I first drove the diesel variant, which is likely to be the key model in our diesel-loving market. As with any diesel car, NVH is high; disappointingly so for a premium hatchback. What is great is the near-linear power delivery — yes, more power would have been welcome, but the ubiquitous 1.3-litre FIAT-sourced powerplant provides sufficient go for all the show. Gear ratios are not too tall, and the car picks up speed fast — I could push it to 140 km/h and it felt good for at least 20 km/h more, were it not for the hordes of trucks on the Ajmer highway.
Suspension is a touch on the softer side, in sync with the requirements of the target segment for this car, and makes for pretty good ride quality over the average rough road. Handling is quite predictable and body-roll is minimal.
Then came the petrol variants. The manual first — it felt quite like the Swift petrol in its responsiveness, and it picks up smoothly and eagerly, allowing some spirited driving. Particularly pleasing is the engine note, especially at higher speeds — there is a sporty snarl that makes you feel you are going faster than you actually are.
Next I drove the CVT petrol, which marks the début of CVT on a Maruti vehicle in India. As expected from a car in this segment, there is a rubber-band effect during acceleration. Sporty drivers might want to give it a miss, but it will work very well for city use and the occasional highway jaunt.
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