I have been actively scouting for a compact car for over a month....after going through various research and review sites, am finally convinced that fuel efficiency is not everything someone must go for.
Prioritising the factors may be done in the following order for a serious buy- 1) Safety 2) Engine response/power 3) Seating and comfort of driving 4) Repeat maintenance issues 5) Accommodation capacity 6) Styling 7) Fuel efficiency.
For someone who is bent on economies but can compromise on the rest, Alto LXi must be a good choice.
The real cons as I have perceived are 1) Relative lower mileage 2) Dealer/Service networks with low service satisfaction quotient 3) Shaky Fiat management at Turin, Italy after the sad demise of Agnelli. 4) A poorly managed Indian operation (also, FIAT India site drew a blank when I visited it on 28-11-04!!!)
The car may offer lesser frills at the expected cost but will go for a Palio 1.2 NV EL PS as I LOVE MYSELF & MY FAMILY MORE THAN MY PETRO SAVINGS!!!