Before I start my opinion.please note few things.
I had nearly booked a ford ikon
I was hell bent on buying a BIG car by paying less
Esteem was out of question coz it is on a dying platform
I cancelled the idea of Ikon due to high maintenance costs, and went to test drive small car named SPARK. Here is my review
VERY responsive engine. I test drove U-VA also but Spark gives you the initial pick up which U-VA cannot match
Exceptional handling. The steering just surrenders in your hands. I test drove LT model
Boot space is OK not at all great(but then do we really need a LOGAN-BUTT type space in a small car)
The maneuvring was very very nice.
The pot holes were negotiated very well. I drove in the city traffic in Hyderabad with AC ON and it was behaving well.
The price is a little steep but you have to remember it is not the same old MATIZ, It is a much better car than that.
The 100, 000 km or 3 year warranty comes with a twist. The service intervals are only 5, 000 kilometers.try to negotiate with your dealer on a lesser interval and he will oblige for sure.
DO TALK ABOUT THE 2.5% PAYOUT(IF U ARE FINANCING THE CAR). Pay out is the part which the buyer gets back from the bank(out of good gesture), and you can negotiate smaller down payment in lieu of payout.
Can’t comment on fuel efficiency becoz we got to wait for it. guys tell me around 13-14 in city!
The ORANGE autoHyderabad was very good and the staff was very courteous.
THE CONCLUSION - I HAVE BOOKED SWIFT DIESEL for my needs were a little different, but if I were to buy a small car, believe me I would have bought SPARK.YES IT IS EXPENSIVE, BUT U FORGET ALL THAT ONCE U SIT ON THE BIG STEERING WHEEL AND IGNITE THE SPARK WITH A SPARK!