What a Performance Enthusiast looks for in a car
Petrolheads crave a car that doesn’t just take them from point A to B, but rather provides an exhilarating journey. The thrill lies in the performance – acceleration, power, torque, and an engine that responds immediately. And while looking for the best performance cars in India, handling is another key factor, with agility, body control, minimal body roll and brake performance ranking high.
Features like power steering, advanced transmission systems and superior audio systems enhance the driving experience. Ultimately, for petrolheads, the car becomes an extension of their spirit, their love for speed and control manifested in the vehicle they drive. Given these factors, performance enthusiasts find Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Grand i10 NiOS particularly appealing.
Why Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Grand i10 NiOS are popular among Performance Enthusiasts
The Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Grand i10 NiOS have been the buzzwords in the petrolhead community, and for good reason. The Swift, with its peppy performance, balanced handling, and agility, ticks all the right boxes for a petrolhead. Its engine responsiveness and power delivery ensure a thrilling driving experience, while the OEM audio system adds a touch of enjoyment.
The Grand i10 NiOS offers a more balanced approach. It may not be as agile as the Swift, but it doesn’t compromise on performance or handling. Its power delivery is linear and stable, ensuring a smooth driving experience. The availability of an LCD touchscreen in some variants enhances the convenience factor, adding to its appeal among petrolheads.
For this comparison of these high-performance car models in India, we have selected their variants priced Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh. And if you’re a family-focused buyer, you can read our comparison of the Swift with Grand i10 NiOS.
Our variants shortlist for Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Grand i10 NiOS
| Variant | Price (INR) |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI | 690,000 |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI | 758,000 |
| Hyundai Grand i10 NiOS Sportz | 720,000 |
| Hyundai Grand i10 NiOS Sportz Executive AMT | 775,000 |
| Hyundai Grand i10 NiOS Sportz AMT | 779,000 |
For the Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI, it offers a solid performance with a basic automatic transmission and a moderate engine responsiveness. While its OEM audio system may not be as advanced as other options, it gets the job done, and the overall experience is enhanced by the vehicle’s agility and stability at high speeds.
The Swift ZXI variant, with its manual transmission, provides a more hands-on driving experience, which is likely to appeal to hardcore petrolheads. Its light clutch and the linear power delivery ensure a smooth, enjoyable ride. If you’re conscious about budget, you can check out our comparison of the Maruti Swift with Hyundai Grand i10 NiOS.
As for the Hyundai Grand i10 NiOS Sportz, it offers a good balance of performance and features. The moderate agility and stable high-speed performance ensure a decent driving experience, while the LCD touchscreen adds a touch of modernity.
The Hyundai Grand i10 NiOS Sportz Executive AMT and Sportz AMT variants continue with the balanced approach. They come with a moderate engine responsiveness and a smooth power delivery. The inclusion of features like an LCD touchscreen, along with alloy wheels in the Sportz AMT, add to the overall appeal.
Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Grand i10 NiOS for Petrolheads
Considering the performance, handling, and features, the Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI stands out as the best choice for a petrolhead. The manual transmission is sure to resonate with those who like to be in control of their drive, and the light clutch makes for a smooth driving experience.
Its agility and high-speed stability promise a thrilling ride, and the moderate engine responsiveness ensures the power is always at the driver’s disposal. The Swift ZXI, despite not being the most feature-rich, delivers where it matters most for a performance enthusiast – the driving experience. We also have our comparison of the automatic variants of the Swift and Grand i10 NiOS for budget-conscious buyers.
The Top 3 choices
The top three choices for petrolheads are the Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI, Swift VXI, and Hyundai Grand i10 NiOS Sportz. The Swift ZXI shines with its manual transmission, agility, and high-speed stability, making it the top choice. The Swift VXI, while not as feature-rich as other variants, offers a thrilling drive thanks to its agile handling and power. The Hyundai Grand i10 NiOS Sportz, with its balanced performance and modern features, is a solid third choice. These three options provide a combination of performance and features that are sure to satisfy any petrolhead.
