This is probably the umpteenth review on this product, but I still decided to put in my few cents worth.
We have had the santro xing erlx fully loaded version since June 2006 and it has been our most priced possession ever since. When we decide to buy our first car, we did a huge amount of research over 2 months. We test drove all the hatchbacks in Bangalore at that time including the Indicas, marutis, palios. Santro according to me then was a plain looking common car without any uniqueness or character. Well, that’s all I knew about cars then and had taken a complete dislike to this one for some strange reason. Also what I had heard abroad about Hyundai’s reputation went against owning one from its stable. Then one fine day I decided to keep an open mind and at least test drive the santro.and wow! I was terribly impressed with the driving ease this presented. To add to this, the sales guy at Trident Hyundai was most helpful, agreeing to come a couple of times for the test drive, once with only me and then when I wanted to drive it on full load with my family. We had created a comparative chart of the specs of all our shortlisted cars, most of which is listed on the reviews here. And looking at all aspects - value for money, ease of driving, fuel efficiency, looks, maintenance, service, we decided on the santro. It was also the extremely helpful sales guy at Trident who did the trick. It has been close to 2 years now and I have quite forgotten all the technical details that swayed the decision, but have never once regretted choosing this little beauty. Of course you cant have everything going perfect, but based on our priorities, is it as good as it gets. It is truly the best first car like we see in the ads today.
Over the last couple of years I have seen it compared to quite a few new entrants on the car shows on TV and it seems to have emerged quite well in comparison. Given that it might be lacking on some aspects due to the changing times and newer features, is still seems to stand on its own in most of the important aspects. Hyundai definitely got its story right with this one.
The known problem in this when compared to the Marutis has always been that of expensive parts. While mastering driving, as well as driving on Bangalore roads, my car has undergone a couple of damages which cost me(and the insurance guys!) a few heartaches and moneys. But I couldn’t have asked for a better vehicle to hone my driving skills as a beginner. I have seen the Marutis struggling with U turns while I zoom off with elan. Off late I tend to overtake(minus the honking!) even the mighty taxi drivers on ring road:-)
Till date apart from my own couple of accidents, I have not had a single maintenance issue with the santro xing. The service is par excellence at both Trident and Advaith. This was the other USP of Maruti and seems to be mastered by Hyundai too now. I get an average of about 15 kms in the city and more if a good part is on the ring road. It should definitely be better on the highway, although we have not used it on the highway after the 2nd service.
All in all a very good first car with good value for money, great to drive, excellent after sales service, good fuel efficiency(if driven properly of course), decent maintenance and above average looks.
Some useful tips from experience:
Always use - 0-10kms 1st gear, 10-20 kms - 2nd gear, 20 to 35 kms - 3rd, 35 to 50 kms - 4th, 50 and above - 5th gear. The 5th gear is not for highways or taxi drivers only! It greatly increases the fuel efficiency
Use shell petrol. Seems to make a huge difference too.(Hope the non-shell guys don’t think I am some kind of agent!)
Use minimal AC or at least switch off AC for a few minutes while driving on ups/uphill or after speed breakers.
If the car is parked without a shelter in the sun, don’t start the AC immediately after getting into the car. Roll down the windows and put the fans on full blast for about 2 minutes before switching on the AC(this takes a lot of self control in this heat though!;-)
Always check the oil, coolant and wiper water levels before starting.
While washing the car, first pour plain water. Then wipe the body with car shampoo mixed water with a sponge. Pour plain water again and dry to remove water marks. Use buckets and mug rather than a hose to save water. We wash our car ourselves once a week and there is no need to wipe/wash everyday if this is done. I have noticed that people employed to wipe it every morning, just use a wet cloth to wipe. This is harmful to the car’s paint and leaves minute dust scratches(or whatever they are called). While they are not really visible, they rob the body of its sheen very soon. Our car still looks brand new.
Do not cover the car with the car cover when dusty. This also leaves dust scratches. Only cover after washing and ensure that the cover is also dust free.