Well after lots of dilly dallying between a swift, zen and a santro I finally opted for the new erlx santro xing Ebony Black Color.The Choice for santro was made cos I am bigger than normal persons, so I cant fit in a zen or 800 easily. Swift was dropped because of horrified delivery expectations.
About the Advantages:
I have a XG model(top end minus one model) and has the power windows in front, power steering and central locking with BC Bumpers etc.
Driving is a breeze as the power steering does its job pretty good.
Seat Under tray is a good feature to keep important xerox papers of the car.
Even with the front seat pushed behind, one average person can sit in the rear seat comfortably.
Good enough boot space.
No comment on mileage as I have done only 800Kms in 20 days.( I get something around 10Km in heavy bumper to bumper traffic).
Likes:
Clubby holes under the steering to keep mobiles etc.
driver side door has an arm rest and a magazine holder.
Power windows in the front is a necessity in tolls etc.
Sexy power steering and one can really zip around in city traffic.
Tall design to accommodate big guys like me.
Terrific acceleration in erlx engine and Short throw great slick gears.
Rear Wiper.
DisLikes:
Bumpy ride with only one person.If you have a fully loaded car, then its smooth ride.
Black color attracts scratches easily.
Hampered visibility on the left side.
AC is not that powerful compared to what ppl have reviewed here.Its ok in normal heat , but in chennai burning sun, its less powerful than expectation especially in traffic.But if one rides in non congested traffic, it seems sufficient although not impressive.
Mileage is less now but not a concern since after 2nd service only it should improve
ADDED on 16/8/05
Well, I did my first running in short long trip to pondicherry from chennai and here are the results and statistics.
ODO reading before Starting: 798
Distance Covered : 278 Km up and down
Speed : Maximum 110KMPH and Minimum 70KMPH and average 80-90KMPH
Mileage achieved : 18.41Km per litre
Whoa, tats cool mileage with BPCL SPEED petrol with AC On at blower level 2.
Consider that my car has not even completed 1000KM/First service and is just 20 days old
Observations:
Till 90KMph, the engine is very smooth and silent
Above 90, however its a bit harsh and noisy but not too much;one can feel the speed.
Car is very stable even at 110Kmph.
I expect it should be smooth after 2nd service..........
Once again I am not able to comment on ac since the climate god was kind to us with cloudy days....
ADDED on 18/10/05
Hey guys now my car is 2 months old.After going through the tough traffic in chennai, my frog has developed scratches in bumpers and rear sides.......
City mileage is now around 11.2KMPL as I got adjusted more with the car and the driving conditions.I got a kenwood music system also installed.