I was in a hunt for a new car after my father sold our old reliable Maruti 800(’96 model). I did a lot of research as it was going to be my first personal car and a car which is my dad’s gift to me. I had a lot of options, but finally decided to go with my cute Baby i10.
Our family already owns a Chevy UVa and a Maruti 800( which is not any more with us). With the increasing fuel prices, I decided to go with a fule efficient car. I will discuss the 6 features provided by mouthshut one by one and will also compare with other cars.
Space Inside: Well I am bit used to Uva. I looked for Swift also in this segement. However Swift is Big on the Outside, Small from Inside(opposite to Hyundai I suppose). Chevy Spark was cramped up everywhere. I give 3/5 to i10 just coz of its small boot space. Else, leg space is quite good even for a tall person. 5 people can adjust comfortably.
Dealer Satisfaction: Contrary to most of the owners’ experiences, my dealer has been good. Sales executive turned up with the car within a few hours of call. I had a long test drive. He called me every now-and-then to ask me how I was and about health and all.Though strange thing, but he actually did. I decided to go for some accessories, which he provided me with quite less price then market. Hence I would rate it as 4/5.
Fuel Consumption: My cousin bought 1.1L i10 earlier this year while one of my friend has the Sportz varient. Not going by discussion on various forums, I went by their car’s mileage which is quite good. Though Alto is better in this field, I did not want to go with another Maruti after driving 12 years. Moreover, Alto is no where near i10 in other things.I personally dont like Wagon R, so it was out of option though it is dual-fuel car.Just because it is not the best fuel efficient car, but infact a very good one I will give it 4/5.
Comfort: I am impressed. Comfort is somewhat similar to some sedans. It is surely best in its class. The unique gear position and adjustable steering wheel make it more comfortable. The sunroof(unique in its class, and even most entry level sedans) makes the nature closer to one self.
Seats are good with nice headrests(atleast for me).Hence a 4/5 for comfort.
Reliability:Its a Hyundai. Santro and Accent have been the best. My cousin has no complain. Though kappa is relatively new, yet if we are not going to test it, then who? Handling is superb. I had no gear shifting problems while driving my cousin’s, friend’s and test drive car. I will deduct 1 mark just because its a new engine, hence 4/5.
Looks: It is attractive. A new type of design. The front grill is just like Civic which is so nice. I personally like Swift for its design, but then it is not as good in mileage and comfort. Moreover Jazz and Splash lined up for the launch, it will not be an alien any more. However, alloy wheels would have added up for looks and reliability. I will give it 4/5.
On the whole, I had a tough time deciding between Swift and i10(top varients of both). My friends said add half a lakh more and go for entry level sedan. However, they are not that fuel efficient . So I have finally booked Asta with sunroof. My car is ready with all the accessories fitted, but waiting for the best date to come( I do believe in Jyotish and all).I will be getting it on 6th October, just a few days before my b’day.