Diesel, Swiftly

PITSTOP

Excellent, the chaps in the United Kingdom are now enjoying a Swift experience that should be coming to our shores in a short while from now. In addition to the already available models, Suzuki UK has just announced that the diesel version of the new Swift is now on sale. The car features the 1300cc DDiS diesel, a derivative of the acclaimed Fiat MultiJet engine, which Suzuki 'co-produced'.

The common-rail diesel injection four-cylinder motor makes 68 bhp, which seems a little on the weak side at first glance. However, 17 kgm at just 2000 rpm promises blazing urban speed and maybe multiple traffic light drag-race wins. How do they do it? Well, the little motor sports a neat turbocharger, intercooled of course.

The Suzuki media material also claims an outstanding 22 kpl in the combined cycle. Motor apart, the rest is pure Swift. That's funky looks, neat interiors and all the cherries. The British model is speced to match the top petrol model, so it also gets alloys and fogs. With Maruti Suzuki putting up a plant to manufacture this diesel motor in India, the DDiS Swift is a sureshot.

Combination lock

Skoda India is now ready to launch their next desirable. The Skoda Octavia Combi will join the line-up in October, according to the manufacturer. The Combi will be a little more than the estate version of the Octavia though.

Abroad, the car comes with L&K spec interiors "" which means leather everything, premium bits and a luxurious tan-and-black colour scheme. In keeping with that theme, the two versions "" yes, a 150 bhp turbo 1800cc petrol and a 1900cc turbodiesel (90 bhp) "" will both sport price tags higher than their notchback cousins. Like with all estate versions, the Octavia Combi will be positioned as a lifestyle vehicle.