Palio Diesel Multijet Test Drive Report

[FuelRunGod 200]

We got a chance to test the much awaited Palio multijet this month. Here are a few observations.

Looks

After the Stile, not much has changed, the most prominent are the new logos and the new grille, which looks much better than the old one. It looks stunning in white, even after all these years in production.

 

It's old, but still not a bad looker.

 

Interiors

The interiors aren't really anything to write home about. Its shocking that the interiors are the same the Palio first came out with years ago. Sure they've added beige to the interiors, but the slider controls for the AC and exposed metal in the doors cannot hide the age of this car. Even an Indica comes with moulded door panels. The ergonomics are fantastic though. The driving position is good and the seats are comfortable. Its spacious and rides very well. I hated the handbrake lever which seems to have been taken off a Padmini and the flat rear-view mirrors are just not done.

 

Interiors look dated.

 

Drive
The same engine does duty in the hot selling Swift as well. The Swift is a punchy performer and is very frugal as well. Has anything changed in the Palio? Well, the Palio is a heavier car than the Swift so there has been some impact on the performance and efficiency. Its not as efficient as the Swift, expect around 12kpl in the city and about 16-17kpl on the highway. Till 2000rpm, there is decent pull, but the actual action starts past that and goes up till about 4000rpm where it runs out of breath.

 

The same engine does duty in the Swift DDIS as well.

 

But there are good bits as well. The Palio handles very well, not only for a small car too. The ride is comfortable, the suspension absorbs the bumps really well, though its a tad stiff at low speeds. The steering is well weighted and gives you a lot of confidence in corners which most other hatches lack. The brakes too are much better than what we are used to hatchbacks especially when you compare it to an Indica whose brakes aren't that great.

 

Worth it?

 

 

You get similar levels of performance as the Swift at a lower price, so it does look promising. But Palios don't have good resale, but the since this is a diesel, this is expected to have better resale than its petrol sibling. But one thing is for sure, you do get good value for money. Its available in SD, SDE and SDX version. Its a tough fight with the Swift, but personally I'd go for the Swift because its a more modern design, the interiors are better and its a Maruti so aftersales shouldn't be too much of a problem. But if you are on a budget and can't choose between the Indica Turbo/Dicor and this, then I'd definately go for the Palio.

 

FRG

FuelRunGod2008-03-20 06:22:06

[rssh 59]

I think Fiat priced it a lill bit above Indica and I guess Tata-fiat patnership is going .When I went to the showroom the dealer insisted me that the new DICOR is better . I could have slapped him hard and he still doesn't have one for test drive.

[anjan_c2007 1]

Thanks FRG its very good work done by you. Gives us a sneak peek just days after the launch.

[harryccc 0]

I agree to all the points mentioned here, howevever i feel Swift has become too common on the roads and i can compromise the dated interiors for this reason. personally i also feel Palio has better looks than Swift and it is def more comfortable than Swift. So my thumbs up for the Palio!!!

[vishuminhas 0]

i am also agree, i think Palio is Always better option, you know its different, Maruti is always lack in interiors, so i can compromise for interiors in Palio, as i had feel its a Royal in Looks, good boot space, nice driving posture, what i feel bad in this was, The Dash Board, Music Player Position, Alto has better Place for Music Player as compare to Palio, May Be Company will Think over it in Future.

Personally i suggests that its a Best Car in This segment, Looks, Performance, Comfort and Driving Pleasure. All in One...

Palio Multijet....Great Choice.........Go for it...

[FuelRunGod 200]

Pictures added.

 

FRG

[rssh 59]

Are the alloys standard or was itput as an additional accessory.

[FuelRunGod 200]

I believe they are standard on the SDX version.

 

FRG

[rssh 59]

http://www.fiat-india.com/fiat_showroom/palio_multijet/multijet_feature_exterior.aspx

Have a look at this FRG it says it has full wheel cover so you got one with additional accessory.

[FuelRunGod 200]

Maybe so, the car we drove had them and if I remember correctly, I was told that they are standard. Will check up once more.

 

FRG

[rssh 59]

I asked Wasan motors in marine lines they said its only standard in 1.6lt one.

[Durango Dude 2]

What a pity...such a good product falling by the way side 'cause of shoddy aftersales service. The steering, though, is downright odd. Durango Dude2008-03-20 12:45:04

[rssh 59]

the car looks too like a hot hatch especially look at the rear pics but ifffff FIAT changed the steering wheel and the power window buttons attached nicely into the door trim I could have sacrificed the dated interiors .

[harryccc 0]

what an awesome looking car and i feel it beats the swift on looks too!

[rohit 0]

the pictures have blue fiat logo....but multijet is coming with new red fiat logo and top model doesnot have alloys....i guess frg took a ride of 1.6 version ...just kidding.....yes steering is bit big and power windows bit out of place...but we all love this car come what may and very few of us will go and express our love by buying it.....its not a car...its a passion...you buy it with heart

[FuelRunGod 200]

Excuse me. It was a Palio multijet and we know the logos are red. Its a pity, you can't make it out.

 

FRG

[rohit 0]

Excuse me. It was a Palio multijet and we know the logos are red. Its a pity' date=' you can't make it out.

 

FRG

[/quote']

hey i also wrote just kidding....chill mate... like others got confused with alloy thing.....we all know you are a credible person bringing us all the right reports.....regarding logo yup you are right its red ...you are most welcome to ban me now

[FuelRunGod 200]

No banning. Its cool. It just hurts when people talk like that.

FRG

[rohit 0]

wow !! you promoted me to intermediate ... thanks !! just tell me which car will you buy seriously ....think by heart not mind....palio mjd or swift vdi

[FuelRunGod 200]

I didnt promote you. Its an automatic system and you get the license on crossing 50 posts. In the two you've mentioned, its a no brainer, the Palio ofcourse.

 

FRG

[rohit 0]

great ... dude thanks for telling that...

[rssh 59]

This video link is dedicated to all the Palio mod fans

[harryccc 0]

i saw  the first MJD on road today in Bangalore, the car just had the Regd. sticker. It looks really good, this one was a silver and i guess black must be looking sexy!

[5u3zEr0 0]

@ rssh : Thanks for that link. Picture quality is poor but the cars in the video are nice.

The front of the MJD looks really nice. One handsome looking car even after so many years.

[shobanbabus 0]

One doubt...does swift come with Mutijet engine...I know Swift sourced engine form Fiat but ... I beleive it is the same engine as palio minues the multijet ...can anyone please clarify