THE WRITING IS on the wall for the Esteem, as it is set to be replaced by the four-door version of the Swift. Known as the YY4 internally, the car will be re-skinned and positioned more as a practical family car than a fun hatch. The rear is likely to be all- new, the Swift’s sloping roof done away with, and a new wider rear section too. Indian engineers are heavily involved in the design and engineering of this car and we will be among the first markets to get it. Other than the Fiat 1.3 Multijet diesel, the saloon will be powered by a new 100bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine as well. Sounds like fun. Could we have that 125bhp Swift Sport too please?

THE SWIFT IS yet to oblige the long list of customers waiting to take delivery of the car. Going by the popularity of the present car, Maruti should have no qualms in creating demand for the diesel-powered version. To be produced locally under licence from Fiat at Maruti’s new plant in Manesar, Haryana, the 1.3-litre Multijet engine is expected to be a cracker putting out a com- mendable 70bhp and 18kgm of torque. The diesel Swift could very well pull the carpet from under the Tata Indica’s wheels and in these times of 50-rupees-a-litre petrol prices, you know diesel is the way to go

BY THE TIME you read this, Suzuki has already unveiled the new Grand Vitara at last month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. As you can see from the pictures, it’s not a mere cosmetic makeover as the SUV sheds its line and scoop-laden skin for a new, pleasant and modern design. It does have 1.6- and 2.0-litre petrol engines, but most of you are likely to queue up for the slew of diesel engines to be readied by Renault and Fiat.