Ladies and Gentlemen, hold your breath. The Maruti Suzuki Swift VDi has just gate-crashed on our lives and raised our standards of contentment. Just when everyone thought that Maruti could do nothing else to better the Swift, it has cleverly introduced the Swift VDi diesel version.

Top Gear magazine has conducted a ‘first drive’ on this new sensation. With a score of 16 / 20, they sure are pleased! Know why, below.

PROS:
1. The Swift needs no introduction, so it is common knowledge what a fantastic performer the petrol version of the car is. Having said that, the diesel engine of the VDi is a gem offering torque of 190Nm and 75bhp, not to mention that this is the lightest power plant any car of the same segment has. For those looking for a bit of trivia, this is Maruti’s first diesel-powered car.

2. To reduce NVM (Noise, Vibrations and Harshness), the cast iron engine block is equipped with an aluminum bedplate. Cool? Very.

3. Perhaps the greatest source of amazement is, how has Maruti Suzuki managed to make the VDi almost as perfect as its petrol cousin? This is evident right since you turn on the ignition. The way the engine purrs to life makes you forget that what you are in is a diesel run car.

4. The 5-speed gearbox rocks as much as the rest of the package, and does nothing but bring out the best results.

5. Accelerate and you feel like going on and on. Turbo lag is not really evident and the absence of a narrow powerband makes the ride so much more fun.

6. At low sounds, there is hardly a pip out of the VDi which is a feat for a diesel car. In fact, only the badge at the rear is the only way to know that the VDi is diesel-powered.

7. The Swift VDi is expected to steal a huge chunk of the Indica and Indigo market, because it is definitely a better performer. In fact, Hyundai Verna and Ford Fiesta may also lose their market to an extent, since the VDi is excellent and comes with ABS and EBD, two features that are much sought-after.

8. To sum up, Maruti has come up with an all-rounder, and the diesel does nothing to ruin the Swift’s reputation. In fact, it has become the prudent choice for all those looking out for the perfect hatchback.

CONS:
1. Although there isn’t much that can go into this list, one must note that the Swift isn’t exactly the fastest diesel engine car around. In fact, the petrol version is certainly speedier.

2. The Swift VDi should have been more stable at higher speeds.

3. All in all, ignore the cons and go for it!