Re: Chevrolet Spin MPV Spotted Testing in India
The 1.3 Multijet, although very reliable, hugely suffers from turbo lag and powerlessness. I've collectively done over 1 lakh kilometers with a Swift and Ertiga. As much as the figures look promising on paper, the real world scenario is totally different. In the Swift, low end torque is the only problem. But in the Ertiga, it's not just the low end torque, but top end too. After about 110 km/h, this engine produces a not-so-nice boom noise and although it revs to a higher speed, it puts in quite an effort doing so. I too bought the Ertiga just looking at the specs of 88bhp and 200nm torque. I didn't even take a test drive. After living with Ertiga for 3 years, the engine was my biggest disappointment. On the highway or the hills, the lag and high end power delivery really put me off. The mid range at about 1800-2200 RPM is really good and then power tapers off, even though the engine can rev all the way to 4000 RPM. Recently bought the Lodgy with the 110 PS K9K and after using this engine, the flaws of the 1.3 MJD becomes all the more apparent. Even the K9K has turbo lag in the low end, but the effortless recovery from the lag is something to be experienced. Because of the 6 speed box, high end is awesome. Moreover, my K9K delivers a better fuel efficiency than the 1.3 MJD because it revs less for similar speeds. Sorry folks, the Spin won't be any different with the 1.3 MJD. This engine is good for the Swift and other similar hatchbacks; but to use it on a people mover - that's overkill and these companies are royally milking a customer.