Interior
Step inside these cars and opinions turn upside down. The Swift may be a best-seller, but it takes a customized cabin to get past the otherwise dreary interior. The quality of plastics is okay; just beyond border-line adequate. And the layout is enough for the things you need to stock around you. Storage space is sufficient too, and there is space for your cups and bottles around the cabin. The boot has been reduced slightly for the added legroom in the new car, but is enough for a short trip out of town. Rear passenger comfort is also not the best. There is just about enough space for two rear passengers of average height, with the third making a fine squeeze. However, tall passengers will feel a little cramped.
The Grand i10 is quite the contrary, with the entire interior under the microscope at the time of design, and that shows. The layout, fit-and-finish levels and quality of plastic is fantastic and all the elements gel very well with each other. The two-tone layout doesn’t look as vibrant as the exterior paint job, but it does lend the cabin an airy feel and a dash of elegance. The air-conditioner is quick to cool things off and the inclusion of segment-first rear vents means that cooling is even and cabin temperature always remains in check. Seating comfort is excellent and there is no shortage of head- or leg-room, front and rear. However, a third rear adult occupant will be quite a tight fit; not surprising, for this is still a compact car. Boot space is more than adequate and can hold enough luggage for a quick getaway.
On the entertainment front, the Swift brings a radio/CD player with aux-in and USB connectivity with steering-mounted controls making things easier. There are two speakers and two tweeters up front and two speakers at the rear. That’s more than enough for a fun-filled drive with friends or family with a long playlist. The Grand i10, meanwhile, has another ace up its sleeve. The double-DIN entertainment system includes aux-in, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, but also has a built-in 1GB storage for your favorite tracks. Steering-mounted controls for the audio and Bluetooth are also present.
Safety
The top-end Swift ZDi variant comes loaded with a safety kit and that cannot be ignored. ABS with EBD and brake assist and the front airbags are all there for good preventive and protective safety, but again, they come at a price. The Grand i10 also brings ABS and EBD and airbags up front, but another important addition to the package is the intangible feeling of being in a car that seems to be well-sorted. The build quality of the Swift isn’t half bad, but the Grand i10 has the advantage here. Another point to note is that the head restraints are adjustable for the front and rear occupants in the Swift, but in the Grand i10, the front seats have fixed headrests, while the ones at the rear are adjustable. While that may make sense to some, it does compromise on the comfort and safety of a tall driver or front passenger. And I think that is the one point I would actually consider a negative.
The security on the cars is also an important point to consider. While Maruti-Suzuki have their i-CATS system with keyless entry and immobilizer, the Grand i10 offers something more advanced. The keyless entry and go brings a whole new meaning to convenience. This big-car feature, first seen on the likes of the Volvo S80 and BMW 5 Series a few years ago, makes unlocking, getting in, hitting the start button and driving away, exiting and locking the vehicle possible without so much as looking for the key. All you need is to have it in your pocket or handbag and the car will sense it as you near either of the front doors. The little button on the door handle locks or unlocks the car as the case may be. Before you begin to wonder, the auto-folding mirrors are a nice indication of the car’s lock status.
