes can generally be found in all Marutis – there’s no reason for the Swift to disappoint. Okay, maybe the Esteem has a boot vis-à-vis an excuse of a rear storage space in the Swift, but other than that, the new Suzuki has everything going for it, including interior room.
Even with the waiting period, the Swift is the clear winner. Okay, that long delivery time can be a bit irritating – if it’s intolerable, look beyond the Suzuki stable. But if you are willing to wait, what you will get is a safer, fun-to-drive, good-looking and contemporary automobile compared to the Esteem. Only if you really, desperately, want a three-box budget Maruti should you go for the Esteem. And what’s more, every time a bright and cheerful Swift passes you by in your new Esteem, it will gnaw at your heart – you can’t do an injustice to your heart, can you?
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