When I decided to upgrade from my existing Santro about 6 - 7 months ago, my first choice was a Ford Ikon. This was more or less my dream car when I was in my teans. I however decided to check out all the mid segment cars. Hence for the next month, I test drove the Ikon, Accent, Corsa, Aveo, Esteem and finally on the insistence of the dealer the Baleno Vxi.
It was a mind block for me for quite some time that a Baleno was a bad car. Why that thought came to me, I have no idea. It must have stemmed from the fact that Maruti was not promoting the car in a major and hence the sales was negligible. there were fewer Balenos on the road.
After all the test drives, one by one all the cars were eliminated for different reasons. Accent for rear space and really ugly dash board, opel for the unconventional model of levers, aveo for the bad interiors and shape. I was about to finalize on the esteem when the dealer asked me to test drive a Baleno. With reluctance I took the test drive and found it to be the best of the lot. I eneded up buying it.
Performance
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The Car is fantastic in performance. On the high way is "purrs like a cat". I had gone on two road trips with the car, it have enjoyed both immensely. The car hits a speed of 130 - 140 with ease. I am sure it can go furthur but I have not had the courage to go any faster. The car excels in mileage when on long drives. With good condition roads it has given 16.2 Kms/Lt. The feel of the car is amazing.
Space and comfort
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There is ample room space in the car. With the drivers seat pushed back completely also there is enough space for the passengers to sit in the rear. The best part of the car in terms of space available is in the boot. The space is huge, enough to fit to NRI size suitcases.
Pricing
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The price is above an exteem, and on par with a accent or a corsa. For that price this is an value for money
Gizzmo’s and features
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The car though has a couple of bad features. It does not have a low fuel indication. So be cautious, and keep watching the fuel level indicator once in a while, since I am sure you dont want to end up on the highway without fuel.
The other features available in a Swift or a WagonR, like seat bealt indicator, door ajar indicator are not avilable.
Looks
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Majestic is the only word I have for this aspect of the car. The look grows on to you as you see it more.
Over all I think this is value for money. This is an outstanding car to own. I had definately had a mis conception about this car initally and happy that the dealer made me take that test drive.
If modern Gizmo’s are added and the car is promoted better, this is the car to beat inthe future.....
Happy driving.....!!!!!!!!