I wanted to wait for a reasonable amount of time before writing this review. I was swept away by the Scorpio right from the introduction but waited for some of the initial teething (or maybe bigger than that!) problems to be sorted out. Finally I got the SLX in May this year.
Please note: I have a chauffeur driven vehicle even though, I would love to drive this more often than just on the highways!
So here are my reactions after 6 months ...
Buying Experience:
I did my own research (mouthshut was a key input) for most of the known problems. The dealer (India Garage in Chennai) was pretty straightforward - no sales bull/lies. Getting Amber Red took a couple of days more. They were pretty honest with the delivery dates (+/- a few days). A couple of visits to the dealer and I was riding back home on my Scorpio. The Alloy wheels needed another visit though.
Bottomline: Do your own research.
Interiors:
The two-tone interiors are good. SLX can definitely do with some more goodies thrown in - more holders, pouches. The dashboard is pretty neat and functional. No cosmetic and complicated gizmos.
BL: Don’t expect an aircraft cockpit experience. You probably don’t need it!
Music System:
Personally I prefer to listen to music within the car - not let everybody on the road into it! The USB input is my favourite - haven’t seen it in even many luxury cars!
BL: I can’t ask for a Bose system but speakers in the middle row will improve the experience.
Space:
Front row: Need more holders and space for keeping stuff like CD’s. Also from the front seats, it seems a tad difficult to reach whatever holders are present in the doors. Can help with more thinking and space
Middle row: This is the most comfortable set of seats in the vehicle. You control the AC to your own comfort :-)
End Row: You are at the mercy of the middle row occupants for both AC and space!
BL: You need to think of seating arrangement (who can handle the AC and the space) before a long trip with your full family! The vehicle definitely screams for 3-row AC vents.
Ride:
The ride is comfortable when the vehicle is kind of loaded. When I travel alone to office, pretty jumpy ride even in the middle row. Never could really confirm whether alloy wheels do help in a better ride.
BL: Can improve further
Driving:
I drive only on highways. The vehicle seems to be able to do 120 Kmph fairly comfortably. Handling (including braking) seems ok at these speeds. Turning at high speed needs caution. Nothing you wouldn’t expect a vehicle of this size. Not sure if this is anyway worse than the Innova’s and Tavera’s on the road.
My driver complains about the trouble in slow city driving conditions. Again not surprising I would think.
The horn will help you build strength in your wrists and forehand. The service dealer wouldn’t change it even on request!
BL: Horns are too tight. Brakes can always improve.
Fuel Efficiency:
With BPCL HiSpeed Diesel (that I have used from day one), I get around 12-13 Kmpl in suburban conditions. Doesn’t justify the previous negative publicity it used to get.
BL: Pretty good
Reliability:
I rated it at 4 - I need to wait for atleast a year to really know better.
Looks:
Just very good :-)
Net Net: For this kind of money, you really couldn’t ask for too much more! Minor changes will make this an unbeatable vehicle.