First off. My UV-A was a gift from my parents and I was a big sceptic about the car when told about their choice.I had a Swift ZXi(first preference)or maybe a Getz(was not too keen about this) in mind.But since my choice only had a 20% weightage as my parents were footing the bill, I reluctantly agreed.We have had a not too good experience owning a Chevrolet Optra since’05(problems related to tyre wear, suspension, A/C packing up) so another Chevrolet was not a really inviting thought.
But we went ahead and bought an Icy Blue UV-A LS in July’07.My request for the LT version with ABS and wider tyres were scoffed at by my folks and this added to my dissappointment with the car.We took delivery in Cochin(where we are based) and in a weeks time I drove it down to Mumbai(where I work) via Goa.The trip was an eye opener really.The space inside the vehicle was huge literally-I’m used to the thought of small car=compromise on interior space funda but this car was quite the opposite.Loads of space, good ride(helped no doubt by those spindly, narrow tyres), an ability to soak up potholes with ease and a good A/C .All unexpected from a hatch available in India.
The negatives-1.2 engine desperately needs a couple of hundred CC’s/15BHP more-overtaking is difficult and needs to be planned well in advance, handling during spirited highway driving is suspect, gear shift is simply pathetic with a visible reluctance to shift down and generally difficult to use if you are driving sportingly, the front seats are far too low for me(I’m 6feet) and can do with some more back support as well, huge dashboard but both the gloveboxes are too small-so storage of CD’s n stuff is a little difficult, the steering feels lifeless-could do with some more feedback and at times it feels a tad too heavy in city traffic.
But like I said, I’m a believer in the UVA now and I really appreciate the space, ride(not handling) and the looks of the car.I have clocked about 13, 000KM till now-a mix of 70% driving in Mumbai city/suburbs and a few trips to Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur, Ahmedabad and Goa thrown in. Mileage is pretty decent-I get an average of 11 kmpl in chaotic Mumbai traffic and around 15 kmpl on the highway.
Yes, it could do with a bigger engine but the other drawbacks can be forgotten when I look at the pluses.Service at Ashtavinayak Auto in Mumbai is ok-not too happy not too sad types.When I compare it with the Swift, except for the engine and handling, the UVA scores high on all the other parameters and especially on interior space/comfort where the Swift is quite pathetic really. One grouse though-GM could have provided a tachometer in the LS version at least-that to me, reeks of cost cutting. I intend upgrading to higher profile tyres and alloy wheels in July this year-fatter tyres should take care of the handling bit to a certain extent.
To sum it all up-a good car if you are looking at comfortable travel in a hatchback and with GM’s generous warranty scheme, you really cant go wrong.If you are looking at a car that is fast, handles well along with a responsive engine and smooth gear shifts-look at the Swift Petrol/Diesel or the new Getz CRDi which is expensive but great fun to drive.The compromise really is in terms of space, ride- n some of us I guess could use the extra space!
.